Sheep Shearing Tools

Sheep shearing is the process of removing a sheep's wool in preparation for processing. This process is typically performed on all the sheep at once, and it is typically performed by a professional who brings his own tools. Sheep shearing is a labor-intensive process, and even a small flock may need a full day dedicated to it. Understanding shearing tools is an important part of understanding how sheep shearing works.

  1. Blades or Shears

    • Before the advent of electrical shears, single blades or scissor-like shears were used to crop the wool from sheep. In places in the world where electricity is not widely available, this is the method that is still used. Manual blades or shears do not remove the wool as closely as electrical shears, leaving more wool on the sheep at the end of the process.

    Electrical Shears

    • Electric shears allow for a close shave on the sheep, removing more wool than manual clippers allow. They are typically composed of a hand grip, a comb and a cutting edge. The comb determines how close to the skin the cut is made, while the cutter physically snips the wool from the sheep. Cutter blades dull quickly and must be replaced in order to ensure a good cut and to prevent accidental nips.

    Broom

    • The shearing surface should be as clean as possible. Use a broom to sweep any trace fibers away from the floor after each sheep has gone by. Only shear sheep on a floor that is easily cleaned. Wood, carpet, canvas and concrete are all acceptable surfaces for shearing.

    Packaging

    • After the sheep is sheared, the wool needs to be bundled and packaged. If you only have a small amount of wool, cardboard boxes or plastic garbage bags are a suitable storage method for the wool, though clear plastic wool bags are the preferred packaging method. Avoid packaging the wool in polyester feed sacks or in burlap. If you need to tie the wool, use paper twine to avoid damaging it.