Charlie is an adorable little Shetland sheep who joined our flock last year. He and his family; Ilse, Rose, Angus and Gilbert needed a new home. My friend's life circumstances changed so of course we said yes! Shetland sheep are amazing. AND I've never had a California Red sheep?! (Gilbert).
He could be a brother from another mother to our little Becan! They are almost the same color and if I only see one of them in the pasture- it's hard to tell them apart. Russet/red/brown fleeces with cute little curls. Charlie's are a little darker than Becan's.
They also have a non-traditional Shetland wool. They don't grow the longer outer coat, just the soft soft undercoat. Ooh la la! And the best thing? The hang around together and love to chat with me, hugs, treats and all. HowEVER, they also teach other naughty Shetland habits. Stinkers!
2017 update!
Charlie is quite the zippy little sheep- true to being a Shetland. He loves to be scratched under his chin and adores anything he can eat. Even fruit or veggies? Good boy! He is never far from our old Becan the Shetland sheep. They look and act alike. Gets them into trouble a lot- so funny to watch them gallop around...
Looks pretty sassy doesn't he?
2018: Charlie will always be a silly little Shetland sheep. Always up to some kind of chicanery! He hangs about with all the other Shetland sheep, specially his little family. I think he might have a crush on Sunshine?
Sunshine was not happy with her haircut this year. Shetland fleeces are double coated and will shed naturally, just enough so you can shear them easily or even roll the fleece right off them. They are not hair sheep though. This is called 'rooing' and is a natural Shetland sheep trait.
We sheared mid-May and her fleece STILL was not ready? Now she is all sleek again. All the choppy fiber has fallen off. Ooh la la Sunshine!
Shetland sheep are listed as a 'recovering breed' on the LIvestock Conservancy information. Read more...