Our Shetland Sheep 

Raising sheep is something new to us and we seem to learn more about our 3 girls each and every day!  We chose Shetlands after much research, and decided we loved everything about the breed including their size and charming personalities. In the process of our search, we found not one, but two reputable breeders who were so kind to help us get started with lambs from their own flock.  We are hoping to breed our girls in the future to experience raising our own lambs, and to learn much more about the gorgeous and useful wool they produce.

Painted Knoll Opechee aka "Myra" Sire: Sheltering Pines Uther Pendragon Dam:  Painted Knoll Paprika DOB 09-APR-08
Myra is a moorit ewe and was one of twins.  She is definitely the leader of the flock and takes great pride in watching over things.  She has a very sweet personality and even temperament, not to mention is absolutely stunning to look at.   We love this girl!
Pike Hill Madeline aka "Maggie" Sire:  Pike Hill Franklin Collins Dam: Sheltering Pines Spirea DOB 10-APR-08
Maggie is a black smirslet ewe and was one of twins. Although she is not the leader of the flock she is definitely first at everything!   She is very charming and beautiful, and there is no doubt she knows it!  "Reserved" is not what you would call this girl by far.
Pike Hill Ebony aka "Julie" Sire:  Pike Hill Franklin Collins Dam: Sheltering Pines Spirea DOB 10-APR-O8
Julie is a black ewe and is Maggie's sister.  I couldn't decide which ewe to purchase at the time and I loved them both, so I couldn't resist bringing them both home!  I am so thankful to have them!  Julie is more reserved than the other girls, and though a bit more cautious at times she is equally as friendly once she gets to know you.
OUR NEW RAM LAMB!
Painted Knoll Naaticook              "Nate"  Sire:  Maple Ridge Logan Dam:  Painted Knoll Myrtle DOB  02-APR-09
This handsome boy is to become our new herd sire.  He is brown now and lightly spotted, but will be musket as an adult. He comes from a family of incredibly long, classic fleece. His breeder says he has a quiet personality and is solidly built, and we are hoping he passes on his great feed conversion to his future lambs. Excitement doesnt even begin to describe how we feel about our newest addition!
Painted Knoll Kolelemook              "Cole"  Sire:  Painted Knoll Ken Dam:Whispering Pines Grace Slick DOB 19-APR-09
Discovering that ram lambs play differently than ewes, we opted to purchase a " friend" for our new boy.  The last thing I wanted was a single, lonely ram that might eventually decide to test his horns out on me!  This wether is a Black katmoget and appears to have the classic fleece.  When his mother, Grace Slick, is in full fleece, only her ankles show!  She took Reserve Champion Fleece last year and first place Shetland division. Way to go Grace!  Because "Cole" will be wethered, he will do nothing BUT grow fleece so he will be fun to watch!  At some point I hope to get a great picture of him.  He ADORES wearing my camera strap over his ears so for now that's how all his pictures look!

	Watching the process of the girls getting haircuts was amazing!  In 20 minutes they went from large, wooly creatures down to clean shaven, bare bodied sheep!  I don't know who was more thankful that the sun was shining, them or me!