How to Hand-Shear Alpacas

Alpacas are members of the camel family that have become popular domesticated animals for their thick, wool coats. These relatives of llamas are kept on farms and ranches, or even as pets. The fleece of alpacas is frequently sold to be woven into clothing and crafts. In order to harvest their valuable coats, alpacas must be sheared annually, ideally in the spring after cold weather has passed and before the hot summer months.

Things You'll Need

  • Electric shears
  • 5-inch and 3.5-inch shear blades
  • Cotton gloves
  • Halter
  • Hay
  • Ropes
  • Bag for fleece
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position an alpaca to begin the hand-shearing process. Depending on how calm or scared your animals are of being sheared, you can either have them stand or place them gently on the ground.

    • 2

      Secure standing alpacas with a halter and provide hay to keep them busy while you hand-shear them. If you decide to place each alpaca on the ground for shearing, gently tie the front legs together with a rope. Attach the end of the rope to a secure object, or have a helper hold your alpaca's legs and rotate them as you shear. Repeat the process with the back legs.

    • 3

      Put on the cotton gloves to protect your hands from cuts and blisters.

    • 4

      Shear the fleece from your alpaca's belly area first. Because this part of the coat is usually soiled and filled with debris, discard this fleece before shearing other areas of the animal. Depending on how thick your alpaca's belly fur is, use a 3.5- or 5-inch blade in this area. As you progress with the shearing process, have your helpers assist by holding, comforting and restraining the alpaca as needed.

    • 5

      Choose one side of your alpaca's body to shear. Section the coat down the middle of the animal's back with your hand, and make your first cut. This will help you to determine how long your alpaca's coat is, and whether a 3.5- or 5-inch blade will work best. It will also help you to know how deep to push the shears into the animal's fleece.

    • 6

      Work from the hind quarters to the head of your alpaca as you are shearing, using vertical strokes. Pull the coat slightly along the legs toward the back end of the animal to get a good cut. Pull the coat in the opposite direction as you move along both sides of the legs. Shear in long strokes, also called blows, to get even cuts.

    • 7

      Continue up the alpaca's side. This area is called the blanket, and has the thickest, longest fur. For this area, a 5-inch blade will be necessary. Make long blows in rows, cutting from the base of the neck to the hind end. As you hand-shear, feel for the natural curves and contours of your alpaca's body to help guide you. Also, be sure your helper is close by to assist you as needed.

    • 8

      Finish hand-shearing the first side of your alpaca by shearing the neck area with a 3.5-inch blade. Be extra careful not to cut your animal's skin in the delicate area by not pushing too hard on the shears. Move along the head, stopping just behind the ears. Carefully and gently trim around your alpaca's face.

    • 9

      Repeat the process on the other side of your alpaca's body. Pick up the sheared fleece when you are finished and place it into a bag.