faq
Frequently asked
Are Valais really the friendliest sheep?
Yes, unusually so. Valais and Valais Crosses area very docile and affectionate. With their distinctive blacknose, eyes and ears, Valais sheep are known for their winning personality and sociability
What do Valais cost?
This depends if you want pets or do a breeding program. Percentage Valais from a breed up program are going to cost much less than purebred animals. Pets are going to be between $1000 to $5000. Percentage breeding ewes are going to be between $2500 to $15,000. Percentage rams $3500 to $10,000. Purebred ewes and rams are costing between $10,000 to $30,000.
How do we breed our Valais Blacknosed sheep?
Naturally, our purebred rams cover our ewes naturally. We have invested in a few purebred rams to insure genetic diversity. We do not practice inbreeding, we have set ourselves up to be very conscious breeders.We have very good results for conceptions rates and ewe to ram ratio’s.
Do all Valais have horns?
Yes, rams, ewes and wethers will all have horns. Percentage stock not as likely in low percentages, depending on foundation used in breed up.
History of the Valais in Switzerland?
For a couple thousand years these sheep have been used to provide fiber and meat to small generational farms that have been raising them in barns directly under their homes in the winter. The sheep are moved up to the high alps to graze for summer months.
How can I have my dream of having a flock of Valais Blacknosed sheep?
Start a breed up program. With the use of foundation ewes, (variety of long wool sheep breeds), or purchasing percentage ewes. Purchase either a purebred, or a percentage ram to get started. Some people use reproductive specialist and do Lap ai procedure to inseminate their ewes.
What kind of care do Valais require?
- Shorn 2x”s per year… that is not a suggestion, it is absolutely a requirement.
- Hoves trimmed 4 to 6 times per year, more or less depending on rate of fiber growth and ground conditions.
- As with all wool breeds, watch for fly strike.
- Putting hands on your sheep at least weekly to check body condition.
- Parasite control.
Can Valais rams be pets?
No, never forget that a ram is not a pet, they won’t. They will show you some day.
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