Painted Desert Sheep

Herd now located at the 

S~N~S  Ranch

  Opelosas, LA

Few animals are more pleasing to the eye than Painted Desert Sheep. This breed was originally created by crossing the Mouflon and Barbado breeds, although there have also been influences from the Merino, Rambouillet, Jacob, Navajo Churro, Texas Dall, Corsican and Jacob breeds as well. The result has been a unique breed that exhibits a variety of dramatic colors and markings. Many are discovering that these hair sheep are hardy, low-maintenance animals that offer many advantages over conventional sheep.

 Being relative newcomers to the livestock scene, strict standards have not yet been agreed upon for this chimeric breed. But there are general guidelines and characteristics: Ewes range in weight from 60 to 120 pounds, while typical rams weigh in at between 75 to 200 pounds; ewes are 21" to 25" tall at the shoulders, with rams usually standing at least 30" tall. The most striking feature of this breed is the lovely coloration, with members bearing three or even four distinct colors in a variety of patterns. Representative animals may have dark markings on a light coat, or the exact opposite. Their spots and ovals may be overlapped, nested, or blended together with indistinct boundaries.

A great advantage for some is the fact that these hair sheep are double-coated and do not need to be sheared. They begin growing a thick undercoat of wool in the fall that thickens as temperatures drop. Males also grow a thick mane, extending from chin to chest. When spring arrives, this wool is shed in great clumps and patches with little or no intervention from the owner. This characteristic, coupled with the breed's inherent hardiness, makes it adaptable to a wide range of climates and temperature variation.

Ewes bear lambs twice a year with intervals of about 6-8 months, weaning them at about 3 months of age. Although the ewes produce plenty of milk for the young, lambs will usually begin eating grain and pasture within a week or two. These sheep should be dewormed regularly. Other than these modest requirements, Painted Desert Sheep are remarkably resistant to disease and parasites.

Striking color, ease of lambing, docile nature, magnificent horn growth, all combine to make this beautiful hair sheep highly desirable.

EXCELLENT SELECTION!

BEAUTIFUL LAMBS AVAILABLE NOW!

Dr Scott and Sue Rohner

5885 Highway 182

Opelosas,LA 70570

email: rohnerdc@gmail.com

telephone: (337)692-2432