I know an elderly lady that's been raising Finn sheep for many years - she tried crossing with Merino and the last I knew was not happy with that. She advertises in the classified section of Spin-Off and would be wonderful to chat with. Here goes - hope this is not in violation of anything: Georgia Wolterbeek, Fairmount Farm, Rindge, NH 03461 No affiliation except I've bought some of her fleeces and found her a joy. Anita in windy and snowy NH, USA -------------------------------------------------------------- > I ended up with a sheepie > medical emergency and could not lift the Tunis by myself - that was my > final factor in deciding on the shetlands.
Hey, great point. Everyone's input has been really helpful. The following is something I meant to post to the group, but I think it was sent to just one person, so my apologies if I'm redundant: I've been net-researching and doing breed specific spinning testing for several years in anticipation of this move, but have not tried Finns, except for felting. Anyone? Colored sheep are a +++. Small is a +++. Good yield is a +++. I got a covered Tunis fleece last year at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, and really like it. I've been told that some people aren't crazy about this breed in terms of the wool, but I'm VERY pleased with it--from a spinner's flock, so she may be working on the genetics. Jacobs scare me with those horns! They are beautiful sheep though. Are they reasonably docile? I've read that the two colors can have different characteristics and may not blend well--is that true? I want a coarse-fleeced sheep or two for rug yarn for my own use. The rest I'd be sending out for processing and making my own yarn/sliver, etc. to sell. I'm thinking, on a very small scale, of doing a breed-specific yarn line. I think there's a market for that. But I could be crazy :) Okay, one more question! Will different breeds of ewes get along as a flock? Most people tend to have one breed flocks, from what I see. By the way, if anyone is in the area, Kevin Ford is doing a blade shearing class at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this year. http://www.sheepandwool.org/ Ellen To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
