Rare Soay Sheep Look Like Small Deer

Rare Soay Sheep Look Like Small Deer LIVESTOCK Sheep/Goats 30-5-7 Soay sheep are a rare domestic breed with distinctive, primitive looks that give them an exotic look. Almost deer-like in appearance and behavior, they are small. Ewes average 45 to 55 pounds and rams between 60 and 85 pounds. Soays seldom grow over 24 in. at the shoulder and their bodies and hips are narrower than the more modern breeds. Their size makes them easy to handle, although they are generally shy, aloof and wary, especially the ewes. "They resemble small antelope or deer with fleeces that may be blonde, fawn, shades of brown, or black," says Nancy Hibbing, secretary/treasurer of Soays of America, Inc., a group dedicated to conserving, promoting and registering the breed. "Most Soay sheep have light markings on the belly, rump, over the eyes and under the tail and jaw. There may also be white markings on the face, poll and lower legs. Like antelope, these graceful sheep sprint-jump on all fours when frightened or feeling frisky. There are thought to be less than 500 pure Soay in North America, and only about 2,500 throughout the world." The Soay's face is "dished", and rams have well-developed, full-curl horns and often a striking mane of long, darker hair that gives an elegant appearance. Ewes can be either horned, scurred, or polled. The breed originated on two small islands, Soay and Hirta, off the west coast of Scotland. Here, they have been feral for at least a thousand years. Soay sheep are believed to be the ancestors of the first domestic sheep. It is believed they were first imported to North America (Canada) in 1970. "Soay sheep are hardy, disease-resistant, and manage on more meager pastures," says Hibbing. "In fact, they actually improve pastures by consuming Scotchbroom, berry vines, and woody plants as well as grass. They shouldn't, however, have access to rhododendrons or azaleas which are toxic to them." Soays lamb easily (twinning is common), they require minimal hoof care and don't need shearing or tail docking. They shed their wool in spring so it can be collected just before shedding by either plucking or shearing. Although Soays are considered a hair breed, their wool has two types - "hairy" with coarse guard hairs typical of double-coated more primitive sheep - and "woolly", with more of the soft downy wool that can be separated out and used by hand spinners. Some fleeces have been compared to musk ox "quiviut". Soay meat is mild, low in cholesterol, and similar in flavor to elk. A starter flock of two to four ewes and a ram can sometimes be purchased for as little as $1,000, according to Hibbing. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Soays of America, Inc., Nancy Hibbing, Box 551, Gig Harbor, Wash. 98335 (ph 253 318-2691; membership@soaysofamerica.org; www.soaysofamerica.org).

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