How to Prepare Sheep Before Shearing

Shearing sheep is a critical process in sheep husbandry that involves removing the fleece to maintain the health and comfort of the animal. Proper preparation before shearing is essential to ensuring the safety of both the sheep and the shearer, as well as to produce high-quality wool. In this article, we will explore how to prepare sheep before shearing, covering everything from health checks to handling techniques, environmental considerations, and timing.

Understanding the Importance of Preparation

Shearing is more than just cutting wool; it is a delicate procedure that, if done improperly, can cause stress and injury to sheep. Proper preparation helps minimize these risks by making the sheep calm and manageable. It also ensures that the fleece can be removed efficiently and cleanly, which preserves its value.

Preparation reduces:

The risk of cuts and injuries to sheep.
The chance of wool contamination.
Stress and anxiety in animals.
Difficulties for the shearer during the process.

By focusing on preparation, farmers can improve animal welfare, increase productivity, and maintain wool quality.

Timing Your Shearing

The timing of shearing plays a crucial role in how you prepare your sheep:

Season: Typically, sheep are shorn in spring or early summer. This timing helps them cope with warmer months without overheating and prevents fleece from becoming too long or matted.
Weather: Choose a dry day for shearing. Wet fleece is harder to shear, more prone to damage, and harder to process afterward.
Health: Avoid shearing immediately after lambing or during illness. Sheep should be healthy and well-recovered before being shorn.

Plan your shearing schedule so that preparation activities align smoothly with these timing considerations.

Health Checks Before Shearing

Before shearing begins, conduct thorough health checks on your flock:

Inspect for External Parasites

Look for signs of lice, ticks, and other parasites that can infest wool. If found, treat sheep accordingly before shearing because parasite infestation can affect wool quality and cause discomfort during shearing.

Check for Skin Conditions

Examine the skin for signs of infection, wounds, or dermatitis. Avoid shearing any sheep with open sores or severe skin issues until they are healed to prevent aggravating conditions or spreading infections.

Assess General Health

Make sure all sheep are eating well and appear alert. Weak or ill animals may become stressed during shearing, which could lead to injury.

Vaccinations and Treatments

Apply any needed vaccinations or treatments well ahead of time so that sheep are not stressed close to shearing day.

Preparing the Sheep’s Environment

Creating a calm environment reduces stress during shearing:

Clean Shearing Area

Prepare a dry, covered space free from mud and debris. A clean environment prevents dirt from contaminating the fleece and reduces slips or injuries.

Proper Flooring

Use non-slip flooring such as rubber mats or straw bedding where sheep will be handled. This provides secure footing during handling and shearing.

Lighting

Ensure good lighting so shearers can see clearly while working.

Minimize Noise and Disturbances

Keep the area quiet and free from sudden disturbances that may frighten sheep.

Feeding and Fasting Prior to Shearing

Managing feed intake before shearing helps avoid complications:

Avoid Feeding Immediately Before Shearing: Sheep should not be fed right before shearing as a full stomach increases risk of discomfort when restrained.
Provide Access to Water: Always ensure clean water is available up until shearing begins.
Allow Grazing or Light Feeding: Depending on your management system, light feeding avoids hunger stress but prevents digestive issues during handling.

Handling Sheep Properly Before Shearing

Gentle handling techniques ease stress:

Gather Sheep Calmly

Collect sheep quietly using low-stress methods like herding calmly or using trained dogs if applicable.

Sort Sheep by Size or Fleece Condition

Grouping by size helps shearers work efficiently while sorting by fleece quality allows for better wool grading after shearing.

Restrain Safely During Shearing

Use proper restraint methods such as sitting sheep on their rump in a comfortable position for the shearer. Avoid excessive force which causes panic or injury.

Train Handling Staff

Ensure anyone involved has training in low-stress sheep handling practices to keep animals calm through the process.

Preparing Sheep’s Fleece Before Shearing

Proper fleece condition affects shearing ease:

Clean Wool When Possible

Remove heavy dirt, manure tags, or burrs from the fleece days before shearing if feasible. This decreases blade clogging and improves wool quality.

Avoid Bathing Just Before Shearing

Washing fleece immediately before shearing is generally not recommended as moisture complicates cutting and storage.

Inspect Wool Length

Wool should ideally be long enough (usually around 2 inches) for efficient machine cutting but not overly long which makes handling cumbersome.

Equipment Preparation

While not directly about preparing sheep themselves, equipment readiness impacts the overall process:

Sharpen blades before use.
Check machines for proper functioning.
Arrange tools so everything is easily accessible.
Have cleaning supplies ready for quick blade clearing between sheep.

Post-Shearing Care Preparation

Sheep need attention immediately after shearing:

Provide shelter from wind and cold since they lose insulating wool.
Monitor for cuts or nicks; apply antiseptic if necessary.
Offer fresh water and feed soon after shearing as sheep may be hungry from fasting.
Observe behavior closely for signs of distress or shock.

Preparing for this care before starting ensures smooth transition post-shear.

Special Considerations for Different Breeds

Certain breeds require tailored preparation due to fleece characteristics or temperament:

Fine-wool breeds (like Merino): Require careful handling due to delicate skin; avoid overheating pre-shear.
Long-wool breeds (like Lincoln): May need more frequent cleaning pre-shear due to longer locks trapping more debris.
Hair sheep breeds: Often do not require routine shearing but may be prepared differently if clipped seasonally.

Know your breed’s specific needs when planning preparation steps.

Summary: Key Steps to Prepare Sheep Before Shearing

Schedule shearing at optimal time (dry weather, post-lambing recovery).
Conduct thorough health inspections including parasite checks.
Create a clean, safe environment with non-slip flooring.
Manage feed and water appropriately—avoid feeding just before shearing but provide water.
Handle sheep calmly using low-stress techniques.
Clean fleece of large debris but do not bathe immediately prior.
Ensure all equipment is sharpened and ready.
Plan post-shearing care including shelter and wound treatment.
Tailor preparation according to breed-specific requirements.

Proper preparation of sheep before shearing enhances animal welfare, improves wool quality, reduces injury risk, and makes the entire process more efficient. By taking time to care for your flock ahead of time with attention to health, environment, diet, and handling practices, you set yourself up for a safer, smoother shear season with excellent results.