Shearing Day
The shearing went very smoothly. The shearer was kind, patient, and gentle as he could be with the sheep. None of the sheep escaped. No one was injured. It was a complete success. In fact the shearing went so well I have no story to tell you. I'm very happy. The ewes however, when asked about the shearing said, "Bleh!"
It was quite funny to watch the reaction of the ewes when their newly shorn herd-mate rejoined them. They did not recognize her. At first they were very reluctant to let her back into the flock.
The interesting thing we learned during the shearing was that our ram Svar was completely ready to shed his wool and we could have just pealed it off of him.
At http://www.frelsifarm.com/article_icelandic_sheep.htm I learned:
because the Icelandic is a primitive breed, it has a natural wool-break in Spring. "The wool can be plucked or "rooed" during the spring wool break, but it is not a very efficient way to harvest the spring wool. Often the sheep sheds in patches and the fleece may be felted underneath as it loosens."
The interesting thing we learned during the shearing was that our ram Svar was completely ready to shed his wool and we could have just pealed it off of him.
At http://www.frelsifarm.com/article_icelandic_sheep.htm I learned:
because the Icelandic is a primitive breed, it has a natural wool-break in Spring. "The wool can be plucked or "rooed" during the spring wool break, but it is not a very efficient way to harvest the spring wool. Often the sheep sheds in patches and the fleece may be felted underneath as it loosens."
I have enjoyed reading the last 2 articles so much
and have learned so much about icelandic sheep.
Thanks Linnea for sharing.
I hope your next born lambs are girls :)
Love Adeeba