[Jacob-list] Re: Sheep shearing question......

[gordon johnston]

I am a bit puzzled at the reluctance to shear your own sheep. My first ever sheep (3 jacobs) were shorn by a neighbour and then I went on a 2-day shearing course. Hard work but worth it. A year or so later I took up hand shearing and never used the machine shears again.  Reasons? You have to hand shear if you are selling to discerning hand spinners - you must cut through the rise. I  now shear in the field rather than bringing the sheep into the shed - better views (Scottish hills) and much more comfortable. It's also much quieter. And numbers are not a problem - I rarely do more than half a dozen at a time, usually when I get back from work. It also gives you a chance to really appreciate each sheep and its fleece.
The satisfaction and, dare I say it, certain smugness of being able to shear better than others makes it all worthwhile. Take it up, it's fun, honest. See the earlier posting from Juliet.    

Gordon.

P.S. Rooing the fleece off one of my treasured Soays is a delight. Leaves me smiling for ages. No clippers, mo shears and the fleece just lifts off in one piece.
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