SageHill Ranch Journal

[SageHill]

Before and After -----
"Stripe" -- before and after --- I am a green greenhorn at shearing - but getting better with each blow (I hope).

Stripe actually has more stripes! (shearing skills need sharpening - but heck I'm having fun with it).

 

[Baymule]

Hand shears or electric? I have a pair of hand shears for the dreadlocks that don’t shed. Some of my mixed Katahdin and Dorper keep a thatch of wool on top of their backs.

 

[SageHill]

Hand shears or electric? I have a pair of hand shears for the dreadlocks that don’t shed. Some of my mixed Katahdin and Dorper keep a thatch of wool on top of their backs.

Both -- Though Stripe was all electric standing up. Had no help the day I sheared her so standing up it was.
I do think I'll have another go at it with her for what's left on her neck. I am seriously thinking of making a stand of some sort and training them to it.

 

[Mini Horses]

It take patience -- both animal and shearer!

 

[Baymule]

Make your stand out of plywood. I have a goat milking stanchion, supposed to be for sheep too. They hate it, I had to drag them up the ramp, tie them tight and fight with them. Later I found out they don’t like it because they can see through the expanded metal.

My suggestion, solid bottom, hinged drop down solid sides and a solid ramp.

 

[SageHill]

Make your stand out of plywood. I have a goat milking stanchion, supposed to be for sheep too. They hate it, I had to drag them up the ramp, tie them tight and fight with them. Later I found out they don’t like it because they can see through the expanded metal.

My suggestion, solid bottom, hinged drop down solid sides and a solid ramp.

Sounds good!!

 

[Bruce]

What size comb are you using? The length you have left on Stripe looks longer than what one would end up with using a Camelid comb and they leave more fiber than a sheep comb.

 

[SageHill]

What size comb are you using? The length you have left on Stripe looks longer than what one would end up with using a Camelid comb and they leave more fiber than a sheep comb.

Greenhorn here -- --- I have no idea. DH gave me a sheep shearer for Christmas (it was on the list - I forgot I even put one on the list). Right now it's at the barn - I'll look next time I'm over there. I could easily get skin close, but am chicken (I could end up with blue decorated sheep!). I didn't do right around her neck where it looks a bit dreadlock-ish. I could easily take off another inch. Maybe I'll do a second go. If I was a little younger I'd go to shearing school. Yeah -- I like it. Maybe I'll give that some more thought since I'm only in my prime!

 

[Baymule]

You have my awe and admiration! Shearing school? Heck yeah! Go for it!

 

[SageHill]

What size comb are you using? The length you have left on Stripe looks longer than what one would end up with using a Camelid comb and they leave more fiber than a sheep comb.

I checked - the comb is 3 1/2 inches, blade 2 1/2