The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Devineflock on March 27, 2013, 09:14:14 pm

Title: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: Devineflock on March 27, 2013, 09:14:14 pm

Hello all,

This may seem like a silly question but I am really not sure.

I have a shetland tup lamb from last year and he has started to shed his fleece already. Is it not a bit early in the year for him to do this. He has recently had pnuemonia but is now on the mend so I dont think this is affecting it. He seems delighted that his fleece is coming off but he will definitely have to be kept inside for a bit longer now due to the terrible weather.

Any thoughts please................

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: SteveHants on March 27, 2013, 09:22:04 pm

If you fed him whilst he was inside then he was getting an abundance of food, plus the fact it is warmer inside = spring.


I have had woolshedders shed in feb when they have been ill and I have penned them and fed themwhilst I have been looking after them.

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: bigchicken on March 27, 2013, 09:46:06 pm

Hi I would say that it is a bit early for fleece shedding and it is most likely the challenge of the pneumonia that has caused the problem or maybe a  mineral deficiency of some kind. Ask yourself what is different with him from your other sheep you have him inside could he be to warm.

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: colliewoman on March 27, 2013, 10:07:37 pm

Depends on his lineage also. I know of several shetties who are starting to roo right now. All are moorits and I believe all are related.

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 28, 2013, 01:30:43 am

Any sheep which has been ill is likely to lose fleece.  The wool growth is affected by the illness, causing a weakness in the fleece, which then breaks at that point as it grows after the animal recovers.

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: Remy on March 28, 2013, 07:40:41 am

I have a Gotland ram lamb who was ill late last year and has now shed nearly all his fleece.  He is living outside and seems perfectly okay, he does have a shelter in his field.

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: Calvadnack on March 28, 2013, 12:12:31 pm

A few of my Shetlands are starting to shed their undercoats.  I keep telling them it's too cold, but they just don't listen - it tried to snow yesterday, in West Cornwall !!!

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: Fowlman on March 28, 2013, 05:08:10 pm

Yes my shetlands fleeces are looking a little ragged at the moment.

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: goosepimple on March 28, 2013, 06:31:35 pm

I noticed this morning that one of my Castlemilk Moorits is shedding a bit which surprised me, she's not been ill and seems to be in perfect health.  Still plenty of snow on the ground here and it hasn't stopped snowing for about a week until today, more to arrive this weekend I believe.  They are all kept outside, just a big shelter if they want it.

Title: Re: Is it too early for my shetland to shed his fleece????
Post by: Devineflock on March 28, 2013, 07:45:19 pm

Thank you for all the replies,

I have done a bit of reading up and it looks as though he is just shedding his fleece naturally which is good. As for the reply about him being too warm due to being inside I dont think this is the case as where he is being kept is still very well ventilated and I am in the Highlands so its pretty chilly day & night!

My partner who is a dog groomer thoroughly enjoyed roo'ing him today so she is now chief roo'er for the rest of the flock!

Thanks