[Jacob-list] mixing breeds

[Betty Berlenbach]

The only problems I have found with mixed breeds in the same pens are that the larger animals eat over the smaller ones, ruining their fleeces.  I sell my jacob fleeces at premium prices, do not put blankets or jackets on them, and if they had hay in their fleeces, I would not attempt to sell them, for I sure couldn't be bothered with such things.  People know that they get very clean fleeces when they buy them from me, and the few years I had some big romneys or romney/corrie crosses, the smaller sheep had hay in their fleeces, so they were composted, and I lost a bit of money.  If totally clean fleeces is a goal, you will need to watch out for the Wensleydales eating over the jacobs and trashing their fleece with hay bits.  Other than that, it appears the jacobs and shetlands are pushy enough to get whatever feed they need, and have no compunctions about pushing a big sheep out of the way so they can get their share.
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