ABOUT BABYDOLL SOUTHDOWNS

With handling and attention, these sheep will be your devoted friends.  Like all animals they vary in personalities and preferences, however, you'll get what you put into the relationship!

Originating from the South Down Hills in Sussex County, England, these miniature sheep are known as one of the oldest sheep breeds.  They are the origin of other Down sheep we see today.

Short.  They should not be any taller than 24-26" at the shoulder.  They're sturdy lil' fellows.

They need a secure pen or fenced area.  This is to prevent them from wandering where they shouldn't and it is also to keep them from predators such as loose dogs and coyotes.  

A shelter will be needed to keep them comfortable.   A three sided building or a lean-to will aide in protecting them from the summer heat and from winter's bite.

They need another sheep!  Keeping a lone sheep by themselves will not suffice.  They are flock animals and cannot be expected to be happy by themselves.

By controlling health problems such as enterotoxemia (overeating disease), internal parasites (worms), tetanus, as well as hoof and other health problems, much anguish and potential challenges can be avoided with preventative measures.

They need to be given fresh water daily.  They must be provided a consistent diet of hay and/or grass. Any changes in their diet need to be made gradually. Selenium and vitamin E also are essential.  Be careful of copper - this is a required mineral in their diet but potentially can be toxic depending on their individual metabolism.