Resources for Soay in Animals/Sheep/Breeds/

Welcome to the Soay and Boreray Sheep Society

To find out more about what you should consider before buying sheep please click here.
. . .
You can link to our site by using the following code:
soaysheep.org

Welcome to Santiam Valley Soay Farm - Salem, Oregon

We always enjoy visitors, especially if you are interested in learning about our animals.
. . .
While not certified as organic, we do not use pesticides or hormones.
. . .
Home | About Us | Contact Us | For Sale | Soay Sheep | References
santiamsoay.com

Southern Oregon Soay Sheep Farms

’s knowledge and enjoyment of this breed and its care.
. . .
Home Page  -  History of Soay Sheep  -  History of Soay Sheep in North America - FAQ Care and Maintenance - Shelter and Fencing   -  Meat, Wool, and Fiber  -  Breeding and Sales  Our Soay Sheep Photo Gallery - St.
. . .
Kilda with a         photo gallery of Soay sheep as they are found in their native habitat and         in the UK         Color and Pattern in Soay Sheep, Photographic ddescriptions of dark         phase, light phase coloration and Mouflon/wild and self patterns in Soay        Sheep on St.
. . .
Kilda Our Breeding Program & Sales Wool & Meat           Fiber: Shedding, rooing (hand plucking) and collecting wool.
. . .
A circle of friends, located in all parts of the USA, who        are dedicated to the conservation of this very special flock of sheep.
soayfarms.com

Soay sheep

The texture of their wool can vary, from soft fine wool to more coarse hairy fibres (or "kemps"), and mixtures in-between.
. . .
But what we do know is that when owners talk of them they talk of intelligent, nimble animals with excellent mothering habits, always with quirky behavioural traits and lots of fun to watch.
. . .
They are similar to the mouflon seen wild in Corsica, Sardinia and Cyprus.
www.soaysheep.org/soay.html

Breeds of Livestock - Soay Sheep - Welcome to the Department of ...

Their name is derived from the island of Soay off the coast of Scotland.
. . .
These sheep were numerous before the time of the Roman occupation.
. . .
The fleece is shed each spring and is used for hand knitting yarns.
. . .
Breeds of Livestock - Soay Sheep Soay The Soay have been called the only living example of the small, primitive sheep which inhabited the British Isles before the coming of the Norsemen and the Romans.
. . .
The breed also lacks the flocking instinct of many breeds.
. . .
The fleece is remarkable fine and, in contrast to mouflon, the inner fleece is highly developed and it is difficult to distinguish a outer coat.
www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/soay

Saltmarsh Ranch Soay Sheep

Conserving British Soay We specialize in British Soay Sheep with full pedigrees traceable to Soay Sheep registered with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in Great Britain.
. . .
Saltmarsh Ranch Soay Sheep contact us Site Directory Home Site Map Contact Us General Topics About Soay Sheep Designing Your Flock Sheep for Sale Breeding Programs Genetics Husbandry Other Resources Recipes Our Other Sites The Chronicles The OFP Blue Mountain Soay Sheep Sheep From The Bronze Age Legacy Pages Soay Sheep Ideal for Small Properties Soay are easy keepers and easy lambers.
. . .
They are thought to have descended from the flocks of primitive Bronze Age shepherds.
. . .
Will I have to shear them or dock their tails?
. . .
What do they like to eat and how do they behave?
soaysheep.com

Soay | Define Soay at Dictionary.com

Soyacen Bebida de Soya www.pronacen.mx/ Compra en linea Env?o gratis en M?xico Ads World English Dictionary Soay ('s??e?) —n a breed of small horned sheep having long legs and dark brown wool that is plucked rather than shorn; found mainly on St Kilda where they were probably introduced by the Vikings [named after Soay, an island in the St Kilda group, where they were first found] Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition2009 (C) William Collins Sons & Co.
. . .
Spay and Neuter Your Pet www.abbeypethospital.com/ Spaying and neutering dog and cat care.
. . .
Get The Dictionary.com Mobile App! www.dictionary.com/mobile Enjoy Exclusive Features like Voice Search! iPhone, Android, iPad, BlackBerry, Windows & More.
dictionary.reference.com/browse/Soay

Soay Sheep Breeders Cooperative

They are gentle, forgiving creatures that are entertaining, lovely to look at and soothing to be around.
. . .
If your interest is simply the conservation of a heritage breed or you have specific breeding goals, Soay sheep are an ideal choice for the beginning farmer.
www.soaysheepbreeders.com/intro.html

Soay Sheep : General Description

Soay sheep are aloof, wary, and graceful.  They resemble small antelope or deer with fleeces that may be blonde, fawn, shades of brown, or black.  Most Soay sheep have light markings on the belly, rump, over the eyes and under the tail and jaw.  They have short clean tails and shed their wool.  Their hooves do not generally require trimming on rocky pasture, and annually on less rocky environs.  They are hardy disease-resistant animals, shy yet curious.
. . .
© 2009 Steven & Priscilla Weaver Page updated 16 Feb 2009 at 16:56 MST
. . .
Rams develop beautiful full curl horns and often a striking mane or bib of long darker hair that lends an elegant appearance.  The ewes may sport less dramatic horns, have button horns (called “scurs”) or be naturally polled.
. . .
Soay are animated and on the move.  They are an attractive way to improve or maintain your pasture or yard.  Their deerlike appearance attracts attention.  Besides looking nice in the field, Soay meat is of excellent gourmet quality, very mild, similar to elk and low in cholesterol.  The wool in its variety of colors may be spun to produce soft, naturally colored yarn without dyes.  Fleeces vary in character, some having been compared to musk ox “quiviut.” Kate Montgomery featured the original version of this essay on her sheep website.
. . .
Their small size and light weight impacts pastures less than heavier meat and wool breeds. Soay require reliable fencing, shelter from rain, adequate shade, plain salt, and a safe-for-sheep (no copper) mineral supplement.
soaysheep.com/about-soay-sheep.shtml

St Kilda - Soay Sheep

No one knows quite when the sheep arrived on St Kilda, but evidence suggests they came with the first human settlers around 4000 years ago.
. . .
This research has recently been published: Clutton Brock, T.H.
. . .
1992 'Epidemiology of nematode parasites in Soay sheep (Ovis aries L.) on St Kilda' Parasitology 105, 481-492 Illius, A.W. et al. 1995 'Selection for foraging efficiency during a population crash in Soay sheep' Journal of Animal Ecology 64 Soay Sheep Project (C) The National Trust for Scotland
. . .
These small sheep are one of the most primitive forms of domestic sheep in the world and have probably remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
. . .
Army personnel help to record details of a tagged lamb Photograph: Davina Graham Group of rams Photograph: Ken Wilson Researchers observing Soay sheep from a distance Photograph: Ken Wilson Further Information Jewell, P.A. et al. 1974 Island Survivors: The Ecology of the Soay Sheep of St Kilda Athlone Press, London Clutton-Brock, T.H. et al. 1991 'Persistent instability and population regulation in Soay sheep' Journal of Animal Ecology 60, 593-605 Gulland, F.M.D.
. . .
Some key results of the project so far are: Populations of sheep on Hirta and Boreray fluctuate in synchrony.
www.kilda.org.uk/soay-sheep.htm

Soay Sheep Breeders Cooperative

Soay Sheep Breeders Cooperative Soay Sheep Breeders Cooperative Introducing Soay Sheep Photo Gallery Gatherings On-line Group Reports from the Field Open Flockbook Project Soay Sheep Breeders Home o Soay Sheep o Photos o Gatherings o On-line Group o Reports o Open FlockBook o Breeders o Contact
soaysheepbreeders.com

Southern Oregon Soay Sheep Farms: Meat, Wool, and Fiber

To develop additional tenderness and flavor, just as you would with venison or elk, it should be hung longer than you would normally hang mutton or lamb.
. . .
For more information about Soay wool and its processing see the November and December 2010  and  December 2011 issues of Viewpoint   Collecting Fleece                      Rooing a ewe                                        From the farm in Oregon ...
. . .
Soay Recipes There are many ways to cook Soay and while there are no cookbooks specific to Soay its meat can be substituted for any wild game or conventional lamb recipe.
. . .
Margaret weaves a variety of different pieces; scarves, wraps, book-marks and table runners.
. . .
A mutual concern for what is easily lost and often irreplaceable, whether it be a  breed of sheep or the art of handweaving, led to an ongoing collaborative effort to preserve both.  What grew out of a simple request for Soay fleece from a Massachusetts hand weaver to  an Oregon Soay breeder evolved into a bi-costal commitment to raise awareness, through its woven wool, of this most legendary breed of sheep.
. . .
For descriptive photos of Soay fleece and its colors visit Soay: Colour and Coat Pattern in Soay Sheep.
www.soayfarms.com/meat.html

Ravelry: Soay pattern by Gudrun Johnston

Chickadee Gauge 24 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette St Needle size US 5 - 3.75 mm US 4 - 3.5 mm Yardage 700 - 1400 yards (640 - 1280 m) Sizes available 29 1/2 (31 1/2 , 33, 35, 36 1/4 , 38 1/4 , 40 1/4 , 42 1/4 , 44 1/4 , 46 1/4 , 48 1/4 , 50 1/4 ) inches adult bottom-up chart female icord icord-edging lace negative-ease one-piece scoop-neck seamless short-rows written-pattern This pattern is available for $6.50 USD buy it now Soay This cardigan is worked bottom up in one piece dividing at the armholes to work fronts and back separately.
. . .
The sleeves are knitted seamlessly by picking up stitches around the armhole and working short rows to shape the cap.
. . .
Notions Markers Tapestry Needle Scrap yarn Five 5/8 inch buttons Gauge 24 sts and 36 rows= 4 inches on US 5/3.75mm in St st 26 sts and 36 rows= 4 inches on US 5/3.75mm in Rib (gently stretched).
. . .
Soay is a versatile cardigan, which can be dressed up or down accordingly, perfect for Spring!
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/soay

Old Line Soays

All of our sheep are registered with the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) in Great Britain and are enrolled in the U.S.
. . .
In our case they maintain bolder strewn pastures that horses and cattle cannot and keep blackberries under control.
. . .
Laura Lane-Unsworth Old Line Soays Hagerstown, Maryland soaysheep@verizon.net Contact Us We love sharing our knowledge of Soay Sheep with interested breeders and beginners.
. . .
Our commitment to British Soay sheep began in 2003 and we have become increasingly involved in preserving this historic US "flock" of sheep ever since.
. . .
Between 1998 and 2000 the surviving flock was then imported into the United States.
. . .
Since the late 19th century animals have been removed to the mainland of the UK but they are still found living feral on St.
www.oldlinesoaysheep.com

www.betleysoay.com - soay sheep

www.betleysoay.com - soay sheep www.betleysoay.com Breeders of Native British Sheep Home About Soay sheep Our Rams Soay colours News For sale Livestock shows Jacob Sheep Home Welcome to Betley Soay Soay sheep are wonderful, easy to keep primitive sheep, thought to have originated on the Island of Soay in Scotland.We breed these lovely little sheep here in the Cheshire countryside.As you can see in the picture above, we also have great fun taking them to shows around the country.Shown is Gigolo winning Reserve Champion Primitive at Cheshire County Show 2010.
betleysoay.com

Soay Wool for Hand Spinning - Old Line Soays

If we don't have what you are looking for we probably know someone that does, and if we don't have the answer - we'll find someone who does.
. . .
Laura Lane-Unsworth Old Line Soays Hagerstown, Maryland soaysheep@verizon.net Site by Esuredesign.com | (C) 2005 - 2009 Laura Lane-Unsworth Old Line Soays - www.OldLineSoaySheep.com; All Rights Reserved.
. . .
In our experience annual production per animal averages one and two pounds of fleece with a staple length of one to three inches and quality of 44s-50s (36-29 microns) British Soay wool is cherished by hand spinners, an art mastered by determination and patience.
. . .
If the wool is rooed (hand plucked) the guard hairs remain on the animal to fall out later, making for a cleaner softer fleece.
www.oldlinesoaysheep.com/wool.html

Soays Of America - A Conservancy of Soay Sheep

Soay sheep are only knee-high, which makes for easy management, their tails are naturally short and do not require docking.
. . .
For truly hardy and low maintenance small livestock, the Soay sheep is an excellent choice whether you are a farmer, a hand-spinner, or want to raise your own high quality meat in a small amount of space.
. . .
The goals are to be responsible breeders, supportive of one another through open communication and networking while advocating and upholding the quality and integrity of the breed.
. . .
Soay sheep are remnants of Neolithic times1; whether their introduction to the St Kildan islands occurred during the Stone Age or the Bronze Age2, we know that they have survived alone and unassisted in the harsh environment for millennia.
. . .
1 Page 39 of Winter 2004 issue of The Ark, The Journal of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
www.soaysofamerica.org

Of Sheep and Friends A Circle of British Soay Conservationists ...

The RBST only recognizes 100% parentage; both parents must be registered to register their lambs.
. . .
All of us are dedicated to British Soay sheep conservation in America.
. . .
Because of the animals' membership in the Trust's Combined Flock Book they are reciprocal with Soay in Britain and are part of a global conservation program.
. . .
Unlike the British Soay, North American Soay are a hybrid of Soay from St.
. . .
Animals not registered with the RBST are not British Soay.
. . .
American Soay are not part of the RBST Conservation program.
britishsoaysheep.com

Soay, the Island and the Sheep

A very dangerous, narrow channel and sea stacks separate the two.
. . .
Their feudal tenants were allowed to annually collect fleece from these sheep and were occasionally permitted to take an animal, for a fee, to kill for special occasions.
. . .
It can only be approached when seas are very calm and quickly changing weather can make getting off the island nearly impossible, it is the least accessible of all the islands in the archipelago.
. . .
Kilda had been evacuated and sold, 107 animals were captured and transferred to the vacant pastures of Hirta.
. . .
Kilda Photos Soay Sheep Soay Articles Soay Photos Boreray Sheep Boreray Articles Boreray Photos Resources Home Soay and Its Sheep The Island of Soay The Isle of Soay, a name derived from the Norse word for Sheep Island, is near the North West corner of Hirta.
. . .
Over recent centuries some animals have been taken from Soay to estates on the mainland of the UK.
soayandboreraysheep.com/articledetail.php?Soay-the-Island-and-the...

Soay: Fleece Structure and Variety in Soay Sheep

Contact Us | Credits and Disclaimer | Privacy Statement Copyright (C) 2009 - 2011.
. . .
The flocks of Soay on St.Kilda, although tagged for observation purposes, are not managed in any way.
. . .
Some animals will shed their fleece at a steady rate and some will suddenly have it hanging off all over the place.
. . .
Moulting There is vast variation when the sheep moult in the spring.
. . .
Partially shed Soay ewe, Hirta Ram in the village area that has fully shed his fleece Soay Ewe fully shed, Ruaival, Hirta NOTE: The photos at the beginning of this article are mainland (UK) sheep because we have only visited St.
. . .
Kilda Soay Sheep Soay Sheep Articles Photo Gallery Boreray Sheep Boreray Sheep Articles Photo Gallery Resources About Us St.
www.soayandboreraysheep.com/articledetail.php?Soay-Fleece...

Welcome to Santiam Valley Soay Farm - Salem, Oregon

I do give some grain, but mostly to entice the sheep to come where I want them.
. . .
They usually avoid the lambing difficulties associated with larger sheep breeds.
. . .
Our sheep even seem to prefer these invasive species when they first move to a new pasture.
. . .
You can collect the wool by pulling it from the animals when they start to shed.
. . .
We give free access to salt with Selenium since heavy rains deplete the soil of this essential element.
. . .
The one thing they do ignore is thistle, I still have to pull that myself.
www.santiamsoay.com/soay.php

Soay Sheep In North America, Inc.

The fleece can be very fine or very coarse, with the finer fleeces most suitable for spinning, and the coarser fleeces making a particularly nice and useful tanned pelt.Soay Sheep In North America is a nonprofit organization formed to provide information to the general public about Soay sheep, to promote and protect the Soay sheep found in the United States and Canada, and to educate breeders and people interested in learning more about this tiny breed of sheep.Copyright (C) 2000 - 2006 Soay Sheep In North America, Inc.
www.soaysheepinnorthamerica.org