Sheep

During the 15 minute session on sheep, the children learn all about sheep shearing and the products that come from wool.  The most exciting part for most of the children is getting to touch the baby lambs.

Some Facts about Sheep
  • Gestation period: 144 -151 days
  • Avg. Litter size: 1 - 3
  • Age at weaning: 60 - 80 days or between 2 and 3 months.
  • Life Span: 8 - 13 years
  • Sheep grow two teeth a year until they have eight.
  • Sheep only have lower teeth that press against an upper palette similar to goats.
  • People started raising sheep over 10 thousand years ago.
  • Female sheep are called ewes.
  • Male sheep are called rams.
  • Baby sheep are called lambs.
  • Lambs typically weigh about nine pounds when they are born.
  • An ewe can have twins or even triplets
  • Spinning wool into thread began about 5,000 years ago.
  • One pound of wool can make 10 miles of yarn.

 

 

Useful Links about Sheep:

Wikipedia - on Sheep

Want to hear what a sheep sounds like?
Main Beef Bees Chickens Dairy Machinery Goats Grains & Hay Horses Pigs Sheep Curriculum