Double H Farm
Barbados & American Blackbelly Sheep
The Barbados Blackbelly breed originally developed on the West Indies island of Barbados from hair sheep brought in by traders during the 1600s. In 1904, the USDA imported four ewes and a ram to Bethesda, Maryland. Over the years, offspring from this original flock, plus sheep imported from Mexico and South America, established additional “flocks” across the U.S. The Barbados Blackbelly is a small-framed polled sheep, has the no-shear hair coat, and known for it's prolificacy, disease resistance, and parasite tolerance.
The American Blackbelly breed has the same dramatic markings of the Barbados Blackbelly, it is the presence of a pair of magnificent horns on the ram that separates it visually from the Barbados. Barbados Blackbelly rams and ewes are polled (they have no horns). In contrast, American Blackbelly rams are horned and the ewes may or may not have horns.
THE BEGINNING...
How this started?? We purchased a Dorper lamb named "Dice" in 2010. We fell in love with his quirky personality and antics. We decided he needed a buddy, and purchased a Black Hawaiian ewe lamb, and named her L.C. They became fast buddies. We came across a Barbados Blackbelly ewe, and after some thorough research on the breed, decided we had to have our own flock. We love the fact they are polled (no horns), hair sheep, disease resistant and parasite tolerant and BEAUTIFUL..
Double H Farm has registered Barbados Blackbellies, as well as Blackbellie crosses. Please contact us for current for sale list.
THE MEAT
Blackbelly meat is unsurpassed by other red meats. It is low in fat and cholesterol but high in protein, which makes it a very healthful choice. There is no muttony taste, even in 2-year-old rams. Unlike meat from most wooled breeds of lamb, Blackbelly meat is very mild flavored and lean, like venison. It is a favorite among ethnic groups, who prefer it over beef.
FOR SALE
Hannah's lambs (ram/ewe twins): American Blackbelly, born 1/22/15 $200/250.
LC's lamb (ram): Barbados x Black Hawaiian Born 2/6/15 $125
Brianna's lambs (ram/ewe twins) : Barbados Blackbelly - 3/7/15 Ram is SOLD, ewe Not For Sale
Roxy's lambs (ram twins): American Blackbelly born 3/10/15 $200 each
Holly's lambs (ram/ewe twins): American Blackbelly born 2/21/15 $200/$250
Dice: 4 year old pet wether... yes, he is for sale to an approved home. He leads on a leash and loves his treats - $100
