Author Topic: 1st time shearing advice please!  (Read 1820 times)

nudibranch

  • Joined Dec 2014
1st time shearing advice please!
« on: April 15, 2023, 01:33:15 pm »
Having 22 gimmers sheared in a few weeks. First time I've been involved with shearing as I've only had goats until last year.
I have registered with the BWMB as a new entrant as I thought I may as well get something back towards the cost of shearing. And not waste the wool. I know where to take it, but what should I transport it in? Do I need to use one of their proper wool sacks/sheets (maybe a bit big for 22 fleeces!). If so, where can I get one?

I was planning to use the field shelter for shearing as it has rubber mats and I can give it a good sweep. Also electric. Is this likely to be OK for the shearers? Presumably as long as the floor is clean and I roll the fleeces as per the instructions I can then sell them?

Also - anything I need to have ready for the shearers apart from cleanish, dry sheep?

twizzel

  • Joined Apr 2012
Re: 1st time shearing advice please!
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2023, 03:34:32 pm »
Empty your sheep out overnight before shearing- they need to have an empty stomach for shearing. Make sure they are penned up ready for the shearer. Separate the lambs off if they’ve got lambs before the shearer gets there.

shep53

  • Joined Jan 2011
  • Dumfries & Galloway
Re: 1st time shearing advice please!
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2023, 06:13:11 pm »
You get a wool sack from your local wool depot where you are taking the wool or if too far away phone them up and ask who is the local haulage company who deliver wool sacks and collect the full ones .   IF you bring your sheep inside the night before or earlier depending on the weather forecast , make sure to have a thick layer of sawdust or similar down as you will be surprised how much pee and poo will be produced

 

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