Tunis Sheep
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Physical Description:
Tunis lambs are born with a double coat of red fiber on their bodies to protect them from the elements. Their body fleece lightens as they mature, but they retain their red legs, heads, and ears. They commonly have white spots on the top of their heads and tail tip. They have wool-free heads and legs, and they have fat long tails. They are known for their adaptability to various climates, from hot summers to cold winters. Mature rams feature spiraling horns, while ewes generally have no horns. Tunis have expressive eyes, long pendulous ears and a slender head.
Size:
Tunis are medium sized sheep. Rams in breeding condition weigh between 175 and 225 pounds while ewes weigh between 125 and 175 pounds.
Native Habitat:
The Tunis are among our oldest sheep breed having been introduced in this country around 1799 as a gift to George Washington from the ruler of Tunisia, the Bey of Tunis, a North African country. They date back to biblical times and were commonly known as “fat-tailed” also “broad-tailed” and “Barbary” Sheep who could be found on the John Adams farm in Braintree, Mass and at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Virginia among others. Over time they were crossbred with other European breeds which resulted in our uniquely American sheep breed.
Lifespan:
The average lifespan of Tunis sheep is between 12 to 16 years.
Communication:
The facial expression is bright, active, and intelligent with a tendency to communicate through ear movement.
Food/Eating Habits:
Tunis are “easy keepers”, and do well on grass and hay alone, as a principle diet.
Sleep Habits:
They typically sleep in a bunch, but for short periods of time throughout the day and night.
Social Structure:
Tunis have the sweetest temperaments and have excellent mothering qualities. Their personalities can range from friendly and energetic to calm and docile.
Reproduction And Development:
Tunis ewes are prolific breeders, often producing twins or triplets, which enhances flock expansion and genetic diversity. Most sheep are seasonal breeders, meaning ewes only cycle in the fall when days become shorter and temperatures drop, but Tunis are known to breed out of season.