[Macey Grey]

Hi everyone

I gave my sheep a good old brush which she loved and I found really therapeutic. I then read here that sheep are NOT to be brushed because it affects their waterproofing. I only brushed her once about a month ago. It does feel like she's getting her oils back, but I'm worried with all the rain we're having that she may not be as waterproof as she should be. Is there anything I can do to remedy this?

Thanks guys!

[SallyintNorth]

I expect she'll be fine, but yes, probably best not to brush the wool on the sheep

[Fleecewife]

It's quite warm at the moment and wet in many places.  A bit of weather ie wind and rain on your sheep will allow the natural structure of the fleece to re-establish, and she will produce naturals oils in response.
Advice not to brush your sheep might be because in some breeds such as Hebrideans, when showing, the sheep must not be brushed and can be disqualified from the show if it is. On the other hand, Jacobs have a special class for brushed sheep.  It makes them look like brown and white clouds and wrecks the fleece for spinning.  I can't remember any discussion here on TAS about brushing sheep in any other context.
Try brushing her face if you want to pet her, and scratch her behind her ears and under her chin which many sheep enjoy