"Like someone spray-painted their pigs to look like sheep"
December 22, 2017 9:54 AM Subscribe
Modern Farmer's Sheep Week 2017 does not disappoint. Check it out: The 12 Sickest Sheep Breeds in the World, 8 Sheep That Don't Require Shearing, and 6 Fun Facts About Sheep You Might Not Know.
(I don't really know anything about sheep and I enjoyed the links, thank you.)
posted by neroli at 10:04 AM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by neroli at 10:04 AM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
Very small sheep with a cat on it! I am a fan!
posted by rtha at 10:19 AM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by rtha at 10:19 AM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
Behold sheepish grin and description. Nice article, but yes, I missed the Navajo Churro sheep.
posted by Oyéah at 10:19 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Oyéah at 10:19 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
This Dutch breed is not all that interesting. It can be kept for milk, meat, or wool; by all accounts it is a friendly and easygoing breed; it is usually black with white accents. It makes the list because its name is ridiculous. Zwartbles. Come on.
This is an excellent list. Zwartbles is the best Jedi.
posted by GenjiandProust at 10:31 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
This is an excellent list. Zwartbles is the best Jedi.
posted by GenjiandProust at 10:31 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
That Beltex sheep-pig is totally metal. It's got an inverted pentagram on its face and everything.
posted by parm at 10:33 AM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by parm at 10:33 AM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
"Zwart" is literally Dutch for black, isn't it? That's basically just "oh Dutch sounds funny".
posted by Sequence at 10:45 AM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Sequence at 10:45 AM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
Zwartbles is the boy.
posted by runcibleshaw at 10:47 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by runcibleshaw at 10:47 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
That Beltex sheep-pig is totally metal. It's got an inverted pentagram on its face and everything.
That is the ugliest sheep I've ever seen. Apparently they're grown for meat, and they're double muscled, which explains the weird shape. They're also difficult to lamb naturally, they often require a c-section to get them out.
posted by leotrotsky at 10:55 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
That is the ugliest sheep I've ever seen. Apparently they're grown for meat, and they're double muscled, which explains the weird shape. They're also difficult to lamb naturally, they often require a c-section to get them out.
posted by leotrotsky at 10:55 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
My cats would probably like to stand on a sheep. Maybe I should get a housesheep for them.
posted by aubilenon at 10:55 AM on December 22, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by aubilenon at 10:55 AM on December 22, 2017 [3 favorites]
"Zwart" is literally Dutch for black, isn't it? That's basically just "oh Dutch sounds funny".
I don't know that I'd get my hackles up too quickly. It seems less 'Dutch sounds funny' and more that particular sound is funny to English-speaking ears. It's also quite close to 'zorbles' and ends up amusing—to me anyway—because that makes it sound much like it maybe ought to be an English word.
posted by los pantalones del muerte at 10:56 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
I don't know that I'd get my hackles up too quickly. It seems less 'Dutch sounds funny' and more that particular sound is funny to English-speaking ears. It's also quite close to 'zorbles' and ends up amusing—to me anyway—because that makes it sound much like it maybe ought to be an English word.
posted by los pantalones del muerte at 10:56 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
Whoa don't get too deep, he is the black sheep of sheep in Holland. Nice color of wool though, gotta be cozy.
posted by Oyéah at 10:57 AM on December 22, 2017
posted by Oyéah at 10:57 AM on December 22, 2017
Sequence: "Zwart" is literally Dutch for black, isn't it? That's basically just "oh Dutch sounds funny".
Well.
(I wonder if Dutch sounds funny to English-speakers because it's so closely related, the way that neural net-generated Ask Mefi questions are funny.)
posted by clawsoon at 10:57 AM on December 22, 2017 [6 favorites]
Well.
(I wonder if Dutch sounds funny to English-speakers because it's so closely related, the way that neural net-generated Ask Mefi questions are funny.)
posted by clawsoon at 10:57 AM on December 22, 2017 [6 favorites]
Great post. The horns on some of those sheep could summon the devil without even trying.
posted by clawsoon at 11:00 AM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 11:00 AM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
Zwartbles is the boy.
No, we're not doing that here.
posted by leotrotsky at 11:04 AM on December 22, 2017 [5 favorites]
No, we're not doing that here.
posted by leotrotsky at 11:04 AM on December 22, 2017 [5 favorites]
The Border Leicester sheep totally looks like a bunny head on a sheep body.
posted by Autumnheart at 11:47 AM on December 22, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Autumnheart at 11:47 AM on December 22, 2017 [3 favorites]
I also see no reason why we can’t enjoy the funny words. If there can be a Youtube video trend of people trying to say the word “squirrel” then we should be able to get a few laughs out of “Zwartbles”. Saying the fun words is like half the point of being exposed to other languages. (The other half being to learn how to swear.)
posted by Autumnheart at 12:01 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Autumnheart at 12:01 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
(I wonder if Dutch sounds funny to English-speakers because it's so closely related, the way that neural net-generated Ask Mefi questions are funny.)
I think I am kind of stealing this observation from Bill Bryson, but Dutch does always sound a bit like a parallel-universe version of English to me.
posted by atoxyl at 12:30 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
I think I am kind of stealing this observation from Bill Bryson, but Dutch does always sound a bit like a parallel-universe version of English to me.
posted by atoxyl at 12:30 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
Just to lay to rest the suggestion that I am supporting Dutch-mockery rather than a sincere interest in and affection for the Zwartbels, I’ll point out that Wikipedia has this to say about this maligned breed:
Zwartbles are known for being docile, friendly, easy lambing, prolific, milky and being excellent mothers.
They are pleasant and community-minded creatures. That’s better than some dumb bunny-head.
posted by GenjiandProust at 1:23 PM on December 22, 2017
Zwartbles are known for being docile, friendly, easy lambing, prolific, milky and being excellent mothers.
They are pleasant and community-minded creatures. That’s better than some dumb bunny-head.
posted by GenjiandProust at 1:23 PM on December 22, 2017
More on those crazy seaweed-eating North Ronaldsay Sheep. Now I kind of want to move to the island to help take care of the sheep and rebuild the sheepdyke. And hang out with the seals and enjoy the no children.
posted by gueneverey at 1:58 PM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by gueneverey at 1:58 PM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
Thank you for posting this! As a knitter this is relevant to my interests.
I am surprised by the lack of love for Shetland sheep. Aren't they independent lambers, and good for meat and fleece?
posted by Lycaste at 2:46 PM on December 22, 2017
I am surprised by the lack of love for Shetland sheep. Aren't they independent lambers, and good for meat and fleece?
posted by Lycaste at 2:46 PM on December 22, 2017
The Border Leicester sheep totally looks like a bunny head on a sheep body.
I was scanning the comments before looking at the articles in trepidation lest the Border Leicester go unmentioned. They are my absolute favorite sheep because there is no situation in which their bunny ears do not bring joy and delight to all who see them.
posted by sciatrix at 2:54 PM on December 22, 2017
I was scanning the comments before looking at the articles in trepidation lest the Border Leicester go unmentioned. They are my absolute favorite sheep because there is no situation in which their bunny ears do not bring joy and delight to all who see them.
posted by sciatrix at 2:54 PM on December 22, 2017
the Beltex sheep are right up there now in Top Sciatrix Sheep Rankings though. Oh my god, they were not kidding when they said "pigs spray-painted to look like sheep" at all. Amazing.
They're like mutant pigdogs.
posted by sciatrix at 2:58 PM on December 22, 2017
They're like mutant pigdogs.
posted by sciatrix at 2:58 PM on December 22, 2017
I love the disclaimer of "(according to this author)". Was the sheep ranking done by a Minnesotan? Or perhaps a Canadian?
posted by Emmy Rae at 3:00 PM on December 22, 2017
posted by Emmy Rae at 3:00 PM on December 22, 2017
No offense to my cat but I might need to replace her with a St Croix sheep. They look so soft!
posted by Emmy Rae at 3:57 PM on December 22, 2017
posted by Emmy Rae at 3:57 PM on December 22, 2017
On my first college Spring Break, I flew back from Boston in order to help with the shearing on a friend's family sheep farm in Ellsworth, WI. It was...not how my friends spent their vacations, that's for sure.
Anyway, after climbing in and out of those ten foot-long burlap sacks full of dirty wool, I would have been totally on board with sheep that don't require shearing!
posted by wenestvedt at 3:58 PM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
Anyway, after climbing in and out of those ten foot-long burlap sacks full of dirty wool, I would have been totally on board with sheep that don't require shearing!
posted by wenestvedt at 3:58 PM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
My kids have been bugging me for a dog; I might make a counter-offer of a Beltex.
posted by wenestvedt at 3:58 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by wenestvedt at 3:58 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
Read the fun facts! For example:
While there are instances of homosexuality in nearly all animal species, sheep are the only animals besides humans that show a same-sex preference for life. In flocks of domestic sheep, up to eight percent of the males prefer other males even when fertile females are around. In many other animal species males will pair up with males and females with females under certain circumstances, but with sheep it’s a life-long propensity.
posted by Emmy Rae at 4:01 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
While there are instances of homosexuality in nearly all animal species, sheep are the only animals besides humans that show a same-sex preference for life. In flocks of domestic sheep, up to eight percent of the males prefer other males even when fertile females are around. In many other animal species males will pair up with males and females with females under certain circumstances, but with sheep it’s a life-long propensity.
posted by Emmy Rae at 4:01 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
→ I am surprised by the lack of love for Shetland sheep
I'm not: they harbour a form of low cunning, and have the patience to wait until they can cause the most mayhem before acting. The rams are straight evil and produce a foul stench.
posted by scruss at 4:18 PM on December 22, 2017
I'm not: they harbour a form of low cunning, and have the patience to wait until they can cause the most mayhem before acting. The rams are straight evil and produce a foul stench.
posted by scruss at 4:18 PM on December 22, 2017
I want to get them ALL and crossbreed them to produce a colorful wooly mutant bunny-eared pigsheep with six horns, all different.
Not sure yet if I want them tiny, for cat-sitting, or huge, for war-steeds.
posted by The otter lady at 4:23 PM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
Not sure yet if I want them tiny, for cat-sitting, or huge, for war-steeds.
posted by The otter lady at 4:23 PM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
I enjoy eating sheep and wearing wool, but I definitely haven't enjoyed the sheep I've had to interact with -- they seemed to lack the intellect and engagement that goats offer, and were both dumb and kind of mean. I wonder if some of the older/heritage breeds haven't had all the individuality bred out of them, and might be more interesting to be around.
But really, the surprise to me was that some varieties have four or six horns, since I have only ever seen two-horned sheep.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:18 PM on December 22, 2017 [3 favorites]
But really, the surprise to me was that some varieties have four or six horns, since I have only ever seen two-horned sheep.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:18 PM on December 22, 2017 [3 favorites]
Modern Farmer is my new second-favorite website.
Here's Why a Chicken Can Live Without a Head
posted by bendy at 5:33 PM on December 22, 2017
Here's Why a Chicken Can Live Without a Head
posted by bendy at 5:33 PM on December 22, 2017
If you look at the Google images for the Beltex you'll see this ram that 100% looks like a pig [more than the other links here show IMO].
posted by RuvaBlue at 6:53 PM on December 22, 2017
posted by RuvaBlue at 6:53 PM on December 22, 2017
Dip Flash: I enjoy eating sheep and wearing wool, but I definitely haven't enjoyed the sheep I've had to interact with -- they seemed to lack the intellect and engagement that goats offer, and were both dumb and kind of mean.
I've always wondered why Jesus liked sheep and hated goats.
posted by clawsoon at 7:10 PM on December 22, 2017
I've always wondered why Jesus liked sheep and hated goats.
posted by clawsoon at 7:10 PM on December 22, 2017
This is my favorite post. I love sheep. In all their idiot permutations.
posted by Gyre,Gimble,Wabe, Esq. at 8:14 PM on December 22, 2017
posted by Gyre,Gimble,Wabe, Esq. at 8:14 PM on December 22, 2017
I love sheep
All we like sheep!
--have gone astray.
posted by The otter lady at 9:05 PM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
All we like sheep!
--have gone astray.
posted by The otter lady at 9:05 PM on December 22, 2017 [4 favorites]
For more information on sheep, I recommend the book "Know Your Sheep" and its powerful, gripping sequel, "Know More Sheep".
(They're pretty good presents for kids I think)
posted by BinaryApe at 2:48 AM on December 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
(They're pretty good presents for kids I think)
posted by BinaryApe at 2:48 AM on December 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
This reminds me of when I was a toddler and [anecdote warning] someone (health visitor, maybe?) was doing some sort of basic speech/intelligence test and asking me "What's this?" while waving a plastic pig, and I accurately answered "Saddleback" and failed that bit.
posted by BinaryApe at 2:56 AM on December 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by BinaryApe at 2:56 AM on December 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
Google sheep view For all your sheep viewing needs.
posted by SyraCarol at 10:16 AM on December 23, 2017
posted by SyraCarol at 10:16 AM on December 23, 2017
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posted by neroli at 10:03 AM on December 22, 2017 [10 favorites]