This method was designed for fast, efficient, and safe shearing in volume for the commercial wool industry, in which hundreds or thousands of sheep must be sheared each day.
#Running sheep their anatomy skin
With this method, the shearer uses their own legs to hold, control, and move the sheep, using one hand to pull the skin taut to avoid nicks, and the other to move the handpiece. The dominant professional style is the New Zealand style. There are several different styles of sheep-shearing. He’ll be able to answer questions and recommend products for your needs.) The owner, Ralph McWilliams, is one of the best shearers in the country. (I prefer McWilliams Shearing and Supplies in Miles City, Montana. You can find them online and at farm supply stores. These are the items you’ll need when shearing your own sheep. Proper equipment selection and setup account for 90 percent of safe, humane shearing, and 10 percent is care and attentionÂ – no problem for shepherds who love their sheep. You can go as slowly and carefully as you like, and shear as many or as few sheep as you’re able while you get the hang of things. Best of all, flock owners don’t have to shear 25, 50, or 100 sheep in a single day. Plus, shearing is the ideal time to examine sheep for weight and body condition hoof and horn growth and other issues, including bumps, lumps, hernias, flystrike, mastitis, arthritis, and nasal bots. Finding a skilled, reliable shearer can be difficult, however, so learning the skill yourself is worthwhile. In fact, it’s inhumane not to shear sheep at least once a year. Over time, humans have bred the wool-shedding genes out of domesticated sheep, making shearing a necessity. This method supports the widest variety of body types, ages, and physical abilities.
#Running sheep their anatomy how to
This article covers how to shear sheep at home in a safe and humane manner, with a straightforward, cost-effective setup.
Some of my more hands-on small-flock customers have expressed an interest in learning how to shear their own sheep.Įnough folks have asked that I now offer private shearing lessons, but I want to address this DIY interest for a larger audience.  This article is also available in audio format. Scroll down just a bit for the link and enjoy listening.įor the past eight seasons (January through July in my neck of the woods), I’ve sheared thousands of sheep throughout Northern California, Washington, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Colorado.
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