|
Buying your Jacob Sheep |
 |
The Official Jacob Sheep Society sales are held at Worcester and St Boswells - see 'Diary Dates'. Details of these sales and catalogues can be obtained from the Secretary of the Society - Mrs Louse Smith, Oaktree Farm, Buttermilk Lane, Yarningdale Common, Claverdon Warwick CV35 8HP. Louise would also be able to supply lists of breeders in your area who might be able to sell sheep or supply advice. It is well worth becoming a member of the Jacob Sheep Society as a very informative Journal is produced thrice yearly.
Other auction sales where pedigree Jacobs can be bought in the North of England are Skipton Auction Mart or Carlisle (dates usually Sept/October)
Abergavenny and Melton Mowbray
Most experienced breeders are only too happy to help and give advice. First decide if you prefer the four or two horned variety and perhaps visit a show or a sale or two to just look at the types of sheep.
Four horned Jacobs are very attractive if correct, having lots of style and appearing rather deer- like (sometimes jumping like them too!) It can be more difficult to breed them with horns that are correctly spaced and upright. They also can suffer from split eyelids - a serious fault. That said, there is really nothing more attractive than a good four horner.
Two horned Jacobs tend to have perhaps more substance and a more placid temperament - usually but not always. If only keeping a small flock there tend to be less disappointments when breeding lambs as there is less of a problem getting horns right and I don't believe there is any incidence of split eyelids.
Whichever you decide on, do make sure if the sheep are advertised or said to be, pedigree, that they do have a Society pedigree certificate and corresponding ear tag.
Because I am only able to keep a small number of breeding ewes I usually have two horned sheep to sell during the summer and autumn - please contact me for details. Visitors are welcome - but by appointment please.
If I can help in any way please contact me
See Contact