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Humane Sheep Shearing:
Sheep wool grows continuously, and if it is not shorn it can
cause a variety of problems for the sheep. Overheating, wool
maggots, skin scalding, urine and feces-logged wool that can
lead to fly strike, and heavy rain-logged wool that pulls
at the skin and causes sores are just some of the problems
that occur if wool is left on the sheep. Finding the right
person to remove the wool can be a challenge: If shearing
is not performed humanely, the process can be very traumatic
for the sheep.
It is vital that you research and find a humane Shearer who
is efficient, quick and highly skilled. Shearing is extremely
stressful if performed by someone who is inexperienced. Inquire
how the Shearer handles the sheep, and always gather and check
all references carefully. Explain to the Shearer ahead of
time what your expectations are; if he does not agree with
you or feels he can not perform the shearing the way you want
it done, try someone else. If the Shearer cuts the skin of
the sheep during the process, stop him and tell him this is
not acceptable. There will be a few minor scrapes, but deep
cuts are not necessary, and if the Shearer is good, there
should be no large wounds. If you are uncomfortable with the
way the sheep are being handled, you can always stop the shearing.
Be sure to inform the Shearer ahead of time of any special
needs your sheep have, and always stay with the flock while
they are being shorn. If you have elderly sheep, or sheep
who have been sick or have other health problems, the Shearer
should know this beforehand and should treat the animal according
to his or her specific needs. You must foresee the needs of
individual sheep before they are shorn since a flock could
consist of all ages, sizes, etc.
The sheep should be in good body condition before shearing,
especially when shearing in the spring, since it may get cold
at night. If you have older, thinner sheep or young lambs,
and you live in a colder climate, you may want to shear later
in the summer. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want
to shear earlier to avoid the risk of the sheep having heat
stroke.
Do not shear your sheep if they do not have shelter where
they will be protected from wind and rain, since it takes
six weeks for the wool to re-grow to provide sufficient insulation.
If the weather changes unexpectedly and becomes cold, there
are coats that can be purchased that will help keep the sheep
warm and dry. Also, be sure to prepare the sheep for shearing;
if a Shearer is coming the next day, make sure the sheep remain
in the barn the night before so their wool is completely dry.
Shearing wet wool can cause sores on the skin.
The bottom line to having a humane, positive shearing experience
is to plan far in advance: Research Shearers in the area and
ask a lot of questions. If you are up-front with your needs
and concerns regarding the process, it will make the experience
less traumatic for you and less stressful for the person clipping
the sheep. And remember — really knowing your sheep and
their individual needs makes shearing a much more pleasant
experience for them.
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