Double Z Ranch - Home to North Country Cheviots, Cotswolds, Border Leicesters, and Jacob Sheep and Wool Products


Sheep for Sale E-mail Us Farm Photos Wool for Sale			Andy, Sheryl, Kylie, and Shanda Zettle 83576 Rattlesnake Road Dexter, OR 97431 (541) 726-6505 zzranch@msn.com
	We live on 120 acres that is part hillside and part bottom ground. We have been raising sheep and cows for 19 years. We have a group of commercial ewes that we use a Cheviot ram and/or a Cotswold ram on. We also raise purebred North Country Cheviots, Cotswolds, Border Leicesters, and Jacobs. My daughters and I enjoy showing the purebred sheep. They each started with a Cotswold ewe lamb when they were five and have each built their flocks from that first ewe. Kylie also recently added some Border Leicesters to her flock. The girls are both active in 4H showing market animals and their purebred animals. We also show at the Lane County Fair and the Puyallup Fair.
			North Country Cheviots
	The cheviot is an intelligent, tough, resourceful sheep that produces a superior lamb crop. An adult ewe in good condition will weigh about 180 pounds and an adult ram in good condition will weigh about 300 pounds. It has an outstanding crossbreeding ability. The lambs from crossbreeding have superior carcasses. The girls use cheviot crosses for their 4H market lambs and do very well with them. Lambs are born very alert and active and the ewes are excellent mothers. I had a crossbred ewe unable to get up after having twin cheviot lambs once, and when I found her the next day the lambs had gotten up and were nursing off of the down ewe. The association motto is: “The breed that thrives where others survive.”
		Cotswolds
	Cotswolds are one of the oldest authenticated breeds of sheep. They were developed in the Cotswold Hills of Gloucester, England from Roman longwools brought to the British Isles by Caesar’s invaders. The first major importation of them to the US was in 1832. Cotswold rams will mature at about 280 pounds and ewes at about 225 pounds. The ewes are excellent mothers. They have a beautiful fleece often called “poor man’s mohair” that lies on the body in distinct, bold open locks. The fiber is highly lustrous with a Bradford count in the 40’s. This breed is very adaptable to different environments. They are known as the gentle giants because of their great dispositions. We raise black and white cotswolds.
	Border Leicesters
	The Border Leicester is a dual purpose breed, producing both meat and wool. Border Leicester wool falls in long, shining locks that are popular with hand spinners. Their wool has a spinning count from 40’s to 50’s. They have a very stylish, distinctive look with their arched Roman nose and long, erect ears. A mature ram will weigh about 200-225 pounds and a mature ewe will weigh about 150-175 pounds. They are also good foragers and get along on less feed than many other breeds. Border Leicester lambs are active and vigorous at birth. They grow rapidly for the first four months and continue to grow for several years. Border Leicester lambs fed for maximum gains often reach a trim 110 pounds by 4 1/2 months of age. Border Leicester's have a great temperament. They are very easy to work with and seem to tame down quickly.
			Jacobs
	The Jacob is a small to medium size breed, with ewes ranging from 80-120 lbs. and rams from 120-180 lbs. Jacob sheep are carriers of the polycerate gene, allowing them to have 2, 4, or 6 horns, with both rams and ewes having horns. Jacob fleeces are light and open, and a delight for handspinners. Due to the spotting, the wool can be spun into a complete spectrum from white through gray/lilac to black. Handsome and hardy, the jacob is ideal for both the small flock owner and the larger breeder. A small and efficient breed, more jacobs can be maintained per acre than larger, modern breeds.
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