[bj_cardiff]

I have 2 of last years lambs that still aren't quite ready for the freezer.. I have the shearer due next weekend and I'm not sure wether to have them shorn or not. I sent off two 16 month rams for the freezer a few years ago and the aboittoir had difficulty removing their skin - I assume because of the length of the fleece?

[landroverroy]

You've got the shearer coming anyway so get them done. This will prevent problems with fly strike (hot weather forecast!) and also they will grow faster as they eat more once they have been shorn.

[Fleecewife]

Lambs for slaughter need their bellies cleared of wool so the slaughterman can open the carcass without contamination.  Shearing will also make sure the animal isn't daggy when going to the abattoir.  The wool would also be past its best for a tanned skin so the fellmongers might reject it.  So all in all, yes get them shorn.