Skudden Sheep Enclosure

Part of a nice hike and it is always good if someone takes care of things worth preserving. Also a nice place.

Skudden: Small, woolly, beautiful! Part 1The East Prussian Skudde, once called "Heidschnucke der Masuren" (Heidschnucke der Masuren)) is an old and original breed of sheep. It was the native sheep of East Prussia and the Baltic States. Today, Skudden are one of the endangered animal breeds. The petite and lively animals are very frugal and are ideal for The goats always have impressive snail horns, the females are hornless or have small, narrow horns. There has been reliable evidence of the existence of the Skudden since the Middle Ages. It has not yet been clarified whether this domestic animal breed is the "sheep Vikings "or direct descendants of Neolithic sheep. The existing stocks in Germany go back to remnants that survived the Second World War and were subsequently preserved by passionate sheep farmers and zoos in East and West Germany. The Skudde is the smallest German breed of sheep ( no dwarf breeding!). D. he head is wedge-shaped and covered with burin hair. A broad forehead, fine nasal bone and small, upward-pointing ears and a black pigmented nose are other typical characteristics of this breed of animal. Skudden are available in white, black, occasionally brown or gray, but always in full color. The Skudde is an undemanding sheep who is content with poor pastures. Source: Text information board

Skudden: Small, woolly, beautiful! Part 2Basically, the East Prussian Skudde does not need a stable, the breed can be kept outdoors all year round. A simple, open shelter, which is often only used when it is raining or when there is heavy snowfall, is sufficient to protect against bad weather. Good hay is sufficient as winter feed. Concentrated feed is not necessary. The mixed-wool fleece perfectly protects the animals from cooling down or getting wet. Today the Skudden are primarily used for landscape maintenance. They are not very picky about food and do not even disdain stinging nettles, thistles or red dock. Another reason for breeding is to keep this breed of domestic animal as a genetic reserve. Skudden show pronounced herd behavior and should therefore always be kept in groups. They are alert and escape very easily, whereby their size and maneuverability, but also their jumping ability, are of great advantage. They only become tame with a lot of patience. The meat has a distinct game taste due to the originality of the breed and is considered a delicacy due to its low fat content. Skudden wool is one of the finest in the world, three times finer than that of merino sheep. Source: Text information board