Lets talk about shearing.

Shearing day does not need to be stressful

Shearing needs to be carried out annually, normally between April and June. Even if you don't use the fibre, it is essential that this is carried out for the animals welfare.

To make shearing as stress free as possible for the shearers, yourself and most importantly the animals, here are a few useful tips and hints.

Plan your shearing day well in advance. If you plan to use or sell your fleece, obtaining mid side samples for testing (this will be covered more in a later blog) before shearing helps you decide which way you handle each blanket when it comes off the animal.

Plan your order for shearing. If you have any animals that may have mites make sure they are sheared last. If you have any close friend groups try to get them sheared one after the other.

Gather your equipment together well in advance of shearing. You will need boards for removing the blanket and membrane for noodling the blanket. Some owners skirt their fleece at the time of shearing but we prefer to come back to it after shearing has been completed. Have bags to collect the seconds and thirds. We have a bag which we pack in readiness and it includes marker pens, notebook, and plenty of old towels to wipe up poo, pee and spit. We also have all our headcollars and leadropes ready along with our alpaca first aid kit. Our shearer brings their own mat to shear on along with brooms to sweep up but always check with your shearer what they expect you to provide.

The night before shearing it is essential that all the animals are kept indoors. Shearing cannot be done on a wet alpaca and your shearer will not appreciate having travelled to you to find they cannot do the job. The animals should be fasted for at least 12 hours before shearing to help prevent the poo or pee accidents. They should be indoors without hay or straw as bedding. Cardboard bedding can be used as it soaks up any pee whilst the animals are indoors and tends not to get caught up in the fleece the way natural matter does.

On shearing day, if you have helpers give them each specific jobs. Talk to your shearer before the work starts, tell them what you want, top knots, pom pom tails or nail trimming. Move the animals in and out of the shearing area efficiently. Do not make the shearer wait whilst you are chasing an alpaca around trying to get its head collar on. It's unfair on them and on the alpacas. Shearing needs to be quick and efficient.

Safety for the animals and crew are paramount

If it's your first time shearing do not be alarmed by your alpacas being tied down for shearing. If done properly, then it is not painful for the animal and in fact prevents injuries for both the animal and the shearer.

Some people use this opportunity to vaccinate their alpacas. This is not something we do. It is known that shearing is a stressful time for alpacas and stress compromises the immune system which reduces vaccine eficacy.

This is just our overview of shearing here on the farm, for a list of shearers and a full fact sheet then we would advise you visit https://bas-uk.com/care-and-welfare/husbandry/shearing/.

Finally, just remember, prepare and plan, oh, and keep your shearing team happy with cups of tea, coffee and biscuits. That way they will come back again next year.