Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Nobody died but…

It was a little crazy. I felt this photo accurately described what shearing day was like on Monday. Crazy sheep!

Seems the girls are smart enough to know what a halter is and that bad haircuts happen when one is involved. Debby and I managed to catch two of them and I only took one nose dive while doing it. Not bad if I do say so myself.

The actual act of shearing on the other hand didn’t go so well. I gave up on the idea of using electric clippers almost immediately after nicking Blanche a couple times without even realizing it. I quickly switched to the smaller size hand shears that I bought this spring and have to say that will be my weapon tool of choice from now on. Easier on all of us over the larger shears I used last year.

The girls just LOVED having Debby give them ear scratches and corn nibblets while they were getting their spa treatments. They were much calmer than last year and so was I! Had it not been for Debby I might have quit immediately after I nicked Blanche and called it a day. We had a great time, I love how meeting a fellow blogger always feels like catching up with an old friend even though you’ve never met in person before.

I wanted to give you some nice after shots of our handiwork but the girls are way out on the north pasture.

DSC_7755

I’m telling myself it is because the pasture is dry out there and not that they’re avoiding me today.

christinesig

12 comments:

Sweettoothe said...

I'm sure your girls are just as lovely as usual :)

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Geesh, I love this post! I dream of a flock of sheep, but realize that I'll be winging it with the shearing. You are brave and funny and compassionate with your flock! I love being privy to the fun!
Courtney

Evelyn said...

Sorry Christine I missed the plane

Sarah said...

We used electric shears for one sheep last year and hubby and I took over an hour on the poor guy.... Plus we both fought the whole time because tension was high from the heat, noise and also nicking our guy...

Then a lady showed me how to use fabric shears to hand shear them.... I never turned back. We will be hand shearing all of ours this year....

Also where at in Indiana do you live? I live in the northeast corner of Indiana!

Michelle said...

I'm so glad you had help! My blog pals (one of whom has become a "real-life" friend) have gotten me through this day; there's nothing like help from friends.

Sheila said...

Christine, The girls say they are not coming back to the barn unless there are cookies in their future! Have a great week!

thecrazysheeplady said...

Oh, they'll get over it...eventually ;-).

Taryn said...

It's a testament to the power of your writing that I've been worried about "the girls" ever since their reprieve from the mud puddles a few days ago. I will enjoy wool vicariously this weekend at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. At least they aren't human - no book deals on the scares you've left.

Tonia said...

LOL at them hanging out so far from home now! I remember when they would come and shear sheep when I a was a kid. Those guys were quick! it was always fascinating to watch!!

Muffy's Marks said...

Wow, lots of work.

Nancy K. said...

You are much braver, stronger, better (chose your adjective) than I! I give in a pay someone to come out and shear my flock. He takes about 5 minutes to shear a sheep and charges me $3.50 each. For me, it's MORE than worth it!!!

Of course, my flock is not sheared yet and since I have to pay someone, it could be a LONG time before they are!

perhaps I could try hand-shearing one or two...

Anonymous said...

I too tried shearing my Shetlands, Angora goats, and a llama with electric shears. Bought all the fancy attachments including a camelid and mohair comb. After nearly cutting off my own finger once or twice and on the brink of divorce we switched to hand shearing. Each year I buy a new pair of Fiskars, relatively cheap and super sharp. Takes me a bit longer but I get a good look at the animals too! Love your blog, btw!