Hebridean sheep primarily raised for meat and wool. The breed is originated in Scotland. Hebridean sheep are small, hardy economical black sheep which has very good wool and flavorsome mutton.
Hebridean sheep breed information
Hebridean sheep is a small-sized sheep with a black face and legs.
Both ram and ewes are horned. The very unusual four horns can be seen in some of the sheep.
The mature Hebridean ram weighs 50 kg (110 lb) and ewe weighs 40 kg (88 lb).
The fleece is black generally weighs 1.5 to 2.5 kg with a staple length of 5 to 15 cm and the quality of 44’s to 50’s.
“It has been reported that the muscle tissue and fats of the Hebridean have significantly less cholesterol than other well-known breeds” – wiki
Hebridean requires minimal management.
Flavorsome meat which is liked by many.
Hebridean sheep good landscape managers, which can eat various plants.
Hebridean sheep very good mothering instincts, easy lambing and enough milk for their lambs.
Twinning is common and lambs are active.
Things to know
Hebridean sheep is classified as one of the Northern Short-tailed breeds.
Hebridean sheep called by several names like Hebs, St Kilda.
The breed is classified as rare, they were common throughout Scotland but now they were taken over by Scottish Blackface.
According to Hebridean sheep society: “Hebrideans are easy to manage. They are biddable and soon learn to follow a bucket. They can also be worked by sheepdogs. In fact, many sheepdog trainers use Hebrideans for training their dogs: the sheep flock well and move more quickly and readily than lowland sheep, giving the dogs a different challenge.”
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 1973 recognized Hebridean flocks as in danger of extinction and listed the breed. Since then the breed has been revived
Brief characteristics of Hebridean sheep
| Breed Name | Hebridean sheep | |
| Other Name | Hebs, St Kilda | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Scotland | |
| Breed Purpose | meat and wool | |
| Breed Size | medium | |
| Weight Ram(Male) | 50 kg (110 lb) | |
| Ewe(Female) | 40 kg (88 lb) | |
| Kidding | single or twins | |
| Good for Stall Fed | open grazing | |
| Climate Tolerance | local conditions |
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