Coloured Ryeland Characteristics

coloured-ryeland-sheepThe Coloured Ryeland sheep is a very old breed native to Herefordshire and is classed as a minority breed on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust List.

The Coloured Ryeland has no horns and produces fine wool.  It is a compact sheep that is easy to manage.  The rams and ewes have lovely docile natures, the ewes are superb mothers producing strong lively lambs.  The sheep are hardy and have good feet.

The wool is soft and crimpy with a staple length of 8 to 10 cms and is ideal for hand spinning and knitting as well as many other craft ideas such as rug making.

The colour varies from off white to dark brown.  The lambs are born black but, over time, the fleeces fade (some suggest they are bleached by the sun) to a creamy white.

They are an ideal breed for small flocks and smallholders.