It seems like spring will never come, but one of the first signs of it (besides seed catalogs) is the fact that our spring shearing day has been scheduled. It is March 29. So if you would like to participate let me know. If you help with the sheep or wool wrangling you are rewarded with a free fleece of your choice. Lunch and hard cider tasting will also be provided.
Wish I lived closer and I would be there! Fortunately we will have our own shearing early March and lambs due end of March 🙂
I wished you were closer and could come too! I planned badly this year because the ewes are due to lamb on shearing day.
Are you having Eifion shear again this year, Donna?
Maureen
Yes, we are. He is only here for a short time this year so that is why he will be shearing sheep while they are lambing.
He’s supposed to be at my place during the first weekend in March – wish I could trade places with you! My guys were last sheared at the end of September, and I’d love to make it a full six months before shearing again. Right now they don’t really need it, so we’ll see how they look in a month. I don’t want to miss out on his excellent shearing skills (the guy who sheared in Sept. did a decent job, but he’s no speed demon Eifion!) I just wish it was six weeks later!
That is funny since he only gave me a few days choices so I assumed his trip was shorter this year. I prefer to do it later in that it can be so cold in early March. Last year I lost one older ewe from the cold after shearing. So I will keep my date. I hope you get enough wool.
I think he just tries to schedule me around other shearing jobs he has – with my puny flock it’s hardly worth a trip on its own. He said he was shearing in Carnation that day (next town over) so offered me the 3rd. I think I’ll contact him and see if there are other days he might be available. My ewes were visibly shivering last year (March 4) for a week or two after shearing, and the 2012 lambs are still small enough that I’d worry about them. What time do you start on shearing day? I’d like to make it up, but with the drive it might not be until after 9:00 and with Eifion, he could be done by then!
And that is probably what he did with me, schedule me around some local jobs here. You could bring your sheep up here and have him do them here. It would be a hassle, I know, put they would be warmer and you would save the set up costs. I have not heard a start time yet. It is usually 9:00 but I will let you (and other) know.
Thanks, Donna! I did contact Eifion and was able to move it to the Sunday before you – three extra weeks that will help with wool growth and warmer temps. He’s shearing the flock of a BWM breeder near to me (I think he asks me every year if I know her). I’m going to call her and see if she could use an extra hand that day. Always good to know another shepherd – and especially one so close – I’m pretty sure my BWM wethers came from Eifion’s in-laws on Whidbey, though.
I’ll keep you posted on the 29th – I’ll have to take the day off work, so it depends on my work load that week.
I am glad you were able to reschedule Eifion. You and your sheep will be happier. We would love to have your help on our shearing day, if you can get off work.
I would really love to have this first hand experience and see this done in person… Do you have a requirement as far as experience is concerned to help you? I have experience working with animals but not the shearing process.
-Lindsey
No requirements. If you are uncomfortable catching the sheep, you can pack up the wool and sweep between shearings. We would love to have the help.
Donna
I have no problem catching sheep – my family had farms – an I currently work with wearing pigs at times! I look forward to a new challenge 😉
*silly autocorrect!!! ‘Weanling pigs’
So can I put you down for shearing help? And you have weanling pigs in Ballard?
Yes feel free to sign me up!! I work with animals, I’m and animal technician, and sometimes we have 24/26 week old pigs in for a few weeks 🙂 But my family in Oregon has raised sheep and beef cattle for quite a few generations! I miss hanging out of the farm.
sent from ‘Lil iSheep’ my iPhone
Yes feel free to sign me up!! I work with animals, I’m and animal technician, and sometimes we have 24/26 week old pigs in for a few weeks 🙂
But my family in Oregon has raised sheep and beef cattle for quite a few generations! I miss hanging out of the farm.
Well we definitely have a small farm here. Look forward to meeting you in person and always love the help. I will send you the specifics, once I know them (like starting time). Thanks!
Donna
Remember me?.I helped untangle one of your sheep from bobwire a few years ago…I would love to help with your shearing….Hope to see you soon..Gayle
Hi Gayle! I would love to have your help. I will let you know the details when I know them.
Donna
Donna..Looking forward to seeing you again..Love the new pictures for the farm…Feel better soon..
Gayle