- 17 DIFFERENT COLOR PATTERNS
Icelandics can carry up to 17 different color and pattern combinations. The genetics of this breed are another whole education and we have much to learn. There is a great deal of information available and we’ll include a resource list on our site for those interested in learning more along with us!
- MULTI-PURPOSE ANIMAL
Currently Icelandics are raised for breeding stock, meat, wool, milk, pelts and horns. They offer many options for the farmer including a small dairy, fleeces, roving, yarn, felt, knitted goods, and crafted items. Truly the only limitation is your imagination and energy!
- FORAGERS
The benefits of this characteristic and many! Grain is added cost and labor. Icelandics have roamed their home country for years through the summers with no intervention from their shepherds. Hay during the winter will keep them happy. This foraging capability was a big plus for Icelandics when we looked at different breeds.
- FERTILITY
Ewes begin breeding at 6-7 months and can lamb before they are a year old! This is a very rapid return on investment. Their prolificacy rate is 175-225%. The rams are mature by 6 months and can service 20 ewes. The Icelandics are excellent mothers with lots of milk and will nurse triplets without assistance.
- EASY LAMBING
Another strong factor in our choice of Icelandics was their ability to lamb unassisted. Again, labor must be a consideration. The lambs are up and nursing within a few minutes of birth. Lambs grow rapidly off of milky mothers and good pasture
- MOTHERING INSTINCTS
Icelandics make wonderful mothers and take great care of their young. With an abundance of milk, the lambs are well fed and running around quickly. The ability to nurse up to three lambs is a great asset.
- GROWTH RATE
Lambs reach market size is 4-5 months on good pasture. Mature weight of the ewes is up to 150 pounds with rams reaching up to 200. They are considered a mid-size sheep. The size of the Icelandics appealed to us as they are a easier to handle.
- FIBER
Icelandic fleeces are loved by handspiners. Beautiful roving and yarns can be made with this wonderful fiber. Finished products are unlimited with the different colors and yarn variations. The Icelandic garments are some of the warmest available. Lopi has been popular for many years. The natural colors of the fleece set it apart from other breeds and it’s a favorite of many to work into beautiful yarn. Felting is becoming very popular and the Icelandic wool is one of the best for this craft. Numerous markets are available for Icelandic wool, which is shorn in the fall and again in the spring.
Icelandic sheep have a very long history, dating back over 1100 years, and still account for over 25% of Iceland’s agricultural output. This makes them one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world today.
They are a mid-sized breed and an excellent choice for small or large farm operations. Ewes typically average between 130 and 150 pounds, with rams weighing in between 175 and 200 pounds. They have wonderful conformation and their stocky build makes them a great selection for meat, milk and wool production.
Icelandic wool is known worldwide and presents fantastic opportunities for niche markets. They have a dual coated fleece with the outer coat reaching up to 15 inches. This is truly a delightful fiber for hand spinners. The inner coat is shorter and very soft. (Thel & Tog) Colors include black, moorit (browns), white, gray with solid, spotted, badgerface and mouflon patterns. The variations within these colors and patterns are endless.
The ewes come into heat in late October and cycle through May, if they are not breed. Rams can begin breeding at 5-6 months of age and ewes typically lamb at only 11-12 months old. Gestation ranges from 142-144 days. Icelandics have been known to be productive until 12-13 years of age. They have a good prolificacy rate, averaging 175-225%. Healthy ewes can nurse triplets unassisted.
The Icelandics have clean faces and legs. Their tails are naturally short and require no docking.
Icelandics have survived for over a thousand years on pasture and hay. Lambs can reach finish weight within 3 to 4 months on good pasture. With the high cost of grain supplements, this is a definite advantage for this rugged, old breed.