The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Hillview Farm on April 23, 2013, 02:53:55 pm

Title: When to shear?
Post by: Hillview Farm on April 23, 2013, 02:53:55 pm
i wondered when to shear my ewes?

I'm in the south and Today is very warm (shorts and t shirt weather) and my poor ewes are suffering. My biggest worry is that getting  strike as I was advised to put clik on after shearing.

I hate seeing my ewes distressed!
Title: Re: When to shear?
Post by: plumseverywhere on April 23, 2013, 03:01:45 pm
We have ours done in May (12th), not sure how long these warm days will last but chances are we will chill down again and have more rain so I hold out a bit. I'm dagging mucky bums tomorrow to reduce chances of strike though and then will clik about 2 weeks after shearing when theres a bit of growth back (I'm sure that's what Singing shearer advised last year anyway?)
 
Title: Re: When to shear?
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on April 23, 2013, 03:33:43 pm
Hand shearing I did early July but still had some issue with strike. Last year had them sheared and that was early June to fit in with shearer, it felt too early but they seemed fine and no fly strike, so will prob go earlier rather than later again this year.
Title: Re: When to shear?
Post by: Daniel Does on April 23, 2013, 05:16:11 pm
If the weather for next week doesn't look too bizarre, I'll be shearing ours this weekend. A little early, but they're due to start lambing from the tenth of may and this way I can shear them twice (they're Lincoln Longwools), probably do it again if there's a cooler week in August so they don't get sunburnt.
Title: Re: When to shear?
Post by: Fowlman on April 23, 2013, 07:34:39 pm
I do mine first week of june weather permitting of course but usually around then.
Title: Re: When to shear?
Post by: SteveHants on April 23, 2013, 08:02:46 pm
Juneish - I am in the thick of lambing now and it would be impossible to get them in to shear without compromising welfare.


And also: its one semi-warm day - the first for a long time, dont panic!  ;D
Title: Re: When to shear?
Post by: Rosemary on April 23, 2013, 09:15:51 pm
Shearer booked for 25th May  :)