My focus as a shearer is on providing the calmest, most positive experience for both the sheep and shepherd. I do traditional blade shearing with the sheep standing tied with a halter or on a stand, depending on their size and temperament. This approach provides the sheep with a much calmer and safer experience. It significantly reduces the risk of cuts, leaves a short layer of lanolin-rich fleece to protect them from sunburn and rain, and results in a much higher quality fleece with few to no second cuts. Since the sheep are sheared while standing as opposed to flipping or tipping them, there are far fewer health risks for the sheep as well.
Due to the nature of blade shearing and my focus on a calm experience, each sheep can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on their fleece/breed and temperament. This means I can reasonably shear between five and ten sheep per day, so I typically limit myself to flocks under 20 sheep.
I began shearing out of necessity in 2021 because I couldn't find anyone to shear my little fiber flock of three. Never one to shy away from a challenge, I watched countless hours of YouTube videos in preparation, sharpened the blade shears that came with my sheep, and got to work. My sheep turned out pretty good, if a little uneven, and I had a great time doing it. I came across a post on Nextdoor a month later from a man who couldn't find anyone to shear his flock of four and was getting desperate as the temperatures were climbing. I reached out: "I don't really know what I'm doing, but I sheared my sheep, and they turned out okay. If you don't have any other options, I'm happy to try and help." It took ages, but we got through his one ancient Rambouillet and three non-shedding Dorpers and, and he booked me for the next year before I left that day.
Not long after that, my vet recommended me to his neighbor who was also stuck with a small flock and no one to help. And then he recommended me to one of his clients. When she recommended me to one of her friends, I realized I had a new side-job and needed some formal training, so I headed off to New Mexico for The Oveja Project's shearing school in February of 2022.
Since then, I have embraced the gig economy and built a solid roster of repeat local clients in Central Texas and have added a yearly Central Florida shearing trip each March. I primarily shear in the greater San Antonio area and Hill Country and am currently accepting new clients. I am willing to travel when my tutoring and homeschooling schedule allow.
Base rate:
$100 barn call
$30/hr travel fee outside home radius
Shearing Rates per Sheep: Includes shearing, basic wellness check, and hoof trim
$40 for ewes and wethers
$70 for rams and Babydolls, Southdowns, Valais (thickly wooled face, legs, etc)
Possible additional charges:
$10/sheep to catch them for you
$30/sheep for multiple years of growth, excessive matting, or difficult/aggressive animals
$150/day no on-site help provided
A clean, flat area along a fence line or wall to tie the sheep. It should be well-lit but preferably not in direct sunlight.
Two halters and two lead ropes--one for the sheep currently being sheared, and one for the next one in line. I recommend Weaver nylon goat halters with the crisscross chin and a cotton leadrope with bullsnap. Polyrope sheep halters will work in a pinch, but they come off easily and can cause severe rope burns. Be sure to check that the halters fit before shearing day!
Your sheep penned in an area where you will be able to catch the next sheep easily and efficiently. In order for the shearing day to go smoothly, the sheep need to be ready to go when it's their turn. Stalls, small paddocks with loading chutes, and even livestock trailers work.
On-site help. I require at least one person present to catch and deliver the sheep, hold them if necessary, and collect the fleece. If you are unable to provide physical assistance, an additional fee will be applied. NOTE: I do not shear without someone present at all times. This is for the sheep's safety and my own.
A plan for the fleece. I do basic skirting as I go and adjust my shearing depending on how you plan to use the fleece--hand spinning, felting, mulching, etc. Be sure to have bags handy for storing the fleece.
Cash, check, or Venmo for payment at time of services.
Dry. I cannot shear wet sheep due to the health risks for both me and them. If rain is expected in the days leading up to shearing, please find a dry place to keep them. If this isn't possible, we will have to reschedule.
Kept off grain and supplemental hay for 12-18 hrs prior to shearing. It's ideal to keep them off all feed, but it's not required since they will be sheared standing. Water is fine.
Penned prior to my arrival and able to be caught easily and efficiently. In order for the shearing day to go smoothly, the sheep need to be ready to go when it's their turn. Additional fees may be applied for excessive wait time or if I need to catch the sheep for you.
Reasonably accustomed to being handled. Nerves and anxiety are expected and can be calmly worked through. Aggression and outright fear are dangerous for everyone involved. If your sheep are not used to be handled, let me know ahead of time, and we can develop a plan going into shearing. NOTE: Aggressive and/or extremely fearful sheep will require you to provide additional manpower. This is not something that can or will be accommodated for upon arrival.
Treat your animals, you, and your property with care and respect.
Ensure that my tools and supplies are clean and disinfected between farm visits to ensure biosecurity.
Share my knowledge with you and address any concerns you might have.
Alone.
Wet animals.
Aggressive, violent, or extremely fearful animals.
Administer medication, shots, or vaccinations AFTER shearing.
Be prepared to provide the following information:
Location
Breed(s) of sheep
Number of ewes/wethers
Number of rams