Babydoll sheep is one of the oldest English sheep breeds. They are very beautiful, gentle, low-maintenance, productive and adorable sheep. They are a distinctive sheep breed and known mainly for their small size and charming appearance. They are good for raising as pets, mowing and pruning purposes. They are perfect addition to your homestead or hobby farms.
They are known by some other names such as Babydoll Southdowns. Their official name is Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep. They are actually a miniature version of the Southdown breed, which has a longer history.
Origin and history of Babydoll sheep
The Babydoll sheep breed originated from the Southdown breed in the 18th century in Sussex, England. It is actually the miniature version of the Southdown sheep breed. Babydoll sheep were introduced to the United States in the late 20th century and quickly gained popularity as an ornamental breed. They became popular for hobbyists, small farms and even as pets. They gained popularity mainly for their small size, docile nature and attractive appearance.
Characteristics
The Babydoll sheep are very beautiful animals, and they are known for their distinctive appearance. They have relatively smaller stature, round faces and wooly coats. One of their most recognizable features is their round, almost “babydoll” face. Their nose is relatively short and upturned, and their eyes are expressive. They have medium-sized ears which can be either upright or slightly drooping.
The Babydoll sheep have a dense and soft wool that is typically medium in length. And the wool is valued for it’s quality and is often used in crafting and spinning. They have relatively short and sturdy legs, and their hooves are very strong, well-formed to suit to different terrains.
Color
Their wool color can vary including white, black, and shades of brown. The fleece has a uniform texture and a natural luster.
Size
They generally stand around 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and their average weight is between 32 and 45 kg.
Dietary requirements
Babydoll sheep’s dietary requirements are similar to many other domestic sheep breeds. But, they generally eat less food as compared to other large sheep breeds. Their main food is grass and hay. Although, you should provide them a small amount of grain or commercial sheep feed to supplement their diet (especially for pregnant and lactating ewes and growing lambs).
Babydoll sheep also require some essential vitamins and mineral supplement. A free-choice mineral supplement specially formulated for sheep will be very helpful for the sheep. The mineral supplement should contain salt, calcium, phosphorus and other trace minerals to support overall health and also to prevent deficiencies.
Along with providing the animals with good quality and nutritious food, provide the animals with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Avoid feeding them contaminated food and polluted water.
Reproduction
Like many other domestic sheep breeds, the Babydoll sheep are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily if you keep good ratio of rams and ewes in your farm. Generally, one mature ram is enough for breeding around or up to 25 ewes. After successful mating, the ewes become pregnant and average gestation period for these sheep is about 145 to 155 days. Lambing generally occurs in the late winter to early spring.
Behavior
The Babydoll sheep are known for their friendly and manageable behavior. That’s why they are a popular choice among the hobby farmers and pet owners. They are highly social and they are not aggressive.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Babydoll sheep is between 10 and 15 years. Although, they can even live longer if you take good care of them.
Uses
The Babydoll sheep are raised and used for many different purposes. They are good for raising as pets, mowing and pruning purposes.
Price
Exact price of the Babydoll sheep can vary from $500 to $1,500 in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How big do Babydoll sheep get?
The Babydoll is relatively a smaller breed. Average height of the mature sheep is between 20 and 24 inches at the shoulder. And average live body weight of the mature sheep is between 32 and 45 kg.
How long do Babydoll sheep live?
Average life expectancy of these sheep is between 10 and 15 years.
How many Babydoll sheep per acre?
It’s very tough for us to tell the exact number. Because it depends on numerous factors including the quality of the pasture, availability of additional feed and local grazing conditions. Generally, you can raise up to 10 Babydoll sheep per acre.
How much are Babydoll sheep?
Average price of a mature Babydoll sheep generally ranges between $300 and $800. Although, exact price of the animals depends on numerous factors such as age, gender, pedigree and location.
How much do Babydoll sheep cost?
Exact price of the animals depends on numerous factors such as age, gender, pedigree and location. And the price can vary from place to place. Average price of a mature Babydoll sheep can vary between $300 and $800.
Any Babydoll sheep for sale near me?
You can buy Babydoll sheep from your local breeders, livestock auctions, and online platforms.
