Sheep are versatile animals that come with many benefits. Apart from the usual fine meat and wool, sheep make manure, some produce milk, and they offer landscaping services.
If you’re planning to invest in sheep farming for commercial purposes or as a hobby, you need to consider the breed that provides the most benefits to you.
One such beneficial sheep breed is the Hampshire sheep. They are relatively cheap to raise, require minimum attention, and provide all the benefits of sheep farming.
Join us in this article as we discuss everything you need to know about the Hampshire sheep breed.
Quick Facts About The Hampshire Sheep Breed
| Country of origin | England |
| Breed name | Hampshire, Hampshire Down sheep |
| Breed purpose | Meat, Wool |
| Mature body weight | Ram: 275+ pounds
Ewe: 200+ pounds |
| Average fiber diameter | 25-33 Microns
Wool grade (USDA): 46’s – 56’s Fleece Yield: 50-62% |
| Grease fleece weight | 6 – 10 pounds |
| Fleece staple length | 2- 3.5 inches |
| Care level | Minimal attention |
| Temperature | Most climates |
| Temperament | Docile |
| Lifespan | 6-11 years |
The History of Hampshire Sheep Breed
The Hampshire sheep breed gets its name from where it developed in Hampshire County in Southern England.
Its origin is unclear, but it’s believed to have originated around 1829 from the mingling of different sheep breeds native along the borders of Hampshire County.
Among sheep breeds considered to form the original blood of the Hampshire are the Old Hampshire, Willshire Horn, Berkshire Knot, and Southdown sheep.
The first farmer on record to make a deliberate effort to improve the Hampshire breed was John Twynam. He crossbred his Hampshire flock with an improved Cotswold ram.
Later, Mr. William Humphrey made another major contribution by introducing the genes of two of the largest and most outstanding Southdown rams.
Farmers further improved the Hampshire sheep through crossbreeding to better its adaptability to Wiltshire, Berkshire, and Hampshire’s less viable soils.
The resultant improved Hampshire sheep breed was genetically able to convert forage into muscle and fiber efficiently. It had become a high-quality meat and wool producer that did well also in lamb production and selective crossing.
The first Hampshire sheep into the United States came in 1840, but no records show it survived the Civil War. More would later be imported in 1879, with the American Down Sheep Breeders Association recognizing the breed officially in 1889.
The Characteristics of Hampshire Sheep Breed
The Hampshire sheep looks like the oxen of the sheep’s world. It has a large head, a lengthy face, and dark-colored protruding eyes.
Though the breed has no horns, their masculine, deep blocky, compact bodies can intimidate predators easily. Its wool is white, but the face is dark with a Roman nose and a wool cap to complete the look.
Their thick extended ears are covered with coarse black or dark brown hair and are mostly drooped with no wool covering.
The Hampshire sheep are among sheep breeds with large bodies. If well-fed, mature ewes weigh 200 pounds or more, the rams can easily go beyond 275 pounds. The mutton is juicy and fine flavored, with reasonably balanced lean and fat.
They mature fast, developing large steep bones and lean carcasses. But, surprisingly, that whole weight is supported by short dark legs that may have wool or not below the knees.
Hampshire sheep are mostly kept for their meat, but they also produce strong and medium-length wool. Mature ewes can average 6 to 10 pounds of fleece, with a micron measurement of between 25.0 and 33.0.
The fleece staple length ranges from 2 to 3.5 inches with a yield of 50% to 62% and a spinning count of 46-58. However, the wool is not well refined and will contain black fibers that lower its quality and sale value.
Typical Hampshire Sheep Breed Behavior
Even with their large bodies, the Hampshire sheep are very active animals with a mild disposition. They’re among the hardiest sheep breeds and have slight or no adaptation issues in most climates. Their big bodies and intimidating looks make them great at exhibitions.
Hampshire sheep breed make great pets or companion animals and are safe to be around. They’re quiet and relaxed and like it that way. However, the Hampshire is sensitive to small things, easily provoked, and will attack when angry.
Hampshire sheep have good social instincts and bond easily with other sheep and goats. But since they are prey animals, they have a mentality to protect themselves from anything they consider a predator.
Hence, they find predatory animals intimidating and won’t bond well with other pets like dogs, ravens, and owls. Therefore, supervising interactions between your flock and dogs is good, even if they are friendly to your sheep.
How to Care For the Hampshire Sheep Breed
Even animals like the Hampshire sheep that require minimal husbandry need some care to be healthy and grow as expected.
The upkeep required is generally basic and involves ensuring your animals have enough feed, drinking water, salt lick, and their health needs are addressed properly. Below are some ways to take care of your Hampshire sheep.
1. Build a Shed
Hampshire sheep are hardy animals that can survive in open fields with little protection. However, they need shelter during adverse weather conditions like heavy rains and extreme sun. A simple three-sided shed will be okay if it keeps adverse weather and predators away. Ensure each mature sheep gets a 15 to 20 square space within the shed.
Add slip-resistant beddings with good absorption to keep the shed warm and dry. Also, you can install a fan to ensure good air circulation and temperature control during hot seasons.
Although sheep have excellent night vision, you should consider adding some lighting to facilitate movements at night around the shed.
2. Feeds and Water
Hampshire sheep are great foragers and have efficient feed conversion. Their favorite feed includes green and fresh pastures, hay, grains, corn husks, bread, and commercial meals.
In other words, you have a wide selection of what you can feed your flock. Ensure you avail enough feed to your animals depending on their age, health, and body size requirements. Also, provide clean drinking water, mineral supplements, and salt lick or ground salt.
3. Keeping Your Sheep Healthy
Though the Hampshire sheep have few life-threatening diseases and parasites, they can easily contract diseases from other animals. If possible, only mix your sheep with goats and not other animals.
Keep the shed and feeding areas as dry as possible to eliminate foot rot problems. Provide preventive care like deworming, cleaning the shed regularly, trimming the hooves, and controlling pests and parasites.
Also, shear your animals during hot seasons as the thick wool is very uncomfortable for them.
Conclusion
Hampshire sheep tick all the right boxes for pet animals or commercial rearing. They grow fast, have great feed conversion rates, and are relatively cheap to raise.
Besides, they’re good meat, wool, milk, and manure producers. You only need to learn a few skills to care for your flock, and you’re good to go.
