Shearing your sheep is very important to maintain the health and comfort of your sheep. Although these activities are dirty, sweaty and tiring activities, but you will get a big benefit for what you have done. In this case, you need to know what to do when shearing sheep, because you could actually injure or stress the sheep, or damage the fleece. Therefore, read this article and find out what you need to know when shearing sheep.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparation and Planning
Step 1. Understand why you should shear your sheep
Shearing sheep is done for two reasons: the first is to get the wool from your sheep to sell and more importantly to make your sheep comfortable, as thick fur can overheat your sheep in summer. In certain areas, people even consider shearing sheep as a sport!
- If your sheep are not sheared, it can make your sheep uncomfortable and possibly unhealthy, as dirt can stick to and settle on their fur. Therefore, even if you have no plans to sell wool from your sheep, you should still shear your sheep at least once a year.
- Because it is warm and easy to make into spools of wool, fleece wool from certain sheep farms has become a very important commodity. In fact, the sheep are specially bred and fed with mineral rich foods to improve the wool quality of the sheep. Generally, one sheep can produce about 3 to 5 kilograms of wool.
Step 2. Choose the right time to shear your sheep
Generally, sheep only need to be sheared once a year. However, there are also some farms that shear their sheep twice a year because of the faster wool production. In this case, the best time to shear your sheep is in early spring, which is before calving and summer comes.
- There are several reasons why it is necessary to shear the ewe before the calving season. This will keep your sheep clean when giving birth and it will also make it easier for the lamb to find a nipple for feeding. If the sheep are placed in a cage, the sheep that have been sheared will save more space.
- Another reason for shearing before calving season is because sheared sheep will eat grass more often to keep themselves warm. This of course will also provide additional nutrition for your sheep before giving birth.
- Try to shear your sheep about a month before your lamb gives birth. This will give your sheep ample time to recover from the stress of shearing. If you have a sheep farm that has a faster rate of wool production (examples are Cotswolds, Icelandic and Lincoln sheep), you will need to shear your sheep in late summer or early fall. This is because your sheep will need at least six weeks to regrow their coat before winter sets in.
Step 3. Consider using the services of an experienced shearer
While you may not really like the idea, the reality is that shearing your sheep is a very tedious job. This job requires great confidence, ability and strength. Therefore, it would be better if you use the services of a professional sheep shearer to do (or at least help) your work.
- It's important to choose an experienced shearer, as an inexperienced shearer could injure your sheep or injure himself. This can also stress your sheep and affect their health. In addition, an inexperienced shearer can also damage the wool of your sheep, thereby lowering its resale value.
- In some areas, professional shearers can be ordered a month in advance, eliminating the need to find a barber for your sheep when it's time to shear. Another option is to take your sheep to the abattoir. In this place, officers can shear the sheep as well as process the wool.
- If you still want to shear your own sheep, you can learn how to shear properly by taking a shearing course or training. There are many farms that run such courses and are open to all shepherds who wish to learn to shear sheep.
Step 4. Prepare the right equipment
In this case, it is very important to ensure that you are using quality equipment. This will make the shaving process easier and safer for both the shearer and the sheep. Currently, electronic cutting tools are more often used.
- An electronic shaver has three main parts – the handle, the comb and the cutter. Look for a trimmer that has a large number of teeth on the comb, as this will allow the shaver to shave very thinly. Generally, the price of a quality electric cutting tool ranges from IDR 3,000,000, 00 to IDR 6,000,000, 00.
- Also check the sharpness of your razor before you shear your sheep. This is because a dull razor will be difficult to use and can be dangerous for you and your sheep. Fortunately, it is not difficult to replace the razor. Generally, the price of a new razor ranges from Rp. 120,000, 00 to Rp. 180,000, 00.
- In the past (and in some areas where access to electricity was difficult), shearing was done with traditional tools. This method, of course, will take more time and leave quite thick fur on the sheep's body.
Step 5. Divide the sheep into smaller groups
Before you shear your sheep, they must first be collected and separated to form smaller groups. If possible, divide the sheep into several groups. Separate lambs, 1-2 year old lambs, ewes and rams. You can also separate the sheep based on their breed or quality.
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Don't let your lamb get wet.
Make sure that your sheep don't get rained on before they are sheared. This is because the barber or even the sheep can be electrocuted by the electric current from the shaver. In addition, wet wool also cannot be rolled and sold.
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Let your sheep fast for a day before shearing.
It is best not to feed your sheep the day before shearing. This will reduce the droppings of your sheep and keep the floor clean. It can also reduce the discomfort that can be felt when positioning your sheep for easier shearing.
Part 2 of 3: Shearing the Fleece
Step 1. Position your sheep
The first thing to consider when shearing your sheep is to adjust its position. In this case, there are five basic positions you can use when you position your sheep for shearing.
- First, you can roll your sheep and keep your sheep in position with your knees. His stomach should be facing up and his four legs should also be facing up.
- Pay close attention that the more comfortable your sheep is when shearing, the less effort your sheep will have to break free. This will make your job easier.
Step 2. Start shaving the belly area
Generally, the wool in this section is the dirtiest and is not worth selling. That's why this section is a suitable section to start the shaving process.
- Use smooth, confident movements when shearing your sheep. Shave the fleece from the breastbone to the belly.
- First, shave the right half of your lamb, then the left and then the middle. Make sure that your first and second shears can shave most of both sides of your lamb's belly. This is important because it will make your next task a lot easier.
Step 3. Then, shave the hind legs and groin of your sheep
The next step is to shave off the wool on the hind legs as well as the groin of your sheep. To do so:
- Shave your lamb's leg in a vertical motion (while keeping your lamb in position with your knees) and shave the entire lamb's right leg.
- Then, switch your shaver to shave your sheep's groin area. In this section, you will need to repeat several times to make sure that all the wool has been shaved off. After that, point your razor to start shaving the inside of the lamb's right leg.
- In this process, what you need to pay attention to is the presence of nipples on the ewe. Therefore, it is recommended that you protect the sheep's nipple with your left hand (or the hand you are not using) to prevent you from accidentally shaving the nipple.
Step 4. Change your position and shave off the left leg and tail of your lamb
Rotate about 90 degrees so that your right knee is in front of your lamb's breastbone and its right front leg is between your legs, leaving your lamb's left side.
- First, shave the wool down the left hind leg, starting from the heel to the back leg, and ending next to your sheep's spine.
- Slide your right leg a few inches back so that you can reach the tail of your lamb. Position the comb of your shaver so that it reaches the wool at the end of the tail: then shave from the tip of the tail forward along the spine. Repeat several times until the wool is well shaved.
- This position also makes it easier for you to reach your sheep's head. That way, you can shave off the head of your sheep, if that's what you need to do.
Step 5. Then, shave the chest, neck and chin
However, before you can continue, you must move to the third position. To get the position:
- Position your right leg between your sheep's hind legs and your left leg on the end of its hind legs, holding its body between your knees. Use your left hand to grab the underside of the chin and pull the sheep's head back.
- Move your razor and shave from the chest to the neck and ending at the chin. This is one of the most interesting parts because you will feel like you are undressing the fleece.
- Continue the process by shaving off the left side of the sheep's neck and ending under your sheep's eye, then shaving the area under your sheep's ear. Use your left hand to grip your lamb's ear, so you don't cut the ear.
Step 6. Shave the left shoulder of your lamb
Shift your weight and reposition your sheep, so you can shave your sheep's left shoulder with ease.
- Since the skin on the shoulder may be wrinkled, use your left hand to pull on the skin. This will make it easier for you to shear and prevent you from cutting or injuring your sheep.
- Starting at your sheep's left leg, shave the sheep's left shoulder in one or two strokes to clean the coat. Also take this opportunity to clean the wool on the inside of your sheep's left foreleg.
Step 7. Change positions and start shaving the back of your sheep
Move to the fourth position by turning your sheep under your shins until the lamb is lying to the right. Keep your right foot between the hind legs and your left under the shoulder.
- Now is the time for a long shave, which will cover all of your sheep's back. Place your shaver on its tail and shave it all the way to the head, in a straight line with the spine.
- Do this several times until the entire left side of your sheep is shaved.
Step 8. Reposition and shave the right side of your sheep
It is time for you to move to fifth and final position. Position your legs so that you are on top of the sheep and the sheep's nose is between your knees.
- Shave the right side of your sheep's head, neck and shoulders with several shaves. Remember to use your left hand to smooth out the wrinkled skin on the lamb's shoulder.
- When the neck and shoulders have been shaved, you can shave the right front leg, starting from the shoulder to the toe.
- Then, do a diagonal shave to clean the wool on your sheep's flanks. Use your left hand to press down on your lamb's right shoulder joint so it doesn't wobble or change its position.
Step 9. Shave all of your lamb's right hind leg
The final step is to shear the wool from the right leg of your sheep.
- Slowly slide your right leg forward so that you can place your left hand on the lamb's right hip, then press down on that part. This will keep your lamb's leg straight (making it easier to shave) when you flatten the skin.
- Shave in an angled motion, starting from the pelvis to the right hind leg. When the legs have been shaved, then do several shaves to clean the legs and groin of your sheep. Congratulations – you have successfully sheared your first sheep!
Step 10. Comb and roll the existing wool
When your sheep is clean sheared, you will need to comb and roll the wool (if you intend to sell it).
- Combing means getting rid of dirty wool which is worthless, and therefore unfit for sale. To comb the wool, lay your wool on a flat table and smooth it out.
- Remove any dirt or soiled wool - this also includes wool that is poorly colored, soiled and wrinkled. Generally, such wool is wool that comes from the belly, then and the back of the sheep.
- Once the soiled wool has been removed, you can start rolling your wool. The best way to do this is to fold the long side of the wool to a central point, then roll the wool so that the section of wool that was previously under will be on the outside.
- This will keep your wool neat and easy to transport. Do not tie the wool roll, as this will lower the price of the wool.
Part 3 of 3: Shaving Like a Pro
Step 1. Make a long, convincing shave
One of the main things about being a good barber is to always be sure of the shave.
- Don't be afraid of what you're shaving, as this will only increase the chances of mistakes.
- Try to use rhythm when shaving. This will make it easier for you to shave from one section to another.
Step 2. Avoid doing a second shave
Sometimes, when a shave is done incorrectly, you will have a second shave to clean up the previous shave. The result of this cut is then called the second shave.
- The second shave is considered an unwanted shave because it will not be included in the wool roll. This is because the results of these cuts will make the roll not strong and make the roll easily damaged.
- The more experienced you are, the less often you will have a second shave. In this case, being confident in every shave you do can prevent you from doing so.
Step 3. Use your left hand to pull and flatten your sheepskin
The shave will be easier and the shave will also be thinner when the skin is pulled and not wrinkled.
- That's why it's important to always use your left hand (or a hand you don't use very often) to pull your sheepskin when you're shearing.
- This is important for sheep with higher quality wool, as their skin will tend to wrinkle more and you will have a harder time seeing the skin covered by the wool.
Step 4. Get to know your sheep
Knowing your sheep will give you an advantage when you will shear your sheep.
- Recognizing whether your sheep is fat or thin can help you identify your sheep's body shape and use your shaver, so you can get the right position when shearing your sheep's hips, shoulders and back.
- Knowing the number of nipples your sheep has (some sheep have two, some have four) will help you avoid those nipples when shearing, as well as prevent you from accidentally injuring or cutting the nipples.
- Knowing your sheep's health is also useful for you. Healthy sheep are able to produce a lot of lanolin (a waxy substance produced by glands) which can melt and lubricate the razor blades in your shaver, making it easier for you to shear your sheep. While the lanolin in unhealthy lamb will tend to be thick and hinder your razor.
Tips
- Make sure that the razor is properly lubricated or it may become hot and burn your lamb. Therefore, always provide lubricant for the razor.
- Don't avoid this shearing just because the sheep won't be sheared; seduce the sheep with food and also feed the sheep after shearing.
- Crutching is a particular form of shearing that simply removes the wool from the back of the sheep.
- This is usually done to clean the ewe during the calving process, especially when the calving season occurs in winter, when the wool on the sheep's body is rather long.
- However, sometimes crutching is also done on rams to prevent the sheep's wool from getting tangled with dirt.
