It’s been a good weekend.
Always helps when you have a couple extra days.
I really should do that more often.
Thursday I went over to Schoonover Farm to help with their shearing.
I always jump at the chance to help with something like this, because it’s a great opportunity to learn (and earn a really nice fleece!)
This year I chose Spike.
Here he is being shorn:
The fleece:
And the first yarn:
Mmmm mmmmm good.
Good show, Spike!
Saturday, we did our sheep maintenance routine- hooves, deworming, and administering the CoSeCure boluses for the first time.
It was a bit hairy, getting the boluses down them, until we developed a technique,, but they all got done. And it doesn’t look like anyone has spit them up, so I think we’re good!
This afternoon was really beautiful, so I was going to go out and get some fleece photos, but the boys wouldn’t cooperate.
So, I decided I would take samples instead.
Went back to the house to get the nice new little shears that got just recently.
Thought I would just get a couple snips worth, as a preview.
But when I got out there, Edgar just walked right up and said “Take it off. Take it all off”
And so I did.
First he just stood there while I was clipping.
Then he sat down.
And I just kept on clipping.
At some point, the other guys got curious and came around to see what was going on.
I had Frank climbingup on my back, and Chone nibbling on my ear.
Crazy guys.
But it was fun. Edgar was so relaxed, and I just kept chatting him up, telling him how sporty he was gonna look in his new ‘do.
Probably took an hour or more.
I just took it slow and made sure not to get too close to any skin.
He’s still got a half inch to an inch of wool on him everywhere, so I don’t think he’ll get too chilly.
Seems mighty relieved to be rid of the heavy coat, actually.
And I’m glad to take it from him.
Edgar’s a bit lumpy lookin’ and the fleece is a bit jumbled,, but I think we’re both pretty psyched about how it went.
Who’s next? Perhaps on we of the big boys?
