Not So Sheepish Sheep Trivia Quiz

Answer: curled

Research has shown the ears are in the neutral i.e., perpendicular to the head or the rump, or backward when they are calm and quiet, usually when being fed or "voluntarily" groomed.

The asymmetrical posture, one ear is pointed back and the other is pointed forward, is displayed when they are annoyed (yes, sheep can get annoyed) or frustrated. It can be seen when separated from other flock or group and has also been observed in research when they were given less food, than the usual portion, as a reward.

The forward ear is displayed when sheep are exposed to an unfamiliar situation which is stressful for them.

Answer: True

Like us, sheep have a special compartment in their brains for facial recognition and they are able to recognize the individual faces of at least 50 sheep. They have a separate system of recognition for other objects, such as rocks and trees.

Answer: seeking out plants that make them feel better

Research has also shown that sick sheep could actually be smart enough to cure themselves. Evidence suggests that they have the ability to detect their own nutrient deficiency and which foods are beneficial.

Answer: displaying its "hang head" posture

Sheep have a very high tolerance for pain and, unlike us, do not cry out. When a sheep is injured it will "suffer in silence". Sheep are smart enough to know they are potential food for predators. Not showing pain is a means of survival for them.

A sheep that has over eaten and is starting to bloat, will stand quietly, but the "hang-head posture" is a warning sign that it is in distress. Sadly, sheep are so good at masking their symptoms in some cases by the time illness is discovered it is too late for treatment.

Answer: both

Sheep need to see other sheep! Research shows that group of five or so sheep is usually necessary for them to display their normal flocking behavior. A sheep will become highly agitated and stressed if it is separated from the rest of the flock.

Answer: poor depth perception

Poor depth perception, i.e., three dimensional vision is why they will often stop to examine something more closely. Sheep have difficulty picking out details and also avoid shadows and contrast between light and dark.

Answer: True

Sheep are able to amplify sound which arrives at each ear at a different time. In response to loud or high-pitched noises they release stress-related hormones and will become agitated. Low volume sounds will encourage sheep to move.

Answer: True

Sheep know what predators smell like. They also use the sense of smell to locate water and differences in their food. Sheep are more likely to move INTO the wind than WITH the wind to use their acute sense of smell.

Answer: kill coyotes

Icelandic leadersheep have an uncanny sense of impending bad weather. They have been known to sense change on the way often an entire day before a blizzard hit. Even though a day might start out perfectly (weather wise) the leadersheep will refuse to leave the barn, thus warning "a change is on the way". When all is well it will be the first one out of the gate. In instances when farmers can't get a skittish sheep from one place to another the leader sheep takes command and usually the difficult sheep follows.

During a roundup in 1884 a large flock of sheep had been gathered for "drive" over a mountain desert. Snowfall began in the morning and at night a blizzard hit. The drivers, not being able to see "landmarks" could not find their way over the desert. Sutur, who was a superior leader took over.

During the trek over the desert, Surtur stopped suddenly and came back to the men, who were behind the flock. His face was covered with ice and snow . After the men cleared his face he continued leading. While moving steadily Surtur came back several times to have his face cleared and then continued. Finally he stopped and refused to go any further. The men discovered grass under their feet and realized they were out of the desert, but they were still not sure of their exact location.

At dawn the blizzard let up and the men realized they were at the very spot where they usually stopped after crossing the sand. Every year, since Surtur was a lamb he had stopped there in the roundup. He had knew exactly where to go even when experienced men had lost their way!

Unfortunately, even a leadsersheep cannot take on a coyote, however, they have been known to signal a dangerous spot where traps should be set!

Answer: winding

A sheep's field of vision is approximately 270 degrees, but its "blind-spot" is directly behind its backside. The winding of tracks is due to it observing first with one eye then the other. Sheep can spot "danger" 1,200 to 1,500 yards away!