How to Shear Your Sheep

Sheep shearing is very interesting to see. When I was a child I thought my Uncles were harming the sheep when shearing. I cried and tried to rescue the animal "smile", but after my Uncles explained to me what was happening and seeing the process, I found out no harm was done. Until you have done it for a few times, shearing is best done with at least two people. One to shear and one to hold the sheep while it is being sheered.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• sheep
• clippers

1. 
    
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   Mechanical clippers are best to use, because hand shears may hurt your wrist and is more difficult to use.

2. 
    
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   Put the sheep on it's rump for easier handling.

3. 
    
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   Clip all the wool of the sheep' s stomach down to the udder. Be very careful in this area, not to cut the udder on a female, or the **** on the male.

4. 
    
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   Next, open the wool up on the throat and shear around the left side of the neck and head. Shear down the left side of the shoulder, holding the sheep' s skin tight. Shear as close to the skin as you can.

5. Roll the sheep over to the other side and clip down the right side. Now the fleece should come right off the body except at the hindquarters.

6. 
    
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   Lay the sheep flat on the ground. Finish taking the fleece off the hindquarters. Do not forget to trim the sheep' s tail.

Resources

• GROOMING SUPPLIES
• LAUBE ANIMAL CLIPPERS
• SHEEP SHEARS

[godfather25]

on 7/27/2009 Great tips on shearing your sheep.

[IcyCucky]

on 7/9/2009 This is such an interesting subject, even if I am no where near a sheep! I'm always curious about this..

[mashell3752]

on 6/11/2009 This is neat. I have never seen this done. Cool article.

[knowball]

on 5/23/2009 very interesting!

[carmensjones]

on 4/26/2009 how to shear sheep is very well written