SHEARING

 

Small flockS + Herds

High Desert Shearing handles flocks of sheep and goats ranging from 1–100. For llamas and alpacas, I do maintenance cuts for herds of 1–30.
Larger flocks or herds can be taken on as needed.

SEASON

My shearing and hoof trimming seasons run March 1– July 7
and September 1–November 1.

SHEARING DAY CHECKLIST

In order for shearing to go smoothly,
the flock/herd owner needs to prepare the following:

  1. Sheep and goats need to be off of food for 18–24 hours prior to shearing and not fed again until after they are shorn. They need to be off water at least 2 hours prior to shearing. Fasting is for the animal’s health and safety.

  2. Animals need be tightly pen near the shearing area, before the shearer arrives. Camelids need to be haltered.
    The smaller the pen, the better. If animals are unpenned when I arrive or I need to help pen them, a $50 fee will be added.

  3. Animals need to be completely dry for shearing.
    If there is a chance of precipitation or even dew, keep them in a barn or fully covered/enclosed area prior to shearing. If you are unable to provide cover, please let me know in advance so we can reschedule.

  4. The shearing area needs: access to electricity, a flat level hard surface, and shade. For alpacas and llamas, there needs to be two sturdy ground-level supports to anchor restraints to.

  5. The owner (or another responsible party) needs to be on hand throughout the shearing.

  6. The owner provides their own bags, bins, brooms or other means of moving and storing the wool.

  7. The shearer reserves the right to not shear an animal that is acting dangerously aggressive and/or is not safely penned.