Shearing

Schedule

Sheep can and do get shorn all year round, they just need proper nutrition and shelter (from both cold and heat depending on the chosen shearing schedule). Contrary to popular belief, wool is not only for the winter... it is actually helpful in the summer as well! A couple inches of wool is ideal to insulate them from the heat (and sunburn!). But will they be cold if shorn in the winter? Their rumens are internal furnaces, so as long as they are in good condition, receiving plenty of hay/grass, and have shelter from wind/rain/snow etc., they will be perfectly warm and cozy. 

Switching to "winter shearing" for our pregnant ewes greatly improved the welfare of our flock (keeping moms healthy and increasing lamb survival) and their fleece quality. We typically shear the beginning of December since we start lambing in mid January and 30-60 days prior to lambing is best. Breeding rams on the other hand get shorn in April/May so they have the perfect amount of wool to keep them cool in the summer, but not too much to hinder them for breeding in August-October.

Why we choose winter/how it improves welfare and fleeces…

• It is much easier to evaluate their body condition and watch for signs of labor or problems (so we can best care for them)

• They can fit more comfortably around the feed trough, in the barn, etc. and aren't carrying the extra weight of the fleece on top of the extra weight of their lambs (their width is reduced by 4-6 inches on each side of each sheep 😮 and weight is reduced by ~8-15 lbs)

• Shearing during mid-pregnancy improves lamb birth weight by 15-25% (likely due to increase of voluntary feed intake as the ewes will eat more to maintain body temperature)

• Ewes are more likely to hang out and lamb in the barn instead of out in the field (full fleeced ewes are more likely to have lambs out in the cold and snow which is not good!)

• Ewes that are in full wool may accidentally lie on and suffocate a new lamb since they can't feel them

• If a ewe has trouble at lambing time, gets seriously stressed, or gets sick, it can cause a weak spot or break in the wool which can ruin it; plus it's much easier to give medicine and fluids if needed without the wool in the way

• Sheep with sheared faces can see better so they are less nervous & flighty and can see their babies better (and therefore mother better)

• And a clean rear/belly is much more sanitary and easy for the nursing lambs! 

• Overall provides a cleaner, drier, and healthier environment during the season they use the barn the most (summers are typically spent outside under shade with a breeze)

http://www.shroedershearing.com/8-reasons-to-shear-before-lambing/ 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/sheep_goats/reproduction/the-benefits-of-shearing-before-lambing