New lambs during shearing

[patrickr321]

Hi all

Just preparing to shear our small (Shetland) flock. I'm (very much) a novice shearer - did the wool board course last year but have a long way to go in terms of "experience". I want to avoid as much stress as poss (for the animals and me!). Last year, we brought the flock in and then each individual into the shearing area. The problem was that the new lambs went mental at being left behind - trying to get to the mother. And the mother's were less than pleased by being pulled away from their lambs - which made them more difficult to handle. Any tips on how to keep this side of the general commotion to a minimum, for their sake and my own sanity?

Also, looking at the weather (in West Wales) we've got some dry spells ahead, but the temperatures are not what I'd call "summery". 15 degrees C daytime but down to 7 at night. How cold is too cold for freshly shorn sheep? I'm pretty sure they are ready - the wool is coming away from some of them.

Thanks

 

[egbert]

Hi all

Just preparing to shear our small (Shetland) flock. I'm (very much) a novice shearer - did the wool board course last year but have a long way to go in terms of "experience". I want to avoid as much stress as poss (for the animals and me!). Last year, we brought the flock in and then each individual into the shearing area. The problem was that the new lambs went mental at being left behind - trying to get to the mother. And the mother's were less than pleased by being pulled away from their lambs - which made them more difficult to handle. Any tips on how to keep this side of the general commotion to a minimum, for their sake and my own sanity?

Also, looking at the weather (in West Wales) we've got some dry spells ahead, but the temperatures are not what I'd call "summery". 15 degrees C daytime but down to 7 at night. How cold is too cold for freshly shorn sheep? I'm pretty sure they are ready - the wool is coming away from some of them.

Thanks

Can I ask why you're separating them during shearing?
We'd leave them together, and either run the lambs straight thru the shearing pen, or mebbe bypass after someone worms/marks lambs in chute leading to shearing pen.

 

[patrickr321]

Can I ask why you're separating them during shearing?
We'd leave them together, and either run the lambs straight thru the shearing pen, or mebbe bypass after someone worms/marks lambs in chute leading to shearing pen.

We bring them all in from the field together. It's while the mother is at the shearing station and her lamb(s) is left behind in the pen. Have considered letting lamb(s) to the shearing station as well - but could be a liability?!

 

[egbert]

We bring them all in from the field together. It's while the mother is at the shearing station and her lamb(s) is left behind in the pen. Have considered letting lamb(s) to the shearing station as well - but could be a liability?!

let em shout. Turn the radio up?

How old are these lambs?

 

[patrickr321]

4-6 weeks. You're right, I'm probably over-thinking it..

 

[ladycrofter]

You should be catching them and getting Fly Off/ Crovect on them, and on the ewes after shearing. Fly season has ready started.

 

[patrickr321]

Started shearing. Apart from a couple of lambs qualifying for the 100m hurdles, all pretty calm. It must be my exaggerated memory of last year. Thanks for the advice.....