Small, black Hebridean sheep are indigenous to Scotland. They have traits in common with other members of the North European short-tailed group. Hebridean sheep have several horns. Ewes are infrequently polled, and rams and ewes are both capable of having two, four, or even more horns.
Hebridean sheep are small, attractive, and have beautiful bones. When fully mature, ewes weigh about 40 kg, with rams being proportionately larger. Hebrideans can be kept in greater numbers per hectare than heavier breeds because they ᴅᴀᴍᴀɢᴇ pasture less, especially in wet weather, than heavier breeds.
Their hard, black hooves also make foot problems less likely to happen. The face and legs often lack wool, and the sheep have black wool that occasionally turns brown at the tips in the sun and frequently turns grey with age.
Hebridean fleeces are popular among hand spinners due to their subtle shading changes. The fleece is actually two coats in one: a rougher, rain-shedding outer layer and a softer, more insulating undercoat. Rain may be wiped off of a Hebridean’s coat with a simple shake. This water-repellent quality is still there in the finished woolen products.
Since Hebrideans are hardy and can endure harsh grazing, they are widely used as conservation grazing animals to protect the native ɢʀᴀssland or heathland habitats. They are highly effective at managing scrub because of their strong preference for browsing.
Stock fencing is required in addition to hedges as a sheep-proof barrier since sheep like to browse. Hebrideans have a natural vitality that makes them manageable despite being a primitive breed. They are friendly and adept at following a bucket. They could also be controlled by sheepdogs.
Source: https://dailylifeworld.com
