30 Keller Road, Bridgton, ME 04009, us
About Us
Welcome to 4 Ewe Farm
We raise Miniature Cheviot Sheep. The reasons Miniature Cheviots have become my focus? One look at that face says it all, JOY! What a pleasure these sheep are to have around the farm. Miniature Cheviots are a hardy sheep, independent, intelligent and very entertaining. They also support my addiction for wool. Fleece to touch, to felt, to braid, to process, to share. The wool is very springy, soft, and luxurious to the touch. I find the Miniature Cheviot the best yet in dealing with my allergies. So far, I’ve had no reaction to these Miniature Cheviots. I believe the low-grease fleece is why. These sheep offer great fiber; are fast growing for meat and have amazing grazing capabilities. They help clear wood/brush lots for new pasture on our farm with their vigorous browsing habits; mow around the fruit trees and garden paths; keeping the fields lush with fertilizing. Because of their size, they are easily managed; the adults can simply be lifted and carried to where you want them. Only 18 to 22 inches tall and 50 to 100 pounds they are easily handled. Shearing, whether with electric clippers or hand shears is a breeze with their lovely fleece. The lambing process for the Miniature Cheviot ewe is easily handled without any assistance. They are very protective mothers. My rams are social and friendly; they show no aggression to each other, people or the dogs. Although at times cautious, the Miniature Cheviot is curious, and can be very friendly. Whether for show or fiber or pet; a Miniature Cheviot is an excellent choice. Experience joy by including a Miniature Cheviot on your farm, you won’t be disappointed.
The Farm
I hope you enjoy my photos and my rambling on about the farm. For me, there never seems to be enough time for sheep, anything sheep, or anything farm, ever. To read or talk about sheep, wool or farming, my curiosity is endless in all that is farm. We have interest in all farm critters but because of our farm size, we have had to make choices that best suit the land available to us. This is small scale farming. We are trying to get as much as we can off the land responsibly and in turn, give back to it. Our farm believes in recycle, reuse and reduce. This has become a way of life for our family now. Providing the grandchildren with farm experiences, both plant and animal, has become very important to me. For me, animals are a great way to experience love, responsibility, hard work and sometimes, even loss. The satisfaction of having the pantry filled with home grown, chemical free food is such a relief, and a sense of accomplishment. When the grandchildren see the results of their planting and harvesting they feel success and pride in a job well done. The sheep are my primary focus. Although our mini farm is home to our much loved Russian Honey Bees, seasonally we may have chickens, turkeys and pigs. We’ve raised a few Herefords in the past and thoroughly enjoyed their sense of play and interaction. The farm overseers consist of our busy cats , large dogs, nosey llamas and a guard donkey. The farm also has a collection of antique tractors, sometimes used on the farm, sometimes used as play items for the grandchildren. We are in the process of establishing a mini orchard, just enough to support the family. Growing dwarf fruit trees , Apple, Pear, Plum, along with Walnut and a few Blueberry and Raspberry bushes. Our garden is mostly raised bed vegetable gardens made from recycled pallets or steel roofing and filled with manure compost. We have perennial flower gardens for the bees and of course, for lovely color, which in turn gives me felting inspiration. With much gratitude to our family, from my husband and me, the farm is definitely an adventure which occasionally requires help from our grown children. With communal cooperation, we all reap the benefits.
Minature Cheviot Sheep & Scotch Collies
Contact us for sales
Our miniature cheviot sheep are registered with the AMCSBA
American Miniature Cheviot Sheep Breeders Association
To find out more, visit the website: www.minicheviot.com
Our GREAT collie dogs are my heart. For small scale farming, a homestead, an active family with children, dock diving, agility, scent tracking, this is the dog, the dog of the past. The kind of collie dog that lived on your grandparents farm. No AKC here. This is a landrace breed. A dog breed with a purpose. Guard dog, herding dog, hunting dog, loyal family pet. I like to think of my dogs as "The Farm Supervisors".
To find our more about this marvelous breed, visit the official website:
www.scotchcollie.com or check out any of the supported Facebook sites dedicated to this amazing dog breed:
Old-Time Scotch Collie Association
Scotch Collie, OTSC/OTFC Fan Club
Official Old-Time Scotch-Collie Discussion Group
OTSCA Breeders Forum
This farm collie is evaluated at the age of one, against the established breed standards, the ability to herd, hunt and guard, then is subject to registration. There are many dedicated people involved in this organization that want to do right by the old-time scotch collie. Start a chat on Facebook with any of these people, who will undoubtedly, sing praises for the OTSC.
These dogs are what keep our farm together.