Sheep
Among the farm’s favourite animals is Dave our Southdown Sheep. He came to us as a lamb and keep us entertained.
Joining him in 2019 was Bob our Hebridean ram who was bottle fed at home by Farmers Neil & Jo from 7 days old.
They love to graze and run around all day together and are always happy to see our lovely visitors!
Here are some facts about Sheep
Sheep have an excellent sense of smell
An important way sheep communicate with each other is through scent. Sheep have scent glands in front of their eyes and also between their hooves that produce an odour that can be used to communicate with other sheep.
Sheep can self-medicate
Whilst grazing, the sheep use plants and other substances to self-medicate that do not have any nutritional value. These do this to prevent disease and also teach their young to do the same.
Sheep do not have front teeth
Sheep have a hard upper palate that the lower teeth press against to break down food. Lambs are usually born without any teeth and within a week of birth, the milk teeth appear in the front lower jaw. Then usually by 2 months their full amount of teeth begin to come through.
Sheep are highly social animals
Everyone who visits the farm comments on how friendly our sheep are. They love to give them a stroke and feed them some snacks. Sheep are very friendly and social animals. They form a very strong bond between themselves which helps their development and keeps them happy as ever!
There are over 1000 breeds of sheep
We bet you didn’t believe there are 1000 types of sheep! As there are so many breeds, there are a variety of unique characteristics. Some breeds of sheep have the ability to grow two, four, and even six horns. They vary in wool where some have short curly wool and others have long silky hair.
Sheep have rectangular pupils
Sheep have 270 to 320 degree wide field vision. This means sheep get to see nearly everything around them – they don’t miss a peep! As they are a prey species they stay aware of their surroundings and keep a close eye out for predators; Even when they are feeding and their head is down.