Our First Sheep Shearing

Well, we finally accomplished shearing. Notice the unshorn (round) sheep compared to the shorn (much smaller but still round)sheep. Yes, yes, yes, we have shorn sheep. No shearer came. We can say we did it ourselves.


It didn't take long to set up the stand and equipment at all.

Emily was the first to be shorn. I was really surprised that they did so well. No freak out I'm going to be eaten by the blue thing at all.

She was so well behaved. I do believe that the side rails should be standard not extra. If you purchase this stand make sure to order the side rails. They provide stability for the sheep while you shear from the opposite side. No one fell off!

Ted had it all under control. Look at that concentration.

There, a much smaller ewe.

Esther was next. She is a very loud ewe. She voices her opinion loudly.

"Hey come here. I have something to tell you and I don't want the humans to hear. I would never tell them this but they did a much better job than that shearer did last year. They were very careful and didn't cut me not one time. I don't have patches of hair left either. I think they did a great job. I just don't want it to go to their heads."

Moriah was next, and Ted got faster as the day went on. He has even mastered hoof trimming.

We were able to get 5 sheep shorn. Ted has gotten really good at keeping the fleece in one piece. This is really good practice for the fall fleece shearing. That will be the "good" fleece that we will skirt, wash, dry and learn how to card into roving. Then spin the roving into yarn.

It always amazes me the small stature of the sheep after they are shorn. They may be small but they are packed with attitude.

We still have eight sheep to finish up. I know what our plans are going to be for tomorrow. We will begin much earlier next year. We can shear before the lambs are born. Less stress on the ewes while pregnant. This past year we took a shearing class, bought shears and a stand. All three were invaluable. The stand is worth it's weight in gold. After 5 sheep our backs weren't killing us. It makes it so much easier to shear. The stand is adjustable and can be raised or lowered as needed. Reaching those bellies is so much easier.
It feels so good getting this job done. There is so much satisfaction when the sheep are comfortable, cool, healthy and happy.

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm. The home of shorn sheep.