How to Shear Angora Goats Properly

Shearing Angora goats is a crucial practice for both the health of the animal and the quality of the mohair fiber produced. Angora goats are prized for their luxurious, silky mohair, a fiber highly valued in textile industries worldwide. Proper shearing techniques ensure that this precious fiber is harvested efficiently while maintaining the well-being of the goat. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to shear Angora goats properly, from preparation and timing to techniques and post-shearing care.

Understanding Angora Goats and Mohair

Before diving into the shearing process, it’s important to understand what makes Angora goats unique. Unlike regular goats, Angoras produce mohair—a long, lustrous fiber that grows continuously throughout the year. Mohair is known for its sheen, durability, and softness. The quality of mohair depends largely on how the goat is cared for and how well it is sheared.

Angora goats typically need to be sheared twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Proper shearing not only ensures optimal fiber harvest but also prevents health issues related to excessive fleece growth, such as overheating or parasitic infestations.

When to Shear Angora Goats

Timing your shearing sessions correctly is essential:

Spring Shearing: This is generally done between March and April before hot weather arrives. Shearing in spring helps keep goats cool during summer and provides fresh wool for harvesting.
Fall Shearing: Usually performed between September and November, fall shearing removes the thick coat grown during summer, preparing goats for cooler months.

The goal is to shear before the fleece becomes too matted or dirty but after sufficient fiber length has grown for a worthwhile harvest. Keeping track of your goat’s growth cycle will help you plan shearing times effectively.

Preparing for Shearing

Supplies Needed

Preparing all necessary tools beforehand ensures a smooth shearing session:

Electric clippers designed for sheep or goats (with sharp blades)
Hand shears (for trimming areas clippers may miss)
A clean, flat surface or shearing stand
Brushes or combs to detangle fleece
Cleaning supplies for equipment
Wool bags or bins to collect mohair
Protective gloves (optional)
Restraining equipment if needed (though gentle handling is preferred)

Preparing the Goat

Proper preparation of your Angora goat will facilitate easier and safer shearing:

Cleanliness: Brush your goat thoroughly before shearing to remove dirt, burrs, and debris from the fleece.
Health Check: Ensure the goat is healthy without skin infections or wounds that could be aggravated by shearing.
Calm Environment: Choose a quiet area free from distractions or loud noises that might stress the goat.
Hydration: Provide water prior to shearing so the goat remains hydrated.
Fasting: Some owners avoid feeding immediately before shearing to reduce digestive disturbances during handling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shearing Angora Goats

1. Restrain the Goat Safely

You can shear an Angora goat with minimal restraint if they are calm and accustomed to handling. However, some gentle methods include:

Using a sturdy fence or pen to corner the goat.
Having a helper hold the goat gently.
Supporting the goat on a low platform where it feels secure.

Avoid excessive force or stress as it can result in injury or poor fleece quality.

2. Start Shearing at the Neck

Begin with clipping at the neck area just behind the ears. This area gives you a good starting point with manageable fleece length.

Use electric clippers with sharp blades set at an angle that allows close cutting without nicking the skin. Move steadily and smoothly with long strokes following the natural direction of hair growth.

3. Work Downward Along the Body

Continue shearing down along each side of the body towards the belly. The fleece grows longer on top than underneath; adjust your clipping accordingly to harvest uniform mohair.

Be particularly careful around sensitive areas such as:

Underbelly: skin is thinner and more delicate.
Legs: angles require controlled movements.
Udder and genital areas: extremely sensitive areas should be trimmed carefully using hand shears if necessary.

4. Shear Around the Face and Head

The face has shorter, finer hair that requires careful trimming using hand shears or very cautious clippers use.

Avoid cutting near eyes, nostrils, and ears directly. Often these areas are trimmed shorter rather than fully shorn.

5. Check for Missed Spots

After finishing one side, check for any thick patches missed and go over those again gently.

Ensure that fleece removal is even across both sides of the body.

6. Collecting Your Mohair

As you shear, collect mohair carefully:

Avoid contaminating fiber with dirt or hair from other animals.
Lay out fleece cleanly in wool bags or containers.
Handle fiber gently to prevent tangling or matting.

Freshly shorn mohair must be cleaned and processed soon after collection to maintain quality.

Post-Shearing Care

Proper care after shearing helps keep your Angora goats comfortable and healthy:

Skin Care

Inspect skin for any nicks or cuts made during clipping:

Clean minor wounds with antiseptic solutions.
Apply topical antibiotic ointments if needed.

Monitor for signs of irritation or infection over following days.

Protection from Weather

Sheared Angoras lose their natural insulation:

Protect them by bringing them indoors during cold weather.
Provide windbreaks or shelter outdoors.

Avoid exposing shorn goats to harsh sunlight immediately; their skin can be prone to sunburn.

Nutrition

Good nutrition supports new fleece growth:

Provide balanced feed rich in protein.
Ensure plenty of fresh water.

Supplements such as biotin may promote healthier fiber regeneration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Shearing Angora goats requires skill; here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Using dull blades: Leads to snagging fleece and injuring skin.
Shearing too close in delicate areas: Causes cuts and discomfort.
Rushing process: Can stress animals and reduce fleece quality.
Ignoring health issues: Shear only healthy goats; postpone if illness present.
Not cleaning fleece immediately: Dirt reduces fiber value.

Taking time, using proper tools, and practicing gentle handling improve both animal welfare and product yield.

Tips for Beginners

If you are new to shearing Angora goats, consider these tips:

Observe experienced shearers first or attend workshops.
Practice on less valuable animals before working on prized breeders.
Maintain clipper blades regularly—clean, sharpen, and oil often.
Be patient with your goats—building trust makes future shearings easier.

Remember that experience improves efficiency; each shear will teach you something new about technique and timing.

Conclusion

Shearing Angora goats properly is an art that balances animal welfare with producing high-quality mohair fiber. By understanding your goat’s growth patterns, preparing adequately, using correct techniques, and providing thorough post-shearing care, you can ensure a safe and productive experience for both you and your animals. Whether you are a hobbyist farmer or commercial grower, mastering proper shearing enhances your enjoyment of raising these beautiful animals while maximizing your mohair yield each season. With patience, practice, and attention to detail, you’ll become confident in supporting healthy Angora herds year after year.