Sheep

​At Island Hill Farm we have a hand full of sheep. Our male Walter enjoys leisurely roaming around the farm, eating fresh grass and weeds. The does, (Luna, Velma, and Ellie), and the lambs (Brooks, Dunn, Yoda, and Princess Leia)  are kept separate from Walter and roam their own paddock beside the barn.

Their Purpose At Island Hill Farm:

Most often sheep are kept for the production of their wool, meat, or milk. At Island Hill Farm we keep sheep mainly for their fiber (wool), and currently do not produce any lamb meat or sheep's milk for sale.

Our sheep are shorn once a year in the spring, and their wool is sold to be cleaned and processed by local weavers.

What Do Sheep Eat?

In the summer and fall, our sheep roam their paddock on the farm, freely eating grass. Their diet is occasionally supplemented with a mixed sheep feed from Belisle in order to provide them with a balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking on pasture. The sheep also have access to dry hay year round, ensuring they are always well fed.

Interesting Facts about Sheep:

• Did you know donkeys are stronger then horses of the same size.
• Donkeys are very intelligent and curious and will make their own decisions based on what they perceive as the safest option. This often leads people to label donkey as stubborn.
• Donkeys can live to be 50 years old
• With their large ears, donkeys have incredibly good hearing. Their ears are also used to help keep them cool!
• Donkeys have a natural aversion to canines, making them great guard animals on small Farms.