Second Shear
The Second Shear season runs from February through to May and typically involves shearing sheep that have already been shorn in the Main Shear again.
In order to shear your sheep efficiently and without hassle, I use a mobile battery-powered shearing machine. All I ask is that they are ready on a flat area in a relatively small pen to make them easy to catch without putting any unnecessary stress on them. I leave the wool in a tidy pile for you outside of the pen.
In April and May, it is best to book your sheep in, as early as possible, since space is limited.
Why a Second Shear?
It can be important to shear your sheep again in the late Summer or Autumn to prevent fly stike. Second shear during pregnancy also helps increase birth weights of lambs. Which can make a big difference to their survival rate if bad weather strikes during lambing. All in all Second Shear helps greatly to maintain the health and hygiene of the sheep. Improving the overall appearance and condition of the sheep.
Other Benefits of Second Shear:
Health Monitoring: Shearing provides an opportunity for close inspection and monitoring of the sheep's health. During the second shear, shearers can identify and address any health issues, skin conditions, or injuries that may have developed since the previous shearing. Early detection of health problems allows for prompt intervention and treatment, contributing to better overall flock health.
Welfare and Comfort: Second shear helps improve the welfare and comfort of the sheep. Over time, the fleece can become heavy so by shearing the sheep again, they can stay more comfortable, reducing the risk of heat stress and related health issues.
Ease of Management: Second shearing allows for more straightforward management of the flock. Shearing helps maintain the cleanliness of the sheep, reduces the risk of fly strike and other skin-related issues, and improves overall hygiene in the flock. It also makes it easier to identify individual sheep and track their history and performance.
Wool Quality Improvement: Second shear allows the sheep's fleece to grow higher-quality wool. Selective Breeding: Second shearing, helps to identify the performance of individual sheep, evaluating their condition and overall wellbeing. This information is valuable for making informed decisions about selective breeding.
Overall, second shearing offers several advantages. Enhancing sheep welfare, aiding in health monitoring, ease of flock management, and assisting in selective breeding decisions. By shearing the sheep for the second time, you can maximise the well-being of your flock.
Please note: I will not shear your sheep if they have been treated with Maggo. Maggo is extremely toxic, which can cause organ damage and cancer with repeat exposure. This is clearly outlined in their safety data sheet which you can find in this link.