Babydoll Sheep

Old English Babydoll Southdown Sheep (or just Babydolls for short) are a wonderful heritage breed of sheep for companionship, organic weeding, wool and meat

We chose Babydolls for their sweet nature, small size and adorable appearance as much as the fact that the Babydoll breed is a heritage breed, valued for their hardiness, tender and flavorful meat, and their fine wool. They are the perfect blend of charm and purpose, making them a delight to raise.

Babydoll’s are also known for their smiling woolly teddy bear faces! Babydolls are friendly and curious and we love that they don’t challenge fencing, but happily graze within each paddock we move them to.

Their short legs and small size allow them to do well in small areas, even suburban households can keep a pair of Babydolls as pets and lawn mowers.

Babydoll Sheep:

Are a joy to take care of; everyone loves their smiling teddy bear faces.
Are naturally hornless. This applies to both ewes and rams.
Are gentle and not aggressive (always use caution with a ram).
Ewes are very good mothers, raising twins with ease.
Thrive on pasture and do not require grain feed.
Provide organic weeding without damaging plantings. For eg, vineyards and orchards.
Enrich the soil with their droppings, creating soil fertility quickly.
Are not prone to modern sheep problems. We have only used natural remedies as needed.
Complement other species of animals to utilize everything in the pasture.
Provide wool to use or sell.
Lambs can be sold for income or raised for tender, flavorful meat.

Wool

Babydoll sheep are typically shorn once per year in the spring. Their wool can be used raw (for example as mulch) or can be processed into yarn and other wool products. The wool is about 2 inches and has more barbs per inch than any other wool, making it ideal for blending.

Meat

Babydolls are a meat breed and are a great option in our experience. They provide approximately 50 pounds of meat per lamb, with excellent marbling, texture and flavor.

Care

Babydolls require annual shearing and hoof trimming. They also require deworming as needed (we use the FAMACHA scale and natural options for deworming). They thrive on forage and do not need grains in our experience. We do recommend providing sheep specific loose minerals and salt. They do not need much shelter other than shade, except at lambing time. Predator proof fencing or a livestock guardian dog are essential for protection from predators. Portable electric net fences are great for rotational grazing.

Important: Sheep are Flock Animals

Because of their strong flocking instinct Babydoll sheep do not do well alone. They thrive on companionship and must be with their own kind or another gentle breed of sheep. Due to this fact, we only sell lambs in pairs and trios unless you already have companions for your new lamb.

Want to learn more?

We cover all the details of Babydoll sheep from choosing your lambs, getting them home, feeding, fencing, breeding, lambing, natural remedies and more in the Holistic Homestead Course.