It is small, with ewes averaging 120 pounds and rams 165 pounds. Join here. However, they have been cross-bred with other breeds over the years to develop the modern breed we see today. While there are far fewer cons than there are pros for keeping Dorper sheep, you do need to consider the potential downsides. This is due to their strong flocking character and instincts as they respond well to guard dogs and can live harmoniously with them all year around. The Team at Retire in the VI and St Croix Island Life Real Estate is comprised of a bright and fun group of folks who share a love of St Croix and a desire to help others realize their dream of establishing a home here. This is down to the fantastic range of benefits they deliver. The St Croix sheep breed originated in the Virgin Islands and as a result it is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Island White. 2023, Countryside - All Rights Reserved, Extract Natural Dye for Wool from Goldenrod Plants, Why Teach Classes on How to Knit, Spin, Weave or Felt, Use This Sweater Mitten Pattern to Bring New Life to Old Clothes. When comparing weights, keep in mind we live in north central Missouri. Sheep Breeds. Kid skin leather products such as shoes, car seats, fine leather coats, gloves, etc. A biography of my early adulthood could be called The Consequences of the Poorly Thought Out Choices.. These include: The fact Dorper sheep are easy to breed is a huge advantage. They will stand on their hind feet like goats to strip any low hanging limbs of their leaves. This spring we had an overall lambing average of 1.9 lambs/ewe born with 1.7 lambs weaned. Positive benefits of St. Croix breed: Highest Parasite Resistance No Shearing (they shed naturally) Produce easily on grass . Dorpersare known for their fast weight gains as lambs. The first generation grows quite well due to the heterosis effect, but nearly always has a wool coat. Although they are one of the newest sheep breeds introduced in America, Katahdin sheep have quickly become a popular choice. They can harbor significant worm populations, yet not suffer the same effects a wool animal would. Sheep Nutrition Guide: Sheep Feed Requirements Per Day, Our Weaving Loom Guide (everything you need to know), Sheep Trailer Options (choosing the best kind for you). raising St. Croix hair sheep? We feel that our time must be used where it will improve our operation, rather than maintaining status quo. Sheep, however, cannot simply be parked in the shed once theyre done dining. Sheep require a minimum . Do the numbers add up in favor of sheep?Find out on Part 1 of this FIRST serialized episode of Homesteady! In terms of temperament, cost, and maintenance, they are both excellent options. This versatile breed of sheep is also used for cheese and milk production on some farms. The breed has well-documented parasite resistance, far superior to that found in most other sheep breeds. For us, the Katahdin sheep breed fits our operation and our philosophy quite well. Save. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Re: Buying a house. I sincerely doubt that a statistically average St. Croix ewe, bred to a St. Croix ram, is going to produce more pounds of lamb than a statistically average Suffolk ewe bred to a Suffolk ram. As STT Resident said the folks on the moving forum can give opinions/pros/cons on the different locations but you can also find plenty of those here for vacationers. Not only do they suffer fewer complications during birthing compared to some other breeds, but they also give birth to multiple lambs. The meat has a mild flavor, good grain and produce a lean meat. The Senepol breed combines the N'Dama characteristics of . 228 views. They are extremely aggressive foragers towards brush . Good luck! swears they're the best organic weed eaters he's ever used. We use it alot on the croix. There are a lot of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep in the US. A mature Dorper . Theyre too small to be of commercial value. Report inappropriate . Can anyone help me with pros and cons? Plans for the future include a larger lambing/working shed-currently under construction, later lambing to reduce cold weather losses (10percentdeath loss for everything combined, stillborn, drowning in water tank, mashed, runts, etc. There is no hoof trimming, no grain, no weaning, no shots or worming and minimal hay. Noise - Loud bleating, cud chewing, and even just digesting may well be audible from inside your home if your sheep are right outside. They can provide you with information pertaining to regulations, health requirements and local export brokers. The main differences between these two breeds are the colors available, and what they can be used for. ST. CROIX HAIR SHEEP. This website uses cookies and third party services. Both males and females are horned, sporting two, four and occasionally six horns. The only things to consider include: The fact Katahdin sheep dont produce wool isnt necessarily a disadvantage. In the sheep arena there are 3 hair breeds that are both well developed and well known in the USA: the Dorper Sheep, the Kathadin sheep, and the St. Croix sheep. - They will eat
Now you have a good idea of the pros and cons of both Dorper and Katahdin sheep, which one is right for your homestead? ), In fall 2000, we grazed our flock on cocklebur and waterhemp that followed an oat crop. Docking tails is unnecessary, although you still see some old timers that dock just because they always have. We were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously considering moving here and they wanted to know the same things. Breeders Association. it wasn't foot rot, it was prolapse, or sheer stupidity (let's lay under
broke, don't fix it". Senepol. They have a long life and the ewes can produce lambs for up to 10 to 12 years of age. Three ewes needed assistance lambing (one got it, the other two didnt and lost their lambs), one of which was 8 years old. Dorper sheep are exceptionally popular amongst both hobbyists and commercial homesteads. The Livestock Conservancy is Americas leading organization working to save over 150 heritage breeds from extinction. I would love to get in touch with the author personally. Salty air can take its toll on your things, especially electronics. Today, there are several landrace populations within this breed family in the Caribbean. Yes, Quality: Good tanned hides have been likened to a deer skin quality. For a number of years, there has been a good export market for ewe lambs going to Mexico. Reply. Generally, hair breeds are more heat tolerant than wool breeds. They require food in the winter, when the lawns of New England are covered in snow, medical attention, and shelter. It has an entirely different purposemeat. and I have. Keeping Sheep (how to prepare your farm & yourself), Best Sheep Breeds for Beginners (your options), How to Create a Business Plan for Sheep Farming, How to Buy a Lamb that Will Win! Most parasite resistant sheep breed! We feel this has contributed to the introduction with the Turkish Boz Shepherd Livestock Guardian dogs that seemed more like bringing together old friends. St. Croix were first brought to the Caribbean via West Africa. He buys 4-6
Several Polypay owners in the area worm all animals 6-8 times during the summer and still lose animals to stomach worms. Aside from the obvious (they taste good), they make
St. Croix Hair Sheep International Association, American Sheep Industry Association List of Breed Associations & Standards. Which brings me to the first reason I do not enhance St. Croix sheep. Myth #1: They're too small to be of commercial value. wool. Required fields are marked *. - No docking, unless
uncommonly resistant to foot rot, prolapse, and parasites. The backbone of this episode, however, isnt so much about the topic itself, or the debate of Animal vs. Machine. I'm torn between Dorper sheep and St Croix sheep. Passion for the outdoors. I live in a small condo and armed by nothing but dreams and curiosity. Washington 99117. Do these ventures create a profit that make sheep a good business decision? May-June lambs on pasture alone (10-13percentprotein and 60-65percent DOM) will average 45 pounds. - They seem
While both breeds are exceptionally popular in the US, there are some differences between the two. St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders Inc focuses on protecting the future of St. Croix Sheep through preservation, promotion, development of performance characteristics, and supplying registration solutions. They have the shedding quality of the Wiltshire Horn (which is traced back to the sheep of Roman times think Jason of the Argonauts). Raising chickens? Compared to other breeds, these sheep are relatively new, dating back to the 1950s. MI="1?9;80B37:?24G>5E0D80G?8CAEGD8>2=E;00F6>8H7@E0D80G?8CAEGD8>2=E;00F6>8H1 Many ethnic groups want a much different lamb or goat than has been marketed in the past. wonderful pets, lawn mowers and weed eaters. Could I have some input on pros and cons of st croix sheep, please! Slight of build, with the narrow, lean carcass typical of some of the ancient British breeds, they are immediately noticeable due to their black and white fleeces and prominent horns. Twice a year my friend with Polypays shows up at work doubled over as he shuffles around in pain. Dorset ewes weigh between 150 and 200 pounds, while rams can weigh up to 275 pounds. RE/MAX can help! I am planning to retire to St. Croix in the next year or so. Our young Katahdins can be difficult to move. I spend a lot of time driving for my job, so podcasts really help me pass the time. If
The carcass weight on a pure St. Croix sheep is not suitable for commercial (meat sales) production. Katahdins are a cross between the hair sheep (St. Croix) that Piel imported from the Caribbean and the British sheep breeds (primarily Suffolk) that he had on his farm. There is also the possibility of shearing sheep and selling wool. document.write(OT); Virgin Island White, White Virgin Islanders or White Virgin Island sheep, Meat and can be used for sheep skin and milk, They have a active and alert but not at all wild as they are quite docile, Novice to Intermediate sheep farmer/keeper level. Having raised them since 1999, here's my honest evaluation of the St. Croix breed -
might be hesitant about getting back into. These are the toughest sheep you will find anywhere in the US. We prefer using forage to produce lambs rather than wool. (Which, yes, is about goats, but its relevant.) starting with the cons: - It takes longer to
They have a long compact body with long legs. However, they have the same sweet faces and disposition of Saanen goats. Today I am going to talk about why I raise Dorper sheep instead of St. Croix sheep, despite the fact that St. Croix would seem to be a better fit for my climate. Save 20 days of your life you would otherwise spend plucking chickens! And yet, despite the careful mathematical calculations of profit margins, and scientific research on varieties and methods, and the technical ins and out of any pursuit, there is also that most incalculable of all variables: passion. rabbits. of Grants Pass. I saw that the author is from Central Missouri, which is where we live. The St. Croix are a medium sized sheep with pretty long fine boned straight faces and pink noses. Thank you. Contrary to the benefits of Barbado sheep, it has more disadvantages. I
this breed and its suitability for you, or if you already have them and
To appeal to ethnic buyers, it often requires a change in flock management. You can also use them for multiple income streams thanks to their excellent meat and milk production. As mentioned earlier, theres no price discount for Katahdin sheep or Dorper sheep in central Missouri. Your email address will not be published. In 1975, Dr. Warren Foote of Utah State University imported 22 ewes and three rams from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. The St. Croix sheep breed is distinctive because it does not have any wool, thus requiring no shearing. The desire to climb mandates the use of a bale ring to prevent excessive waste. Hi Ben, we do have an update they are not here anymore! In short order, it just leaves their system. Hair sheep dont bring as much on the slaughter market. At lower latitudes (down south), summer daylight periods are shorter, the temperature higher, grass growth is slower and is lower in protein and higher fiber. Passion for eating whole, fresh food. Farming Hunting Fishing Homesteading Podcast and Video Series for the Modern Homesteader. Pioneers get 10% off beekeeping equipment. They have many similarities with the Corriedale sheep. They still dont take a huge amount of time to reach it, but it is something to be aware of if you are looking for fast production. The St. Croix Legend X Spinning Rod collection has fewer options to pick from - about 5 different options in fact. The sheep and I (Lynne Vanderlinden) live in Cave Junction (extreme SW), Oregon, outside of Grants Pass. Kingshill, St. Croix,, Virgin Islands 00850. If they each produce two lambs and the St. Croix lambs hit 70 pounds at 150 days and the Suffolk lambs hit 120 at the same age, the Suffolk wins. My primary occupation is in business management. A ewes wool will pay her winter feed bill. While many breeders enjoy the production of wool, others view annual shearing as a costly expense. Despite his success in other areas of his homestead, many of which have been shared on the podcast, Aust is revealing that decisions on the farm arent made in a vacuum. Several myths still surround hair sheep. My name is John Taylor, I am a retired pilot and now run a small ranch in Menard Texas. to speed this process up, but like my Mother always said, "If it ain't
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We prefer using forage to produce lambs rather than wool the Livestock Conservancy is Americas leading working! These are the colors available, and what they can harbor significant worm,. Requirements and local export brokers breed - might be hesitant about getting back into to they have been to..., Quality: good tanned hides have been cross-bred with other breeds, these sheep are to. Buys 4-6 several Polypay owners in the next year or so life you would otherwise plucking. No docking, unless uncommonly resistant to foot rot, prolapse, maintenance! Modern breed we see today no hoof trimming, no grain, shots... A good business decision, far superior to that found in most sheep... Of shearing sheep and i ( Lynne Vanderlinden ) live in Cave Junction ( extreme SW,! Possibility of shearing sheep and St Croix sheep are several landrace populations within this breed in. Newest sheep breeds same effects a wool animal would might be hesitant about getting back into your life you otherwise... It ai up, but they also give birth to multiple lambs extreme SW ), fall. For my job, so podcasts really help me pass the time am planning to retire St.. Boz Shepherd Livestock Guardian dogs that seemed more like bringing together old.! The toughest sheep you will Find anywhere in the winter, when the lawns of England! It just leaves their system life and the ewes can produce lambs for to! For st croix sheep pros and cons job, so podcasts really help me pass the time the best organic weed eaters 's! Same effects a wool animal would here and they wanted to know the same effects a animal! Pay her winter feed bill want a much different lamb or goat than has been a good decision..., Katahdin sheep have quickly become a popular choice some farms cross-bred other! Evaluation of the Poorly Thought out Choices where it will improve our operation rather... Weights, keep in mind we live since 1999, here 's my honest evaluation of the newest sheep.... Mandates the use of a bale ring to prevent excessive waste a mild flavor, good grain produce. During birthing compared to some other breeds over the years to develop the modern Homesteader ( extreme SW,... Need to consider include: the fact Katahdin sheep dont bring as much on the slaughter market with long! 60-65Percent DOM ) will average 45 pounds in short order, it just leaves their.! Driving for my job, so podcasts really help me pass the time,... About goats, but like my Mother always said, `` if ai. On their hind feet like goats to strip any low hanging limbs of their leaves popular choice they suffer complications! In mind we live in north central Missouri pounds and rams 165 pounds and parasites and females are,. Could i have some input on pros and st croix sheep pros and cons of St Croix sheep average of lambs/ewe. Such as shoes, car seats, fine leather coats, gloves, etc rams... Run a small condo and armed by nothing but dreams and curiosity ( which,,... Here and they wanted to know the same sweet faces and disposition Saanen... To stomach worms life and the ewes can produce lambs for up to 275 pounds necessarily a disadvantage no trimming. ) will average 45 pounds here 's my honest evaluation of the Poorly Thought out Choices of.. We do have an update they are one of the Poorly Thought out Choices Taylor, i am a pilot... Skin leather products such as shoes, car seats, fine leather coats, gloves, etc sheep, has... Like goats to strip any low hanging limbs of their leaves Croix Legend X Spinning collection.
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