Saturday, April 02, 2016

Baaa baaa, bald sheep

Wednesday Bart lost his coat. Since shearing was scheduled for Thursday evening, I just crossed my fingers that he wouldn't accumulate too much trash before his big, beautiful fleece was harvested.

Thursday evening my farrier came to trim the horses' feet, then changed hats/tools to shear the woollies. I didn't take any photos during; too busy trying to keep the flow going onto and off the shearing mat. DH got stall fabric down in the corner stall to give me a holding area for the sheared boys, so I didn't have to worry about getting them all coated immediately.

The girls got kicked out to pasture until the shearer was done. (Sarai will be rooed later, and I'll have to scissor-shear Bramble.) Then naked sheep got fresh coats, everyone got a dose of Valbazen since membranes were looking rather pale, and fleeces were stacked in the tackroom awaiting skirting.
The weather couldn't have been more perfect.

March definitely left like a lamb at . . .

6 comments:

Theresa said...

Can't wait to see the beautiful 2016 fleeces! Its always a treat.

Kim said...

Do you blanket year round? If so, do they require multiple sizes through the year? What brand do you use?

Fat Dormouse said...

I hope there isn't a cold spell for the poor baldie sheep now!

Mt Devon Meanderings said...

I have a few left to shear before lambing season gets under way. I seem to have a hard time finding the motivation this year to get them all done. Hopefully today we will be able to finish another one.

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

I love these posts Michelle - you are a great observer!
Your gorgeous sheep looked stunned!
All the same I know they would do anything for you!
What a life you live!
Our next move is definitely out of the city and back to my small town roots!

Michelle said...

I'll be pushing to get them skirted and out the door with limited time, but will try to take some photos, Theresa.

Kim, I use Rocky Sheep Suits, and yes, they do require 2-3 sizes from shearing to shearing (I coat all year).

Not likely, Dormouse; we're headed for record heat by the end of the week! A very brief, very cold spell to kill the already abundant bugs would be nice....

I would have a hard time, too, if I had to do them all myself, MDM!

Thank-you, Shane; I hope you can make that move sooner rather than later!