Farm Animals

   SHEEP

In 2009 we had several sheep that lived at the petting farm from our larger flock on the  farm. We have about 130 sheep in our flock on the farm.

Ruby comes to live with us at the petting farm every year.  She is a Cheviot cross. Her babies are Marshmallow and Fluff. 

A male sheep is called a Ram.

A female sheep is a Ewe.

A baby is a lamb.

Our sheep like to be fed by our visitors.  They lick food from our hands with their tongues and lips.

The Cheviot sheep dates back to the 1300's from the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland.  The Cheviot is a white-faced sheep.  Its wool is used for tweed fabric and carpet.

More facts about Sheep:

• People have raised sheep for thousands of years for wool, meat, candles, and soap.

• Sheep are among the safest farm animals for children to handle.

• A sheep's coat is called wool, which is used to make rugs, blankets and clothing.  Wool is fire-resistant.

• A sheep's wool is called a fleece.

• A group of sheep is called a flock or herd.

• A sheep farmer is called a shepherd. 

• Sheep are sheared once a year, usually in the spring.

• They are ruminants, like cows, which means they have stomachs with four compartments.  Theyeat grain, grass and hay. 

• Sheep have cloven hooves, which means they have two toes. 

• Sheep are social animals with a strong flocking instinct.

• They are often just as happy around humans as other sheep.

• Many European cheeses such as Roquefort, Romano and Pecorino are made from sheep's milk. 

• Texas has the most sheep in the United States.