Last week I decided my wait muscles were plum wore out. Winter's practically here and my little flock is going to freeze their naked tushes right off if we delay any longer. So, I went to TSC and bought a pair of clippers. Holy moly those suckers are expensive. But then, so is my time and my peace of mind. All the other Pygora owners I know shear their own flocks, so why shouldn't I, right? It'll save me some money, plus I won't have to chase around for a shearer every time the need arises.
The good news is, I have successfully sheared four of the six goats. This is definitely doable.
The bad news is that now my back muscles are plum wore out, right along with my wait muscles. Oy vey. Shearing is Hard.Frickin.Work.
The other good news is that the fleeces, 5 months post the last shearing, are gorgeous and, woohoo, clean. Of the four so far, only one has had any matting, and even that was pretty minimal.
The other bad news is that, no surprise, I am a lousy shearer. Lots of second cuts. But I still got some spectacular useable fiber, and traversed a good sizeable chunk of the learning curve, so I'm not complaining.
Surprisingly, Rosetyler didn't complain too much either.
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| Rose: Just a little off the sides please. |
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| Me: Like this Rose? |
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| Rose: I can't bear to look. |
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| Rose: Just pass me a robe. |
Their winter blankets are in the mail.
Naked goat!!! I'm glad you're going to blanket them! They're going to be cold!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting that job done, and doing it yourself! I trim down all my goats in the late spring for the summer months, and I know how hard it is on your back. Yes, the clippers are expensive, but totally worth it. Good for you!
I sheared my 3 sheep a few times but always dreaded doing it. I didn't have the right clippers. Now I found someone who is reliable and does a great job so I don't have to worry about it anymore.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog. Thank you for posting more often.
Doreen
Wow - nice job! I thought about learning to shear my sheep, but then decided that it's one skill I don't need. I don't think my back would hold up!
ReplyDeleteEeeek! Nekkid sheepie!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you did a great job and just think how much more self sufficient you are! What a bonus that the fleeces are clean too! :)
Oops! Make that Nekkid goatie! (blush)
ReplyDeleteThe learning curve is pretty short actually. You'll be at "top" speed in no time :-). Looks good and I'm excited you got nice fiber :-D.
ReplyDelete