The Skinny on Shearing Day

A sure sign that summer is almost here on the farm is not just the rise in temperature, the trees starting to bud, or the longer days — it’s the arrival of shearing day.

Every alpaca farm has their own methods of preparing.  So, how we set up is unique to us, but the main purpose is the same across all alpaca farms: to remove the heavy coats that the alpacas grew all year so they are more comfortable during the heat of the day.  

The secondary purpose of shearing doesn’t apply to all farms — harvesting the fleeces for processing — because not all alpaca farms raise alpacas for their fiber.  They may raise them as farm pets, guardian purposes, processing fleece is cost prohibitive, lack of knowledge/resources, or simply not having a fiber mill in their region. 

There are also the farms whose primary purpose is to raise alpacas for breeding show quality alpacas, but that's a topic for another day.

Tia about to have her mop top trimmed

I wish shearing was as simple as scheduling an appointment with the barber, but it's not. Scheduling the actual day the shearer comes is fairly easy, but a lot of planning goes into making the entire event efficient and stress free for all involved including the herd.

Here is a list of how we plan for the shearer:

• determine alpacas' designated holding areas (pre-shearing) shearing order 
• where males and females will exit to after each shearing (maintain separation)
• assess which alpacas need teeth trimming
• snips for toenail trimming, as needed*
• order vaccines (if shearing is an appropriate time to administer)
• a clear, broom-swept area with good lighting (for shearing mat, tools, clean fiber collection, and mobility without disrupting the shearer)
• handheld electric blower to remove dust from herd's coats (pre-shearing)
• identify strong security points for anchoring tethers for alpaca stabilization and safety
• wall outlet for electric shears
• garden hose accessibility (for shearer to clean mat and equipment)
• broom (to sweep in between alpacas to avoid color contamination)
• clean cotton sheets for prime fleece collection & bags for seconds & thirds
• painters tape & a sharpie to write each alpacas name on 3 tags each for prime, 2nds, & 3rds 
• bottled water to stay hydrated
• volunteers to help collect fleece and/or manage herd
• reliable weather app to monitor conditions  
• keep the alpacas as dry as possible
• pray for a nice day 

*we do our own toenail trimming regularly, so this is not something we need the shearer to address, but if you don't trim your herd's toenails, it's common to have the shearer do it for you.  

Ace being relieved of his prime fleece

If there’s anything that you should not do during shearing, we learned it at our very first shearing experience.  We hired a professional shearer who graciously educated as we went along, and our little herd of three alpacas emerged with beautiful haircuts despite us being so green with inexperience.  I’m pleased to say that our shearer still works with us - LOL!

Here is what you should NOT do:

• Don’t let the alpacas get wet.  Not because they’re gremlins, but when alpacas get wet, they want to go and roll in a dust bath turning all that dirt into mud, and it sticks to their coats like glue.  (yep, we did that. Again, a story for another day).  The reason is that the the muddy dirt will ruin the blades on the electric shears.  This is not good for anyone. Not the shearer or your alpacas.  Keeping the alpacas dry is not always possible, so communicate with your shearer as needed and reschedule if that’s a option.  If not, as long as the herd stays away from the dirt, shearing wet animals is doable, but makes drying the fleeces potentially challenging for you.  
  
  
• Don’t get the shearer’s way.  You’ll get your hands slapped (just kidding). As you collect the prime fleece and the scattered bits of seconds and thirds, keep your hands clear of the shearer’s working area so you don’t a) accidentally make contact with the shears; b) disrupt the shearer’s flow causing him to make a shorter cut and have to make a second pass.  
  
  
• Don’t rely on the shearer to bring help.  Most shearers have a least one person or will have a team to help make their work productive, but just to manage the shearing process.  It’s up to you to manage the animals and what happens to the fleece as it comes off the alpacas.  Recruit friends to help, divvy up the responsibilities, and maybe allow them to switch jobs so each person can experience the entire process. Many hands make light work - and can also be a party.  Reward your volunteers with lunch, alpaca socks, or whatever you do to make them feel appreciated.  
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• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Whether it’s your shearer or another farm who has shearing experience, say “educate me” and ask whatever it is you aren’t sure about or don’t know.  Alpaca owners share what they know all the time and a good shearer will happily talk about their expertise as well.  If you’ve never sheared alpacas before, ask a farm if you can volunteer or observe the process so you can learn.  Ask the shearer what his process is so you can make their day effective.

our first ever shearing day circa 2015

And that’s it!  

Our herd is being shorn this coming Monday, May 12.  The weather is looking promising for beautiful sunny day despite the fact that we’re in a very rainy pattern right now and the alpacas look like drowned rats at the moment (see Summer’s photo below).   Saturday through Monday will be warm and sunny, so the herd should be completely dry by then.

Wish us luck and happy shearing!​

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