Author Topic: when to shear? (Read 2887 times)

shrekfeet · « **on:** April 17, 2011, 10:10:37 pm »

ok folks, when do you think is the right time to shear - guess it depends where you are in the country and the weather. Let's face it though surely these animals can regulate their temperature - if new born lambs can manage then why do we make so much fuss.

Personally I like to get it done ASAP to reduce the risk of strike.

Opinions?

SingingShearer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2011, 07:20:59 am »

I have started already, depends on the sheep more than anything but they can stand the cold better than the heat.

If they are a breed that are prone to Flystrike then they are better done from now until early may to reduce the risk.

Hope this helps,
Thanks,
Philip

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2011, 07:39:03 am »

we cant do it too early in NE Scotland and up till last year I had to wait til the wool had properly risen as I was shearing by hand.

Am trying electric clippers for the first time this year so will prob try earlier as a couple have suffered with strike. More importantly, I will be using Clik to try to stop any strike before I can get to them. Planning on late May/early June, about a month earlier than last year. Word is May is going to be wet tho, so that will influence dates.

Rosemary · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2011, 08:52:10 am »

I'd like to get mine done in May. Coloured Ryelands do seem to suffer in the warm - between the size of the fleece and being dark

princesspiggy · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2011, 10:43:31 am »

copy your neighbours! different areas have different times, but u need to wait until the new fleece (slightly diff colour) has grown enough for u to get under the old fleece...but before the hat/flies come out!