Author Topic: Sheep can't see through fleece (Read 3802 times)

wellies · « **on:** December 28, 2011, 12:02:18 am »

my Ryelands fleece seems to have gone into over drive in the last few weeks especially on their faces. I was thinking of giving them a small trim with scissors so they can see. Seriously the one has to tilt her head up to see whats going on and I am feeling rather sorry for her. Do you think a quick trim would be helpful or would you just leave them au natural. They are very friendly and don't mind having their heads handled so it shouldn't stress them, although I am concious they maybe preggers so am limiting their handling at the moment. Any thoughts gladly received

jaykay · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2011, 01:54:06 am »

I'd trim it, can't be nice.
We humans breed them to be so woolly, think we should help out in these circumstances

Rosemary · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2011, 08:29:44 am »

It's called wool-blindness. Happens with our Ryelands too - we carefully trim the wool away from the eyes. I eckon if I can't see in they can't see out.

Mind you, does make them easy to catch

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2011, 09:46:04 am »

Quote from: Rosemary on December 28, 2011, 08:29:44 am

I reckon if I can't see in they can't see out.

Net curtains?

feldar · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2011, 10:19:41 am »

Yes trim it earlier this year we caught up our hampshires and one was wool blind she took my legs out from under me because she couldn't see. I did a full somersault over her back could have been a lot worse just a bruised ego, a husband in hysterics and a very muddy bum and back.
I know Ryelands aren't as big but if they hit your legs at full speed they can do damage

Fleecewife · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2011, 11:28:40 am »

Another consideration is when ice and snow build up on the wool they can see even less, and the build-up might reach their eyes. We do trim our top-knotted sheep's faces for the winter, although this has reminded me to do so this year.

Pasture Farm · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2011, 04:56:53 pm »

I say trim them if they cant see they get very nervous especially when inside and start charging around and crashing into anything and everything

Moleskins · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2011, 05:46:10 pm »

I clip my Ryelands once a year and trim their faces as required the rest of the time. One or two are worse than others, don't do the whole face just around the eyes with handshears.