The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: shrekfeet on April 17, 2011, 10:10:37 pm

Title: when to shear?
Post by: shrekfeet on April 17, 2011, 10:10:37 pm

ok folks, when do you think is the right time to shear - guess it depends where you are in the country and the weather. Let's face it though surely these animals can regulate their temperature - if new born lambs can manage then why do we make so much fuss.

Personally I like to get it done ASAP to reduce the risk of strike.

Opinions?

Title: Re: when to shear?
Post by: SingingShearer on April 18, 2011, 07:20:59 am

I have started already, depends on the sheep more than anything but they can stand the cold better than the heat.

If they are a breed that are prone to Flystrike then they are better done from now until early may to reduce the risk.

Hope this helps,
Thanks,
Philip  :sheep:

Title: Re: when to shear?
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on April 18, 2011, 07:39:03 am

we cant do it too early in NE Scotland and up till last year I had to wait til the wool had properly risen as I was shearing by hand.

Am trying electric clippers for the first time this year so will prob try earlier as a couple have suffered with strike. More importantly, I will be using Clik to try to stop any strike before I can get to them. Planning on late May/early June, about a month earlier than last year. Word is May is going to be wet tho, so that will influence dates.

Title: Re: when to shear?
Post by: Rosemary on April 18, 2011, 08:52:10 am

I'd like to get mine done in May. Coloured Ryelands do seem to suffer in the warm - between the size of the fleece and being dark  ;D

Title: Re: when to shear?
Post by: princesspiggy on April 18, 2011, 10:43:31 am

copy your neighbours! different areas have different times, but u need to wait until the new fleece (slightly diff colour) has grown enough for u to get under the old fleece...but before the hat/flies come out!

Title: Re: when to shear?
Post by: princesspiggy on April 18, 2011, 10:45:27 am

lachlanandmarcus...whereabouts are u in nescotland? wer nr peterhead.  :wave:
wer may/june here too  :sheep:

Title: Re: when to shear?
Post by: SingingShearer on April 18, 2011, 08:47:27 pm

It is better to get them done rather than wait, it's better to be too early rather than too late.
 
Thanks,
Philip :sheep: