Shearing Shetland Sheep on a Stand (tips & tricks) 

Yes, mostly so. There are a few sheep that simply don't like being sheared and are less cooperative, but it is a minority. Most are good with this style!

Hello, I can totally relate to you. It is challenging and, like most things, is harder in real life. I also have a hard time physically restraining them, which is why I prefer my stand and deck chairs. We do shearing as a two person job. I suggest a stand and deck chairs for shearing. For nicks, try a 20 tooth comb, keep the skin taught and not loose or wrinkly, and keep on hand some vet glue. As for uneven, don't be too hard on yourself! Unless they are in a show ring at a fair, they don't need to be perfect. Some of the unruly sheep, we are just happy to get the job accomplished, period. Make sure the cutter is sharp of course, don't shear when it's damp.

@@ShearGoodness Thank you so much!

Thank you. We pick them up and put them on the stand. We don't have ramps or a hydraulic lift. We lift their front legs on first, then the back legs next. The Shetlands get a halter with lead, the other breeds do not. They are mostly pretty calm. The elders are the most calm and the yearlings are scared the first time. I can understand the yearlings, as they've never been sheared before and they don't know what's going on! The elderly sheep have learned to trust us and they are very calm as they've done this many times before. For the yearlings, you can talk to them and feed them a little grain while they are in the stand for the first time. I much prefer a stand versus getting kicked or throwing out my back!

It's a homemade stand that I purchased used. When I decide to upgrade someday, I will likely purchase the stand from Sydell that has a hydraulic lift.

@@ShearGoodness I found one on Premier One.