Question 1

What is special about Hog Island Sheep?

Accepted Answer

The Hog Island sheep take their name from a barrier island off Virginia’s Eastern Shore, on which they lived—mostly feral—for centuries, isolated from genetic influences that have created the sheep most people recognize today.
 
The kinship is more circumstantial than definitive—genetic testing has turned up no exact DNA match in England to prove the Hog Islands’ provenance. This may be because they developed, over 200 years, to suit local conditions or because, as with other heritage animals in the US, their genetic counterpart abroad has been bred out of existence.
 
With fewer than 200 breeding animals in the US, Hog Island Sheep are considered critically endangered, the conservancy’s most pressing category. 
 
The herd at Rancho Lanzone is interbred with the Hog Island Sheep at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, where over 200 sheep are kept in honor of our Founding Father.
 
George Washington took his husbandry seriously. At his farm at Mount Vernon, he sought out the best livestock, not only for his own account but also to build better breeds for the young nation. In a 1788 letter to agriculturalist Arthur Young, he wrote: “For the multiplication of useful animals is a common blessing to mankind,” adding about the prime mules he received from Spain: “I hope to secure a race of extraordinary goodness, which will stock the Country.”

Question 2

Do sheep bite?

Accepted Answer

With no top teeth, Hog Island Sheep cannot and will not bite you.  They pick up the food with their lips, which might even tickle you!

Question 3

How close can we get?

Accepted Answer

Close enough to take a selfie!  Hog Island Sheep are herd animals.  When one of them figures out that you have food, it will not be long before the whole herd has heard.
 
You are welcome to feed them grain and they will happily eat from your hands.  They do not like the smell of hand sanitizer, so use it when you are finished feeding.

Question 4

What other services are available in addition to this Hog Island Sheep experience?

Accepted Answer

Rancho Lanzone features the following friendly, handfed animals.
 
4 Huacaya Alpacas
6 Hog Island Sheep
3 Myotonic Fainting Goats
1 Bernese Mountain Dog
 
Taste of Peru
Peruvian Empandas + Pisco Sour Bar for Adults/Chicha Morada Club for Kids
Full catering, bartending and furniture rental services are available through our exclusive partnership with Peruvian Brothers catering and food trucks.  All customers will receive a customized quote with detailed notes prior to service.
 
We have experience working with customers on every kind of party.
 
- Just-For-Fun Home Visits
- Alpaca Selfie Photoshoot
- Birthday Parties
- School Visits
- Alpaca Yoga
- Engagement Photos 
- Zoom Meeting Visitor
- Surprise! - Send a surprise Alpaca visit to a neighbor or loved one.
- Live Nativity Scenes for Christmas Parties
- Wedding Alpacas

HOG ISLAND SHEEP

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Hog Island Sheep?

Do sheep bite?

How close can we get?

What other services are available in addition to this Hog Island Sheep experience?