Valais Blacknose Sheep (Book)
Introducing The Valais Blacknose Sheep Breed
Now the 5th book in the ‘Homesteading Animals collection’ Norman J Stone has just published an introduction to this amazing Sheep breed – the Valais Blacknose.
In his words – and the words of many admirerers, this is the “cutest sheep in the World” and he could be right about that!
Like something picked out from a cartoon, this is well regarded as being a tough hardy breed from the Valais canton of Switzerland able to cope with harsh environments – and they love people!
The Worlds Cutest Sheep
In Norman’s own words taken (with permission) from the introduction in his book ‘ Homesteading Animals (5): Valais Balcknose Sheep – Introducing The Worlds Cutest Sheep!’
“Widely known as the cutest and friendliest of the sheep breeds, the Valais Blacknose is becoming increasingly popular with the Hobby Farm enthusiasts.
Especially for those that only want a single or maybe a few sheep to graze a paddock or small field, and at the same time double-up as a family pet, this super-friendly breed makes an excellent choice.
The image on the cover? This is actually a real sheep! His name is Sean (pronounced ‘Shawn’) and he belongs to my brother.
As a real-life example of just how friendly these sheep are. He follows my bro around like a pet dog and will curl up beside him when he sits down for a coffee.
He’s a real character and great with the kids who play ‘chase me’ with him up and down the yard, though now that he is over a year old you have to be careful regarding these horns.
And of course – he loves to wear my brother’s cap!
Norman goes on to explain the background and some of the history of this sheep, as well as the overall cost should you like to aquire one for yourself!
The bad news is that not only are they expensive animals – a lamb can cost over £1,500 or $2500 + US dollars, they are difficult to get your hands on as the Swiss government stopped the export of live animals back in 2014.
Only in recent times have the governments of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand allowed the importation of frozen sperm under licence.
The United Kingdom is lucky enough to have a limited number of its own pedegree animals, imported before the Swiss ban on exports was in place.
They can of course be bred for meat (which is excellent quality) and their fleece which is a course hard-wearing wool good for rugs and carpets.
The biggest problem with the Valais Blacknose apart from the cost? They have to be especially protected from thieves! There is a ready blackmarket for this rare breed so security is of paramount importance if you want to keep them from safe from theft.
Norman also lists a few handy contact details for Valais sheep breeders and associations at the end of the book. These Valais sheep enthusiasts offer a whole range of great information so it’s definately worth checking out.
A couple of examples include (US) Valais Blacknose Sheep Association of North America – https://www.valaisblacknose.org
And the UK – Valais Blacknose Society – https://valaisblacknosesociety.co.uk/
Like to know mare about this amazing animal? Check out Normans Book Here on Amazon.