I have a small flock of Karakul Sheep in Oregon House, CA. This is a very rare breed of sheep in the United States. To my knowledge only 2 other farms in California raise Karakul. This breed is also known as "fat tail or broad tail" sheep. They are a very old breed originating in the middle east and their wool is used primarily for Persian carpets. The flock is registered with papers although the recent lambs are not.  I am interested in developing relationships with other breeders. General interest is also welcome.

I originally got them with the aim of keeping the grass and shrub down for the sake of wild fire prevention. They were from what my animal vet refers to as "escrow sheep", because the owner needed to get rid of them as he was losing his property to foreclosure. I didn't really understand what I was getting into by accepting these 7 original sheep, but the fact that they were purebred with papers and a rare breed in the area, made it seem like a good idea. 

They have excelled at keeping the grass and shrubs down, aka, "minimize fuel load" and so I do sleep better during those hot summer nights when it hasn't rained for 6 months.  When I gaze out upon them in the pasture, I envision them with fire marshall hats  on their heads as they graze away at the "fuel load" on my land. In only a short time they have created an extensive fire-safe perimeter which includes two neighbors properties, making the risk of destruction due to wildfire significantly lower.

Well they seem to be doing very well as they are all healthy and fat. They have also been prolific reproducers and now I have a heard of 17 sheep. I am interested in sharing the wealth, which includes thinning the heard and introducing new Karakul blood.

Stephan Black

530-635-1759

stephan@succeed.net