The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: wellies on December 28, 2011, 12:02:18 am
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my Ryelands fleece seems to have gone into over drive in the last few weeks especially on their faces. I was thinking of giving them a small trim with scissors so they can see. Seriously the one has to tilt her head up to see whats going on and I am feeling rather sorry for her. Do you think a quick trim would be helpful or would you just leave them au natural. They are very friendly and don't mind having their heads handled so it shouldn't stress them, although I am concious they maybe preggers so am limiting their handling at the moment. Any thoughts gladly received :wave:
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I'd trim it, can't be nice.
We humans breed them to be so woolly, think we should help out in these circumstances :sheep:
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It's called wool-blindness. Happens with our Ryelands too - we carefully trim the wool away from the eyes. I eckon if I can't see in they can't see out.
Mind you, does make them easy to catch ;D
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I reckon if I can't see in they can't see out.
Net curtains? :D
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Yes trim it earlier this year we caught up our hampshires and one was wool blind she took my legs out from under me because she couldn't see. I did a full somersault over her back could have been a lot worse just a bruised ego, a husband in hysterics and a very muddy bum and back.
I know Ryelands aren't as big but if they hit your legs at full speed they can do damage
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Another consideration is when ice and snow build up on the wool they can see even less, and the build-up might reach their eyes. We do trim our top-knotted sheep's faces for the winter, although this has reminded me to do so this year. :sheep:
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I say trim them if they cant see they get very nervous especially when inside and start charging around and crashing into anything and everything :thumbsup:
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I clip my Ryelands once a year and trim their faces as required the rest of the time. One or two are worse than others, don't do the whole face just around the eyes with handshears.