Shearing Sheep: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Shearing sheep is an essential practice in sheep farming, crucial for the health and well-being of the animals and the production of valuable wool. While it might seem daunting at first, with proper knowledge, preparation, and technique, shearing can be a safe and efficient process. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for beginners, covering everything from preparing your sheep and equipment to mastering the shearing process and caring for the shorn fleece.

Why Shear Sheep?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to understand *why* shearing is necessary. Sheep, unlike wild animals that shed their coats naturally, have been bred over centuries to produce wool continuously. Without shearing, the wool would become excessively long, matted, and dirty. This can lead to several problems:

* **Overheating:** A thick fleece can trap heat, especially during warmer months, leading to heat stress and potentially death.
* **Parasite Infestation:** Long fleece provides an ideal environment for parasites like lice, mites, and ticks to thrive.
* **Reduced Mobility:** Heavy, matted wool can restrict movement and make it difficult for sheep to graze and navigate their environment.
* **Wool Blindness:** Excess wool around the face can obstruct vision, making it difficult for sheep to find food and water.
* **Flystrike:** In warm, humid climates, flies can lay eggs in soiled wool, particularly around the tail, leading to a painful and potentially fatal condition called flystrike.

Shearing, therefore, is a vital management practice that ensures the health, comfort, and productivity of your sheep.

When to Shear

The optimal time to shear sheep depends on your climate and breed. Generally, shearing is done in the spring, before the weather gets too hot. This allows the sheep to grow a new fleece before winter arrives. Here are some factors to consider:

* **Climate:** In warmer climates, you might shear twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. In colder climates, a single shearing in late spring or early summer is usually sufficient.
* **Breed:** Some breeds produce finer wool that needs more frequent shearing. Consult with experienced sheep farmers or your breed association for specific recommendations.
* **Weather Forecast:** Avoid shearing when rain is expected in the days following. Newly shorn sheep are vulnerable to cold and wet conditions.
* **Wool Length:** A good rule of thumb is to shear when the fleece is at least 2-4 inches long.

Preparing for Shearing

Successful shearing requires careful preparation. This involves preparing your sheep, your equipment, and your workspace.

Preparing Your Sheep

* **Fasting:** Withhold food from your sheep for 12-24 hours before shearing. This will reduce the amount of waste in their digestive system, making them lighter and easier to handle. Ensure they still have access to water.
* **Cleanliness:** Keep your sheep as clean and dry as possible in the weeks leading up to shearing. Avoid letting them graze in muddy or dusty areas. This will improve the quality of the wool and make the shearing process easier.
* **Health Check:** Before shearing, check your sheep for any signs of illness or injury. Treat any problems before shearing to avoid stressing the animal further.
* **Practice Handling:** Get your sheep used to being handled by regularly touching and moving them. This will help them stay calm during the shearing process.

Preparing Your Equipment

* **Shearing Machine:** Electric shearing machines are the most common tool for shearing sheep. Ensure your machine is in good working order, with sharp blades and a properly adjusted tension. If using hand shears (also known as blade shears), make sure they are clean, sharp, and well-oiled.
* **Blades:** Have multiple sets of sharp blades on hand. Sharp blades are essential for a clean and efficient shearing process. Dull blades will tear the wool and can injure the sheep.
* **Shearing Table or Platform:** A raised shearing table or platform can make the process easier on your back. It also provides a clean and level surface for shearing.
* **Wool Bags or Baskets:** Have plenty of wool bags or baskets ready to collect the shorn fleece. Use clean bags to avoid contaminating the wool.
* **First Aid Kit:** Keep a first aid kit on hand in case of any minor cuts or injuries to the sheep or yourself. Include antiseptic spray, wound dressing, and bandages.
* **Cleaning Supplies:** Have cleaning supplies on hand to clean your equipment and workspace.
* **Wool Handling Table:** A clean, flat surface for skirting and classing the wool.

* **Lighting:** Adequate lighting is crucial for a safe and efficient shearing process. Ensure your workspace is well-lit.
* **Extension Cord:** If using an electric shearing machine, make sure you have a long enough extension cord to reach all areas of your shearing pen or platform.

Preparing Your Workspace

* **Cleanliness:** Thoroughly clean your shearing area to remove any dirt, debris, or manure. This will help prevent contamination of the wool.
* **Safety:** Ensure the area is free of any hazards that could injure you or the sheep.
* **Space:** Provide ample space for moving around the sheep and handling the fleece.
* **Ventilation:** Good ventilation is important, especially if you are shearing indoors.

Step-by-Step Shearing Instructions

The following steps outline a common shearing technique. Remember that practice makes perfect, and it may take some time to develop your own style. Safety and the well-being of the sheep should always be your top priorities. This method assumes you are using an electric shearing machine.

**Safety First:** Always wear appropriate safety gear, including closed-toe shoes and eye protection. Be aware of the sharp blades and take precautions to avoid injury. Handle the sheep gently and avoid causing them unnecessary stress.

**Step 1: Positioning the Sheep**

* Start by positioning the sheep on its rump. This can be done by gently but firmly tipping the sheep back, using your legs to support its weight. Some shearers use a special shearing cradle or platform to assist with this.
* Hold the sheep firmly between your knees to prevent it from struggling. Keep the sheep as calm as possible.

**Step 2: Belly and Crutch**

* Begin by shearing the belly wool. This wool is often dirty and of lower quality, so it’s best to remove it first.
* Use short, overlapping strokes to shear the belly wool, working from the udder or sheath towards the chest.
* Next, shear the crutch (the area around the tail and between the hind legs). This area is also prone to being dirty.
* Be careful not to cut the sheep’s skin, especially around the udder or sheath. Use gentle pressure and keep the blades moving smoothly.

**Step 3: Inside Legs**

* Shear the inside of the legs, working from the feet towards the body.
* Use short, controlled strokes and be careful around the joints.
* Keep the sheep’s legs secure to prevent it from kicking.

**Step 4: Chest and Neck**

* Carefully position the sheep to access the chest and neck.
* Shear the chest, working from the brisket towards the shoulder.
* Shear the neck, working from the head towards the shoulder.
* Maintain a smooth and even shearing pattern.

**Step 5: Shoulder and Foreleg**

* Shear the shoulder and foreleg, working from the top of the shoulder down to the knee.
* Use long, smooth strokes and follow the contours of the sheep’s body.
* Be careful not to leave any patches of wool behind.

**Step 6: Back and Loin**

* This is the main body of the fleece and should be shorn in long, continuous strokes.
* Start at the shoulder and work towards the rump, keeping the shearing head flat against the sheep’s skin.
* Overlap each stroke slightly to ensure that no wool is left behind.
* Maintain a consistent shearing pattern to produce a fleece that is even in length and density.

**Step 7: Second Side (Repeat Steps 3-6)**

* Carefully rotate the sheep to the other side and repeat the process, shearing the inside leg, chest, neck, shoulder, foreleg, back, and loin.
* Maintain a consistent shearing pattern to ensure a uniform fleece.

**Step 8: Head**

* Shear the head last, being especially careful around the eyes, ears, and mouth.
* Use short, controlled strokes and avoid cutting the sheep.
* Remove any wool that is obstructing the sheep’s vision.

**Step 9: Final Touches**

* Once you have finished shearing, inspect the sheep for any remaining patches of wool.
* Trim any stray locks and ensure that the fleece is evenly shorn.
* Check the sheep for any cuts or injuries and treat them accordingly.

**Important Considerations During Shearing:**

* **Sheep Handling:** Handle sheep gently and calmly. Rough handling can cause stress and injury.
* **Blade Angle:** Maintain the correct blade angle to avoid cutting the sheep and to ensure a clean shearing cut.
* **Pressure:** Apply consistent pressure to the shearing head to maintain an even cut.
* **Overlapping Strokes:** Overlap your shearing strokes to prevent leaving any wool behind.
* **Avoid Second Cuts:** Try to avoid making second cuts in the fleece, as this reduces its value.

Post-Shearing Care

After shearing, it’s important to provide proper care for your sheep to ensure their health and well-being.

* **Shelter:** Provide newly shorn sheep with shelter from the elements, especially cold, wind, and rain. A barn or shed is ideal. If shelter is not available, delay shearing until more favorable weather conditions are expected.
* **Nutrition:** Provide sheep with high-quality feed and plenty of fresh water to help them recover from the stress of shearing. Shearing increases the sheep’s energy requirements.
* **Parasite Control:** Treat sheep for external parasites, such as lice and mites, immediately after shearing. This is the most effective time to apply treatments, as the parasites are more exposed.
* **Wound Care:** Check sheep for any cuts or injuries and treat them with antiseptic spray. Monitor the wounds for signs of infection.
* **Flystrike Prevention:** In areas prone to flystrike, apply a preventative treatment to protect sheep from flystrike infestation. Pay particular attention to the crutch area.

Handling the Fleece

Proper handling of the shorn fleece is essential to maintain its quality and value. This involves skirting, classing, and packaging the wool.

* **Skirting:** Skirting involves removing any dirty, stained, or inferior wool from the edges of the fleece. This includes belly wool, crutch wool, and any wool contaminated with vegetable matter or manure. Skirting improves the overall quality of the fleece.
* **Classing:** Classing involves sorting the fleece into different grades based on fiber diameter, length, strength, and color. This is typically done by experienced wool classers. Classing increases the value of the wool by ensuring that it is uniform in quality.
* **Packaging:** Package the fleeces in clean wool bags or baskets. Ensure that the bags are properly labeled with the farm name, breed of sheep, and grade of wool. Store the wool in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Troubleshooting Common Shearing Problems

Even with careful preparation, you may encounter some common problems during shearing.

* **Cuts and Injuries:** Cuts and injuries are inevitable, especially when you are first learning to shear. Keep a first aid kit on hand and treat any wounds promptly. Practice proper shearing techniques to minimize the risk of injury.
* **Sheep Struggle:** Some sheep may struggle during shearing. Try to keep the sheep calm and handle it gently. Use proper restraint techniques to prevent injury to yourself or the sheep. If a sheep is excessively agitated, take a break and try again later.
* **Dull Blades:** Dull blades can make shearing difficult and increase the risk of injury. Sharpen or replace blades regularly to ensure a clean and efficient shearing process.
* **Uneven Shearing:** Uneven shearing can result in a fleece that is of lower quality. Practice proper shearing techniques and maintain a consistent shearing pattern to ensure an even cut.
* **Blade Overheating:** The shearing machine blades can overheat, especially during prolonged use. Use blade coolant or lubricant to prevent overheating. Have multiple sets of blades so you can switch them out and allow the hot blades to cool down.

Alternative Shearing Methods

While electric shears are the most common method, some smaller farms and homesteads may use blade shears (hand shears).

* **Blade Shears (Hand Shears):** Blade shearing involves using a pair of hand-operated shears to cut the wool. This method is slower and more physically demanding than using electric shears, but it can be a good option for small flocks or for those who prefer a more traditional approach. The technique involves a different hand and body positioning, using the shears in a cutting and sliding motion against the sheep’s skin. Blade shearing tends to leave a slightly longer wool fiber length compared to machine shearing.

Learning Resources

* **Local Sheep Farmers:** Connect with experienced sheep farmers in your area and ask for advice and guidance.
* **Shearing Schools:** Attend a shearing school or workshop to learn proper shearing techniques from professional shearers.
* **Online Resources:** Explore online resources, such as videos and articles, to learn more about shearing sheep.
* **Breed Associations:** Contact your breed association for information and resources specific to your breed of sheep.

Conclusion

Shearing sheep is a challenging but rewarding task. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can learn to shear your sheep safely and efficiently. Remember to prioritize the health and well-being of your animals, practice proper shearing techniques, and handle the fleece with care. With practice and patience, you will become a skilled sheep shearer.