Author Topic: Hand Sheared my first 2 sheep today - thanks to Singing Shearer!!! (Read 3745 times)

FiB · « **on:** July 22, 2012, 07:16:47 pm »

Well, the rain finally stopped in Bala yesterday! HAlelulyah, So gathered the full 14 in, and sheared the final 2 (although one did escape - and I had to hook her while she was eating some sheep nuts and shear her in the field!! ). Philip had done the other 12 - these final 2 have been consitant objectors to being gathered in!

Wasn't pretty (must try and get some shots - they look like they have had cotton wool balls stuck on them!), DID take about 40 mins each sheep, but they are now sheared with no signs of anytihing untoward. I didnt have any cuts (2 close nics, but no blood) and I am pretty pleased

!!! Bit of an achy back, but nothing a bit of yoga wont remedy. So relieved!

THanks again Phillip for showing me and giving me the confidence to try xxxxx

Brucklay · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2012, 08:13:17 pm »

Well done FIB - up here I have Dougal to do most but I chose to handshear the 2 Moorist with young lambs (at the shearing time - quite a while ago) as I didn't want the lambs trampleted on - it took me ages about an hour per ewe but they don't look too bad and I was pleased not to laserate anyone too

My resent ram arrival I did on the move as he slowly munched I slowly clipped - not an advisable technique but did get the job done - eventually - but I know what you mean about the bobbly effect and I think he may now look as if he has muscles where he shouldn't!!

FiB · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2012, 08:24:56 pm »

Thats the liberating thing - we dont have to stick to patterns, no-one will tell us off if the fleece in not in one piece (as long as not going to wool board or paying customer etc) - love the idea of shearing on the hoof - not the best for us, but great for the sheep!!! I did at least half of my shearing in a kneeling postion (sitting on my feet) with the sheep lying across my knees. IT seemed very relaxed, which was just as well as it took so bloody long! All in all, not as bad as I feared and will aim for a closer cut next time.

Brucklay · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2012, 09:48:45 pm »

I find it funny, I have a couple of sets of hand shears small/medium and only use the top inch, I couldn't try for a longer cut in case I nip the skin - but I guess that's experience and practice - one day maybe.

It is quite a hypnotic noise though - snip, snip snip as long at the "patient" is chilled out

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2012, 07:54:38 am »

and theres no better feeling when you watch the last one walk away across the field, cool and comfy. Altho Dougal did our 20 this year, I did keep my hand in last week by teaching the purchasers of 3 of our wethers how to hand shear them, and the feeling was just as good, even tho they arent mine any more.

FiB · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2012, 08:12:56 am »

Quote from: Brucklay on July 22, 2012, 09:48:45 pm

I find it funny, I have a couple of sets of hand shears small/medium and only use the top inch, I couldn't try for a longer cut in case I nip the skin - but I guess that's experience and practice - one day maybe.

It is quite a hypnotic noise though - snip, snip snip as long at the "patient" is chilled out

Me too. I think that will be most of the time difference - Snip snip, 1 inch at a time, Vs 3 - 4 inch at a time. Got a confession - I used topiary shears!!! I have some small dagging shears but looked at my other shears, which seemed the right shape, sharpened them and they were better!! Proper shears next year though !! Philip - can you get me some plse??? Not sure How I'll manage the full flock next year (aching a bit this morning!!) - I guess I can just do 2 or 3 a day for a week - especially now Ive masteredt the 'hook a sheep' in the field technique!!?