What Is That Thing? Sheep Creep In The Drystone Wall

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — No, a "sheep creep" isn't a person with an unhealthy obsession with farm animals, but the function of a sheep creep can be found right in the name.

Simply put, a sheep creep allows sheep to creep through but keeps larger and taller livestock out. The unique animal husbandry solution that predates the use of barbed wire lets sheep get first dibs on free range pastures.

The centuries-old bit of common sense technology is more commonly found in drystone walls in the English countryside. In this case, the remnants of a once busy sheep creep can be found at the recently restored Historic Jay Gardens at The Jay Heritage Center.

SEE ALSO:

• What Is That Thing? The Minions On The Roadside
• What Is That Thing? 'Twilight Of The Dawn'
• What Is It Named After? The Zebra House At The Jay Estate

While a sheep creep does a remarkably good job at what it does, it's not clear if the zebras that were briefly kept at the 400-acre farm on John Jay estate respected the sheep creep.

The Historic Jay Gardens are open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on holidays, including Mother’s Day, Memorial Day Weekend, Father’s Day, and July 4th weekend.

The photographs in this report have been updated to reflect more accurate images of a sheep creep as provided by The Jay Heritage Center.