Soay Sheep

Looks how to spot one

wool

Soay sheep have a short, moulting fleece that sheds naturally in spring. The coat consists of coarse outer kemps and a fine undercoat. They are nimble, deer‑like sheep with slender bones, short tails, and clean faces and legs.456

Personality what they are like

Soay sheep are alert, shy and curious. They are not strong flockers and startle easily, scattering when alarmed. With regular, gentle handling they can become tame enough to eat from your hand, but they are best suited to experienced keepers.45

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They need space to roam and browse, and do well on mixed vegetation or marginal pasture. Being light on the soil, they are excellent for eco‑grazing. They will use small field shelters but seek cover in wet weather.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

They do not need shearing; their fleece is naturally shed in early summer and can be plucked (rooed) by hand. Hooves rarely need trimming if kept on rocky or abrasive ground. They need protection for lambs against predators such as large raptors.452

Home where they are happiest

They are cold‑hardy and thrive on rough pasture, but can become overweight on lush grass or grain. They must not have access to rhododendrons or azaleas, which are toxic. Secure fencing is needed because they are agile jumpers.42

Food basics what goes in the bowl

They eat grass, browse, and other vegetation; they are very thrifty and do well on poor pasture. Supplementary grain is rarely needed and can cause obesity. Fresh water must always be available.42

Company who they like around

They are social animals and should be kept in a flock. Ewes and wethers can bond with human keepers if handled gently, but rams can become aggressive during the rut. They do not herd together like modern sheep and can be stressed by dogs.42

The story where it all began

Soay sheep come from the remote island of Soay in the St Kilda archipelago, west of Scotland. They are one of the most primitive sheep breeds in Britain, descended from sheep that arrived in the Bronze Age. For centuries they lived feral on the island, only occasionally hunted for their wool and meat. In the 1800s some were taken to parklands on the mainland, and in 1963 a group was brought from Hirta to form the foundation of the current registered flock. Today the island population is closed to emigration, but a small gene pool exists on the mainland and in North America.124

Recognised by the official bits

The Soay and Boreray Sheep Society (UK)

Maintains the breed register in the United Kingdom2

The Livestock Conservancy (USA)

Lists British Soay as a rare breed4