Soay are a small, primitive breed of sheep. Typically, adults measure less than twenty-four inches
at the shoulder. Ewes weigh between forty to sixty pounds whereas the rams average sixty to
seventy-five pounds. They have an unusual appearance for sheep and, mine at least, are often
mistaken for goats. Coloration varies from light-brown to black. The belly and rump are usually
a lighter "buff" white. White patches on the head are not uncommon. Rams have handsome,
wide-set horns. Ewes may have smaller horns "scurred" or none at all "polled". The wool is soft.
Coarse hair fibers mix with finer wool. The staple length is 2-3 inches and the Bradford count is
44-50.
 Madison in a sweater made from Soay wool
Apparently domesticated during the bronze-age, Soay sheep share their name with the small island
off the western coast of Scotland where they were discovered. The island of Soay is one of four
in the St. Kilda archipelago. Thoroughly isolated on this two hundred and forty acre uninhabited
island, they have lived a feral existence for thousands of years. It is unclear who exactly brought
these sheep to this desolate spot or why they left. There are, however, signs on human
inhabitants on the island of Soay dating back four thousand years. Small numbers of sheep were
removed from the island to the British mainland for private breeding around the turn of the
century. Further small groups of sheep have been taken sporadically throughout the twentieth
century. From these private flocks and zoos on the British isles, Soay sheep have made their way
through Canada to the United Sates in small numbers.
 Jewel nursing lamb
Villagers from the nearby island of Hirta used to make a yearly trip to gather wool for spinning
and weaving into cloth during the long Scottish winter. The human settlement on Hirta was
abandoned in 1930 and all large animals were removed. A small group of Soay sheep was
transplanted a year later. This closed population has no significant predation. Therefore, its
numbers fluctuate with the availability of food. This unusual situation is closely studied by
scientists from several universities. The aptly named book Soay Sheep (2004) by Clutton-Brock
and Pemberton details the history of and research on these animals in very fine detail.
 Boo and newborn lamb
The primitive features of Soay sheep make them ideal animals for novice farmers and for families
with small farms. These include a small stature, relative disease resistance, short tails, wool that
sheds in the spring and an ability to thrive on poor forage without significant dietary
supplementation. The small stature means that Soay shepherds don’t have to spend lambing
season sleeping in the barn with their charges. They usually avoid the lambing difficulties
associated with larger sheep breeds. We look forward to checking the flock each morning to
count any new additions. By the time we spot the new lambs they are dried off and nursing
vigorously. Also, being small, Soay are easier for the novice shepherd to handle.
The disease resistance means that we rarely need to visit the veterinarian. Most health issues
(vaccinations, worming and castration) are easily dealt with at home. Resistance to foot rot is a
blessing in western Oregon because muddy pasture is a common problem during the winter
months. Short tails are not docked which means less hassle and little possibility of infection. The
fact that their wool sheds is nice because you do not have to pay someone to shear them or invest
in expensive equipment. You can collect the wool by pulling it from the animals when they start
to shed. We use hand shears to remove whatever does not come easily. Finally, the ability of
Soay sheep to thrive even on poor forage means there is no need for extensive supplementation to
the diet. We give free access to salt with Selenium since heavy rains deplete the soil of this
essential element. I do give some grain, but mostly to entice the sheep to come where I want
them. Unlike neighboring farms, we have no problems with Blackberries or Scotch Broom
(possibly a delicacy from their homeland). Our sheep even seem to prefer these invasive species
when they first move to a new pasture. The one thing they do ignore is thistle, I still have to pull
that myself. Soay sheep are an environmentally friendly way to successfully combat noxious
weeds and keep a pasture under control without mowing. They require little assistance from their
owners and are ideal for small farms.
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