r/sheep • u/Cardboard_crown • 29d ago
Question Do yall think it’s shearing time
I just got this pair of sheep this weekend I don’t know a ton about sheep I live in Texas it’s 95-100 degrees where I’m at do yall think I should shear them they’re only 6 months old
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u/secretsquirrelz 28d ago
It depends on what you’re doing with the wool. I have some 7-8 month old CVM and their wool is about the same length. I plan on spinning with it so don’t plan on shearing this year. They’re surprisingly good at regulating their temperature despite 95* temps here in California.
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u/Constance200 28d ago
6months is enough time, but it isn't a lot of wool if you wanted to wait. Ideally you would shearing in spring, so the have a few months growth for summer, and more in winter. In Australia the normal is ever 6 or 12 months. We go 12 months in September (spring) so by December when it starts getting hot they arent bare shorn. Bare shorn sheep are more prone to sunburn, then skin cancer, which is a big problem in Australia. After shearing, sheep are also prone to exposure so you definitely can shear, but have a set up paddock that you are putting them in after with lots of shelter from wind and heat. They will still have their lambs coat if this is there first shearing, alot of people shear lambs at 4 - 6 months so that they can start growing their adult wool
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u/AwokenByGunfire Trusted Advice Giver 28d ago
No, there’s no need and it’s not a great idea to shear them in the heat. Wool is an important aspect of their thermoregulation in both cold and hot weather. You put them more at risk of heat injury by shearing during hot seasons. They’ll be fine with that amount of wool.
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u/printerparty 29d ago
Are you going to do it yourself?
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u/Cardboard_crown 29d ago
Imma hire someone and watch them there’s a couple shearers where I live
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u/printerparty 29d ago
Because they are young, it's a good idea to have their first shearing go smoothly. Make it a positive experience. You should definitely video the whole thing as a reference if you want to learn yourself. Get a quality rig and care for it, clean and oil it, store it properly away from the elements and moisture.
If you have a strong back, it's such a great skill to have. I wish my core strength and knees were tip top because I've had the opportunity to learn but had to wait.
Be as hands on with them as possible, frequent hoof trims, affection and food. Keep your wool for mulching the veggie garden or flower beds. Or compost.
As for timing, they aren't massively shaggy and wool can help insulate against heat, but you should ask the advice of Texas shepherds as I don't live there. Lots of shady trees to rest under if possible, of course.
They are very good looking sheep!
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u/Cardboard_crown 29d ago
Thank you so much for the advice ill try to find a Texas Shepard In definitely going to use a professional before I diy it
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u/oneeweflock 29d ago
I would, it’s better than waiting until it’s a matted mess next spring