Sheep shearing is essential for your sheep’s health and pleasure. Shearing a sheep is a messy, hot, and exhausting labor, but it is also incredibly satisfying. By the way, learning more about sheep shearing is critical; otherwise, you risk destroying the wool, causing stress, or even injuring the animal.
Shearing a sheep is the process of removing the woolen fleece from the animal. Adult sheep are shorn once a year on average. Sheep are generally sheared at any time of year, depending on the environment and management needs. The rams can be shorn whenever they like, but the ewes are usually shorn just before lambing. Shearing a sheep before or during the winter is not recommended.
Sheep shearing is regarded as a sport in some regions, with events occurring all over the world. Finding someone to shear your sheep, on the other hand, might be challenging at times. If you’re new to the process, continue reading to know how to shear a sheep and buy shearing gear online in more detail here.
What Equipment Do You Need for Shearing?
It’s critical to invest in high-quality shearing equipment. This will simplify the process and make it safer for both the shearer and the sheep. Electric cutters are almost entirely utilized nowadays.
The handpiece, comb, and cutters are the three major components of electric shears. Look for shears with a comb with a larger number of teeth, as these tend to cut closer to the skin. A good grade electric shear will cost between $250 and $500.
Before you start shearing, double-check that your cutters are already sharp. Dull cutters are more difficult to use and may be hazardous to both you and the sheep. Fortunately, simply replacing the cutters on your shears is fairly simple. The price of new cutters will range from $10 to $15.
Shearing was done with hand shears in the past and still done in locations when power was limited. This method of shearing takes a lot longer and leaves a lot more wool on the sheep.
Tips for Shearing
- If you’re new to shearing, blows should be long and powerful. One of the most essential aspects of becoming a skilled shearer is having confidence. Don’t second-guess yourself; doing so will only enhance your chances of making a mistake. Also, as you shear, make sure you develop a specific rhythm; this will make moving from one section to the next much easier.
- Keep the skin firm by pulling it taut with your left or non-dominant hand. When the sheep’s skin is pushed taut, your shears will move more freely and you’ll be able to take a closer cut. As a result, it’s critical to continue stretching the skin you’re about to shear with your hand. This is especially critical for sheep with finer wool, as their skin is more wrinkled and difficult to see through.
- You have a higher chance of injuring your sheep when you make second cuts. When a blow is made incorrectly, a second blow may be required to remove any remaining wool. Second cuts refer to the little fragments of fleece left over after the second blow. Nobody wants second cuts, thus they can’t be used in rolled fleece. This is because they weaken the yarn and make it easier to pull. So, when you’re blowing, try to be confident.
- Finally, among the most crucial things to remember before shearing is to know when to do it yourself and when to seek expert assistance.
Shearing sheep without prior experience can be hazardous to both you and your animals. Knowing how to do it, though, can save you a lot of money. However, try to be honest with yourself and your abilities, and know when to call in the experts.
