How to Shear a Sheep With Hand Shears

Shearing a sheep is hard work requiring patience, stamina and a strong back. You must control the sheep, and at the same time maneuver the hand shears to efficiently cut the wool. Sheep grow wool continuously, so shearing is necessary at least once or twice a year. Up until the 1880s, all sheep were sheared by hand without electricity. Modern techniques aren't always preferred. You can cut just as fast with hand shears as electrical shears. Many family sheep farmers say the wool grows longer and thicker with hand shearing.

Things You'll Need

  • Hand sheers
  • Work gloves
  • Sheering platform
  • Bucket of soap and water
  • Fully woolly sheep
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pen the sheep before shearing. The sheep should be sorted by age, breed and grade.

    • 2

      Prepare a clean, flat, dry surface upon which to place the sheep. The surface can be smooth wood, carpet, canvas or concrete.

    • 3

      Clean the wool thoroughly, removing any debris that might get in the way of the cutting blades.

    • 4

      Position the sheep with its skin taunt; this is to minimize cuts. Firmly place your hand under the sheep's jaw and around the nose. Place the sheep on its rump for easier handling.

    • 5
      Properly positioning the sheep will make shearing easier.

      Shear the belly first . Remove all the wool from the breastbone down to the udder on a ewe, or to the scrotum on a ram.

    • 6

      Open up the wool on the throat, and shear around the neck and head. Shear down each side of the shoulder; get as close to the skin as possible.

    • 7

      Shear the sheep's buttock and tail.

    • 8

      Sweep away any loose wool after each sheep had been sheared. This provides a clean surface for the next animal.