Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
20. The job is done, and within a
minute the sheep is back on
her feet and eating grass.
Shearing Suggestions
Shearing is something you learn with practice; over time you'll develop tech-
niques that work well for you, but these suggestions should help you get
started.
■
Shear as early as the weather permits so shearing nicks will heal before
fl y season. Ewes can be sheared (gently) before lambing; this makes it
easier to help the ewe if necessary and removes dirty wool tags that the
lamb might suck on.
■
Never shear when the wool is wet or damp. Damp wool is very hard to
dry for sacking and storing. It is also combustible and can mildew.
■
Pen the sheep in the afternoon prior to shearing so they will not be full
of feed when sheared. A covered holding pen with a slatted fl oor is ideal.
■
Shear on a clean tarp, shaken out after each sheep, or on a wood fl oor
that can be swept off. A 4×4-foot (1.2×1.2 m) piece of plywood works
well.
■
Shear fl eece in one piece, but don't trim the wool from the legs or the
hooves onto the fl eece.
■
Remove dung tags, and do not tie them in with the fl eece.