Thursday 24 June 2021

Hand Clipping Sheep

It's been a while since sheep have featured on the blog and I should say that these aren't mine! 
 

Some smallholder friends were struggling to get anyone to shear their sheep. The trouble is they only have 5 pet sheep. I lent them some hand sheers but I think a mixture of worry and lack of experience put them off. 

Rather than ask them if they wanted a hand I just told them I was coming to get the job started. I'm no expert, I've only ever had to hand clip a whole sheep when maggots have been involved! But it's better to get that fleece off than leave it on in the summer time (fly strike becomes a very real risk). I think part of the trouble was getting the sheep rolled over, Simon isn't a big guy and this are some seriously heavy (fat) sheep. 


Rolling sheep over isn't really about strength, technique wins out in the end - but often you need brute  strength to control the ewe while you learn it. 





At the end of the day it's not the nicest of jobs and I do sometimes wonder at what I get myself into, hard sweaty work. But it's good to spend time with friends, help each other out, have some exercise, enjoy a beer and some stories afterwards. 

We didn't get them all done, it got dark before then, so another dry night is needed.

When I started on my journey of self sufficiency I never realised how important I would find community to be. I always feel richer for having people help me and it's good to be in a position to do that to others when I can. 

13 comments:

  1. I always prefer to lend a hand not that I could shear sheep, it's what life is about.

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    1. I don't think I can shear sheep either...

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  2. That made F smile. She has never shorn a sheep with hand-shears (only the buzzy kind of clippers, and that is relatively quick). was anyone planning to spin or felt that wool you took off?

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    1. No, we weren't too worried about the fleece, although mine came off in one go. Think it'll be used for gardening probably!

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  3. Good for you, Kev! In homesteading, we have to wear many hats! I suspect that you basic knowledge and willingness to help was a huge relief to your friends.

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    1. Yeah, they seemed calmer because of me being there and just had a go. Also a problem shared is a problem halved.

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  4. is there anything you can't do? you are amazing...good job! i see there was some bloodshed but it appears to have been yours!

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    1. I can't clip sheep very well! Lol!
      I cut my leg before I started, my place is so overgrown it's quite common for my legs to look like that!

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  5. I'm sure the sheep will feel better for it and should help them avoid those dreaded maggots.

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    1. Yes, I always dread this time of year with sheep - I get paranoid about every twitch! This way they'll be happier and my friends can see what's going on!

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  6. Well done and very impressive Kev!

    I will say I think something that calms anyone down in almost any situation is someone who can at least seem to have knowledge of where to start. Starting any project with some sense of confidence helps.

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    1. I think working together always helps and having someone willing to start is half the battle - you're committed then!

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  7. You and your family are so good at turning your hand to anything. My youngest now lives on a farm, but hasn't had a go at shearing yet. To her it was more important to get to grips with the big tractors, such a tom-boy!

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