Why Raise Painted Desert Sheep?

You might wonder why we raise Painted Desert Sheep alongside our primary Katahdin flock, given the many advantages of Katahdins. The answer lies in our passion for diversity and the unique qualities of the Painted Desert breed.

Discovery and Appeal

We discovered Painted Desert Sheep while experimenting with various local breeds, crossbreeding them with our Barbados Sheep. We were captivated by their striking colors and impressive horns. This breed has become more of a visually appealing project for us, complementing our breeding philosophy that we apply to our Katahdins.

Traits and Characteristics

Painted Desert Sheep are distinct from Katahdins in several ways:

• Athleticism and Behavior: These sheep are more athletic and lively, displaying a wilder temperament. They are known for their flightiness and agility, often leaping to escape perceived threats.
• Maternal Qualities: Our Painted Desert ewes are excellent mothers, frequently raising twins. They are low maintenance, not requiring worming or hoof trimming. However, they grow more slowly than Katahdins, with mature rams reaching up to 150 lbs and ewes ranging from 85-110 lbs.
• Lambs: The lambs are notably agile, and catching them can be challenging if not done promptly after birth. In the fall, the rams engage in dramatic displays of dominance, clashing horns with a resounding impact that can be heard over a mile away.
• Meat Quality and Growth: Like Katahdins, the meat of Painted Desert Sheep is mild, but it takes over a year to reach the 100 lb mark for wethers. For those seeking a smaller carcass, they typically average around 50 lbs shortly after weaning.

Registration and Breeding

Our Painted Desert Sheep are registered with the Painted Desert Sheep Society (PDSS), where we hold lifetime membership. Many of our rams achieve the Gold Standard (GSR) horn ranking by around 3 years old, thriving on native pasture and minerals. While we do focus on producing quality horns, our breeding approach emphasizes overall balance rather than single-trait selection.

Background and Future Goals

Our flock originates from Northern California, with the initial purchase made in Texas. Over the past 7 years, we’ve enjoyed the diversity that Painted Desert Sheep bring to our operation. We are committed to expanding our flock, aiming for 25 registered ewes and 3 registered breeding rams, with a current focus on black and white sheep.

Get in Touch

If you’re interested in hardy, low-maintenance sheep with impressive horns and mild meat, feel free to email us or visit our farm. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect addition to your flock.