AlpacaShearers : Messages : 341-370 of 1020

Skip to search.

Yahoo! Groups

AlpacaShearers · Alpaca Shearers

The Yahoo! Groups Product Blog

Check it out!

Group Information

Members: 119
Category: Agriculture and Farming
Founded: Jan 3, 2005
Language: English

Already a member? Sign in to Yahoo!

Yahoo! Groups Tips

Did you know...

Hear how Yahoo! Groups has changed the lives of others. Take me there.

Messages

Messages 341 - 370 of 1020 Oldest | < Older | Newer > | Newest

Messages: Show Message Summaries

#341

From: "Ellen Prosser" <yenne@...>
Date: Thu Jul 6, 2006 3:15 pm
Subject: Re: Re: care of the primary unit!

Well, we've discussed care of shearing heads, clients, alpacas and our trucks, but not the primary shearing unit : US! I mostly use a light weight lister unit and wizard blades. Sometimes my heineger ( aka the bushwhacker). I am a female shearer if it makes any difference. My main problem is every shearing season I experience mild to major numbness in my hands, I'm guessing from holding the clipper/shearer at weird angles as I shear odd places ( I do mainly llamas and mainly in a chute). I also do toenails as well. I do my herd of 100, and probably another 50 to 100 outside animals - not really intensive every day shearing like most of you tough guys and gals. Wondered if anyone had experienced this and found anything helpfull. Not really whining here, I could quit if I had to, just love to shear, and love to check in on all the critters we've sold. Any hints oh wise ones? ellen b prosser Yenneveldt Farm Llamas & Alpacas
NELR & Poultry In Motion
http://www.mtdata.com/~yenne/
Colrain, MA yenne@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#342

From: "Islandwest & PurelyAlpaca.com" <brianandfrieda@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 12:50 am
Subject: Shearing young crias

Hi,
  I'm looking for information on shearing young (2-3) month crias. I've heard
that dog clippers might work on these little guys. Looking for the
experienced wisdom here.... :)

Thanks!
-Brian
Seattle, WA

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#343

From: "John Mahr" <John@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 5:04 am
Subject: RE: Shearing young crias

I have tried a Lister clipper with a 20 tooth blade. It did not work very well on the really fine micron crias (less than 17-18 microns). I have heard that the 17 tooth Mohair comb for shears is used by some shearers. I will try it on my next cria that I shear.

John

John Mahr - Chief Alpaca Herder

Indian Creek Alpacas

+1-831-401-9525

www.IndianCreekAlpacas.net

From: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Islandwest & PurelyAlpaca.com
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 5:51 PM
To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaShearers] Shearing young crias

Hi,
I'm looking for information on shearing young (2-3) month crias. I've heard
that dog clippers might work on these little guys. Looking for the
experienced wisdom here.... :)

Thanks!
-Brian
Seattle, WA

__________ NOD32 1.1647 (20060706) Information __________

This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
http://www.eset.com

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#344

From: "Jodi Wever" <pocolago@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 10:44 am
Subject: Re: Shearing young crias

Hi Brian,

I shear 2-3 month old crias and younger(from about 4 days old) all the time. I know many others who do. I have heard that dog clippers can work, too, and on his DVD, Ted Chepolis demonstrates using a clipper that I think is an "A5" kind of blade. (Sorry I don't know much about clippers personally.)

From my own *experience* shearing little guys is just like shearing big ones, except smaller - and often with finer and "slicker" fiber. It can be a tiny bit trickier to shear the little guys with that fine, fine fleece, but I have done it just fine many times with a 20-tooth shearing comb, a 17-tooth, and a 13-tooth on any micron, any type of baby fiber.

Using any shears or clippers, you just have to use very well-sharpened blades, and careful techniques to avoid catching small folds of skin (hint: where there might be any folds of skin straighten, stretch and smooth out in front of shears in any way you possibly can and/or be sure the shear *across* the possible direction of the fold rather than shearing along it in the same direction - know what I mean? Perpendicular to the folds rather than parallel. Hope that makes sense!!). Do also shear when it's as cool as possible. It's difficult to shear ANY hot, sweaty fiber.

Jodi

--
Jeff & Jodi Wever
Poco Lago Alpacas, Knightstown, IN
http://www.pocolago.com
http://www.alpacanation.com/pocolagoalpacas.asp
765-345-5838

On 7/6/06, Islandwest & PurelyAlpaca.com <brianandfrieda@...> wrote:

Hi,
I'm looking for information on shearing young (2-3) month crias. I've heard
that dog clippers might work on these little guys. Looking for the
experienced wisdom here.... :)

Thanks!
-Brian
Seattle, WA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
See what's inside the new Yahoo! Groups email.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/2pRQfA/bOaOAA/yQLSAA/S8XolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlpacaShearers/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
   AlpacaShearers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
   http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#345

From: "Jodi Wever" <pocolago@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 10:58 am
Subject: Re: Re: care of the primary unit!

The primary shearing unit - yeah. OK. : ) Actually I do think that subject has been touched on here before, too. Was it Scott that talked about working out, getting ready for shearing season?

But anyway, I am responding, Ellen, not at all because I'm any of the wise ones (ARE there any "wise" shearers? Is shearing a wise occupation?! LOL) but because I definitely can relate, have experienced the numbness you mention and have found that wearing a wrist brace does help me, as well as being a bit more careful as I shear. I try to be more conscious of my wrists and NOT getting into too many weird angles with tight pressure in my hands and wrists. I try to relax, hold no more tightly than I absolutely have to, and use larger, whole arm movements more than small, tight ones as much as possible. Then I use the wrist braces sometimes as well.

I have used just the snug glove-type things on my wrists while shearing - but they do of course get really dirty and fiber can stick to them some, etc, even tho they're kind of a slick fabric. Off hours, tho, when I'm not shearing and particularly at night while sleeping during the thick of shearing season, I wear a more structured glove with a metal brace that keeps my wrist from bending and restricting circulation any in my wrist and hand. It's really made a difference in how much I have trouble w/ numbness, altho I also think the adjustments referred to above in how I use my hands and wrists are a big factor as well. One year, I really had a lot of trouble w/ my wrists and numbness so I made those adjustments and it helps.

I just love to shear, too. Wouldn't want to stop entirely.

: ) Jodi

--
Jeff & Jodi Wever
Poco Lago Alpacas, Knightstown, IN
http://www.pocolago.com
http://www.alpacanation.com/pocolagoalpacas.asp
765-345-5838

On 7/6/06, Ellen Prosser <yenne@...> wrote:

Well, we've discussed care of shearing heads, clients, alpacas and our trucks, but not the primary shearing unit : US! I mostly use a light weight lister unit and wizard blades. Sometimes my heineger ( aka the bushwhacker). I am a female shearer if it makes any difference. My main problem is every shearing season I experience mild to major numbness in my hands, I'm guessing from holding the clipper/shearer at weird angles as I shear odd places ( I do mainly llamas and mainly in a chute). I also do toenails as well. I do my herd of 100, and probably another 50 to 100 outside animals - not really intensive every day shearing like most of you tough guys and gals. Wondered if anyone had experienced this and found anything helpfull. Not really whining here, I could quit if I had to, just love to shear, and love to check in on all the critters we've sold. Any hints oh wise ones? ellen b prosser Yenneveldt Farm Llamas & Alpacas
NELR & Poultry In Motion
http://www.mtdata.com/~yenne/
Colrain, MA yenne@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#346

From: "Jay Ward" <jayward@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 10:47 am
Subject: RE: Shearing young crias

I use a 13 tooth comb and a the Pro-Tie

Much the same a regular shearing

If their fleece is the least bit damp it bogs down because it’s so fine already

Jay

Alpaca and light livestock equipment in stock. We have feeders, chutes, panels and more. Check out the complete line at www.LightLivestockEquipment.com.

Hosting Dr LaRue Johnson for his well known Neonatal clinic on Sat March 24, 2007.

Jay & Julie Ward
AuSable Valley Alpacas
57 Howard Heights Ln.
Jay, NY 12941
518-524-0545 (cell)
518-946-2402 (fax)
www.alpacanation.com/ausablevalley.asp
www.AusableValleyAlpacas.com
www.LightLivestockEquipment.com

From: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Islandwest & PurelyAlpaca.com
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 8:51 PM
To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaShearers] Shearing young crias

Hi,
I'm looking for information on shearing young (2-3) month crias. I've heard
that dog clippers might work on these little guys. Looking for the
experienced wisdom here.... :)

Thanks!
-Brian
Seattle, WA

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#347

From: "Islandwest & PurelyAlpaca.com" <brianandfrieda@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 1:48 pm
Subject: RE: Shearing young crias

Jodi,

Thanks for the tips. It seems the main idea is BE CAREFUL! J

-Brian

Seattle, WA

From: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jodi Wever
Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 3:45 AM
To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaShearers] Shearing young crias

Hi Brian,

I shear 2-3 month old crias and younger(from about 4 days old) all the time. I know many others who do. I have heard that dog clippers can work, too, and on his DVD, Ted Chepolis demonstrates using a clipper that I think is an "A5" kind of blade. (Sorry I don't know much about clippers personally.)

From my own *experience* shearing little guys is just like shearing big ones, except smaller - and often with finer and "slicker" fiber. It can be a tiny bit trickier to shear the little guys with that fine, fine fleece, but I have done it just fine many times with a 20-tooth shearing comb, a 17-tooth, and a 13-tooth on any micron, any type of baby fiber.

Using any shears or clippers, you just have to use very well-sharpened blades, and careful techniques to avoid catching small folds of skin (hint: where there might be any folds of skin straighten, stretch and smooth out in front of shears in any way you possibly can and/or be sure the shear *across* the possible direction of the fold rather than shearing along it in the same direction - know what I mean? Perpendicular to the folds rather than parallel. Hope that makes sense!!). Do also shear when it's as cool as possible. It's difficult to shear ANY hot, sweaty fiber.

Jodi

--
Jeff & Jodi Wever
Poco Lago Alpacas, Knightstown, IN
http://www.pocolago.com
http://www.alpacanation.com/pocolagoalpacas.asp
765-345-5838

On 7/6/06, Islandwest & PurelyAlpaca.com <brianandfrieda@...> wrote:

Hi,
I'm looking for information on shearing young (2-3) month crias. I've heard
that dog clippers might work on these little guys. Looking for the
experienced wisdom here.... :)

Thanks!
-Brian
Seattle, WA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
See what's inside the new Yahoo! Groups email.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/2pRQfA/bOaOAA/yQLSAA/S8XolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlpacaShearers/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
   AlpacaShearers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
   http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#348

From: "Ellen Prosser" <yenne@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 12:06 pm
Subject: Re: Re: care of the primary unit!

Thanks jodi, that's exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. I have wondered if the "carpal tunnel" type supports for off hours might help. I finally told everyone my shears needed servicing, sending them out and I'm taking a week of downtime! Yeah, it's late, but if I can't hold the darn shears, I'm not much good! Feeling better already. I will try to be more aware of my movements too. Thanks a bunch!!! ellen b prosser Yenneveldt Farm Llamas & Alpacas
NELR & Poultry In Motion
http://www.mtdata.com/~yenne/
Colrain, MA yenne@... p.s. are you the jodi I met at hidden hills on their shearing day???

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#349

From: scott kendall <scott@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 2:02 pm
Subject: Re: Shearing young crias

trappist_the...

I do cria the same way I do adults - ropes and all.  Everything is the same
so that my head holder and I do the same things.  We just have to get a
little closer to the ground.  Don't reinvent the process unless
circumstances warrant.  I slow down quite a bit when doing cria.

Most cria will sit quietly but there are a few who will struggle.  With
those, I need to be mindful of the loops on their legs because the joint at
the bottom of the cannon bone isn't very large which allows the loop to slip.

I don't like fine tooth combs because I don't think that they leave enough
fiber behind and because when shearing the really young ones the hand piece
doesn't push through the fleece as nicely as it should.  Must have
something to do with those lovely curls that the youngest cria have.  So, I
have taken to using my old standby Mach 9.  Scary but it does the job
quickly and leaves enough behind.

Can't speak to the use of clippers but I did have one customer who sheared
her cria with clippers.  In the time it took her to do one cria (and she's
an experienced dog groomer) I did three or four adults.  And I'm not one of
those speed racer shearers.

Blue Skies

scott

Bear River FiberWorks
Park City, Utah

http://www.rio-oso.com/

At 06:50 PM 7/6/2006, you wrote:
>Hi,
>  I'm looking for information on shearing young (2-3) month crias. I've heard
>that dog clippers might work on these little guys. Looking for the
>experienced wisdom here.... :)
>
>Thanks!
>-Brian
>Seattle, WA
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#350

From: scott kendall <scott@...>
Date: Fri Jul 7, 2006 2:50 pm
Subject: Re: Re: care of the primary unit!

trappist_the...

No wisdom here. I haven't experienced the problem. But since Jodi has dragged my name into this conversation I feel obligated to say something.

When I first started shearing I clutched the hand piece in a near death-grip. That's tiring. That's doing it wrong. As I've become more experienced, I notice that my grip has lightened a lot - so much so that I notice that I manipulate the shear more with my fingers than with the wrist. My wrist stays more or less fixed but the position of the hand piece changes in my grip. Hard to explain how I do it.

Since I don't shear in a chute I have the advantage of having the animal moved to a position that suits me. I can, as Mark says, "keep that comb full with big wide sweeping blows." Those big wide sweeping blows make for a relaxed whole body movement so that the work is shared by many muscles and joints. I wonder if the chute is sufficiently restrictive that you can't relax or are forced to use only your arms and wrists.

I also wonder if appropriate exercise to strengthen your grip and supporting muscle groups would be beneficial. Pre-season exercise certainly helps me.

Another thing I wonder is if there is some modification to the shearing pattern that you use that would minimize stress on your hand and wrist. Spend some time in a dark room, eyes closed, thinking about how you do it and how you might improve the pattern. At every shearing notice what parts of the pattern are uncomfortable and see if you can't find a way to change that. As an aside, we could all probably benefit from having someone video-tape us shearing so that we can evaluate what we're doing. Then, were we to share these tapes with other shearers, we could get helpful feedback so we might do better at what we love to do. Works for elite athletes, why not us?

I might also suggest that if you can, watch other shearers and note how they hold the hand piece. I remember watching Mark shear years ago and I noticed then how lightly he holds the hand piece and how easy he made it all look. If I can ever make it look even half that easy I'll be happy.

Blue Skies

scott

Bear River FiberWorks
Park City, Utah

http://www.rio-oso.com/

At 04:58 AM 7/7/2006, you wrote:

The primary shearing unit - yeah. OK. : ) Actually I do think that subject has been touched on here before, too. Was it Scott that talked about working out, getting ready for shearing season?

But anyway, I am responding, Ellen, not at all because I'm any of the wise ones (ARE there any "wise" shearers? Is shearing a wise occupation?! LOL) but because I definitely can relate, have experienced the numbness you mention and have found that wearing a wrist brace does help me, as well as being a bit more careful as I shear. I try to be more conscious of my wrists and NOT getting into too many weird angles with tight pressure in my hands and wrists. I try to relax, hold no more tightly than I absolutely have to, and use larger, whole arm movements more than small, tight ones as much as possible. Then I use the wrist braces sometimes as well.

I have used just the snug glove-type things on my wrists while shearing - but they do of course get really dirty and fiber can stick to them some, etc, even tho they're kind of a slick fabric. Off hours, tho, when I'm not shearing and particularly at night while sleeping during the thick of shearing season, I wear a more structured glove with a metal brace that keeps my wrist from bending and restricting circulation any in my wrist and hand. It's really made a difference in how much I have trouble w/ numbness, altho I also think the adjustments referred to above in how I use my hands and wrists are a big factor as well. One year, I really had a lot of trouble w/ my wrists and numbness so I made those adjustments and it helps.

I just love to shear, too. Wouldn't want to stop entirely.
: ) Jodi

--
Jeff & Jodi Wever
Poco Lago Alpacas, Knightstown, IN
http://www.pocolago.com
http://www.alpacanation.com/pocolagoalpacas.asp
765-345-5838

On 7/6/06, Ellen Prosser <yenne@...> wrote:

Well, we've discussed care of shearing heads, clients, alpacas and our trucks, but not the primary shearing unit : US! I mostly use a light weight lister unit and wizard blades. Sometimes my heineger ( aka the bushwhacker). I am a female shearer if it makes any difference. My main problem is every shearing season I experience mild to major numbness in my hands, I'm guessing from holding the clipper/shearer at weird angles as I shear odd places ( I do mainly llamas and mainly in a chute). I also do toenails as well. I do my herd of 100, and probably another 50 to 100 outside animals - not really intensive every day shearing like most of you tough guys and gals. Wondered if anyone had experienced this and found anything helpfull. Not really whining here, I could quit if I had to, just love to shear, and love to check in on all the critters we've sold. Any hints oh wise ones? ellen b prosser Yenneveldt Farm Llamas & Alpacas
NELR & Poultry In Motion
http://www.mtdata.com/~yenne/
Colrain, MA yenne@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#351

From: "Mark Loffhagen" <markloffhagen@...>
Date: Mon Jul 10, 2006 3:14 am
Subject: Re: care of the primary unit!

Thanks for the kind words Scott,every thing you have said here is
true,firstly you must work the arms and wrists before the season,a
squash ball works well or if you are a bit tougher a tennis ball will
do,just squeeze the hell out of them,take them in the car where ever
you go and keep working them.
   All of my crew works out a little before every start ,YOU MUST!! if
you want to avoid injury,
   Scott i agree completely with using the Mach 9,it is the only comb
that should be used for all alpacas young and old.
At last i,m finished !! last day was the 3rd of July,just over 6000
done and about 20,000 miles in all.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#352

From: "Ellen Prosser" <yenne@...>
Date: Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:22 pm
Subject: Re: Re: care of the primary unit!

mark, don't know if I ever got to thank you for the pointers and letting me watch you work at carols herd at hidden hills. Your stamina is only outdone by your technique ( wow, don't you wish your girlfriend would tell you that <S>). Had a great time, learned a ton, and trust me, I'll never give you any competition - can't imagine working as hard as you do! It was a pleasure to see how the "big guns" work. Regards, ellen b prosser Yenneveldt Farm Llamas & Alpacas
NELR & Poultry In Motion
http://www.mtdata.com/~yenne/
Colrain, MA yenne@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (12)

#353

From: scott kendall <scott@...>
Date: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:19 pm
Subject: Shearer needed in MN

trappist_the...

I got an email today from a man in Rochester, MN who's looking for someone
to shear his llamas.  That's a bit far for me to go (1260 miles).  If there
is anyone on this list who covers that area and wants the work, let me know
and I'll try to put you two together.


Blue Skies

scott

Bear River FiberWorks
Park City, Utah

http://www.rio-oso.com/

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)

#354

From: "Brian Schieber" <bschieber@...>
Date: Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:10 am
Subject: Sweat wet

bschieber@...

I had a new experience today in shearing. I went out to shear just a handful
of Suris but they were WET from sweat as the new owner didn't have them
under fans before I got there.

I found the sweat/wet fiber not only was hard to get through but slowed my
Osters and Premiers as well as heating up my combs/cutters, resulting in a
quickened dulling. In other words, it generally sucked. And it was still
85-90 degrees during the shearing.


-Brian Schieber
Vashon, WA
206-383-7750
bschieber@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)

#355

From: "Jodi Wever" <pocolago@...>
Date: Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:08 am
Subject: Re: Sweat wet

Ah, new for you but not a really uncommon experience, Brian. Your observations about shearing wet, hot, sweaty alpacas are right on the money. That's how it is every time, and that's why shearing is usually done earlier in April-May for the most part! (Esp here in the Midwest anyway.)

Jodi
--
Jeff & Jodi Wever
Poco Lago Alpacas, Knightstown, IN
http://www.pocolago.com
http://www.alpacanation.com/pocolagoalpacas.asp
765-345-5838
Member of the Daring Adventure Alpaca Society!
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." � Helen Keller

On 7/24/06, Brian Schieber <bschieber@...> wrote:

I had a new experience today in shearing. I went out to shear just a handful
of Suris but they were WET from sweat as the new owner didn't have them
under fans before I got there.

I found the sweat/wet fiber not only was hard to get through but slowed my
Osters and Premiers as well as heating up my combs/cutters, resulting in a
quickened dulling. In other words, it generally sucked. And it was still
85-90 degrees during the shearing.

-Brian Schieber
Vashon, WA
206-383-7750
bschieber@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)

#356

From: "Jay Ward" <jayward@...>
Date: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:19 pm
Subject: RE: Sweat wet

Brian,

Wet fiber sure is hard to shear!

Usually the moisture comes from the outside in but as you found it can be from the inside out

I’ve had dry animals be damp on the second side on hot days from their perspiration while doing the first side

I did a cria for a customer yesterday that was damp from the morning dew and some road spray from transport

Thought I was going to fight the soft wet fiber so I tightened down the pressure

She was dense enough that w/ the heavier tension after another � turn that I was able to sail through the fleece w/o drag

All the best to you!

Jay

Alpaca and light livestock equipment in stock. We have feeders, chutes, panels and more. Check out the complete line at www.LightLivestockEquipment.com.

Hosting Dr LaRue Johnson for his well known Neonatal clinic on Sat March 24, 2007.

Jay & Julie Ward
AuSable Valley Alpacas
57 Howard Heights Ln.
Jay, NY 12941
518-524-0545 (cell)
518-946-2402 (fax)
www.alpacanation.com/ausablevalley.asp
www.AusableValleyAlpacas.com
www.LightLivestockEquipment.com

From: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Brian Schieber
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2006 1:10 AM
To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaShearers] Sweat wet

I had a new experience today in shearing. I went out to shear just a handful
of Suris but they were WET from sweat as the new owner didn't have them
under fans before I got there.

I found the sweat/wet fiber not only was hard to get through but slowed my
Osters and Premiers as well as heating up my combs/cutters, resulting in a
quickened dulling. In other words, it generally sucked. And it was still
85-90 degrees during the shearing.

-Brian Schieber
Vashon, WA
206-383-7750
bschieber@centurytel.net

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)

#357

From: "Ruthanne McCaslin" <blackalpaca@...>
Date: Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:49 pm
Subject: Re: Sweat wet

We tried something new last week when shearing a cria.  Put a big terrycloth
towel under her while doing the first side and the second side was nice and
dry instead of sweaty.  Will try this with the adults next year.

Smiles,

Ruthanne

Ruthanne McCaslin, DVM

Promised Land Farm
11345 Thwing Rd.
Chardon,  Ohio  44024
440-285-9255
Peruvian Perfection in Black and White - and other exciting colors!

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)

#358

From: "Matt and Jozi Best" <jozibest@...>
Date: Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:59 pm
Subject: Re: Sweat wet

--- In AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com, "Brian Schieber" <bschieber@...>
wrote:
>
> I had a new experience today in shearing. I went out to shear just a
handful
> of Suris but they were WET from sweat as the new owner didn't have
them
> under fans before I got there.
>
>
  Another good reason for getting it off those crias asap. Customers are
usually amazed and glad they made the call to shear cria when they see
how much fiber is actually on the little guys. Now if we could convince
mainstream alpacadom. Staple length be da$#@@! I need something to do
this summer.

Matt

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)

#359

From: scott kendall <scott@...>
Date: Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:39 am
Subject: Re: Re: Sweat wet

trappist_the...

Yeah! Yeah!  Me too!  All of a sudden I don't have enough to do.  I've only
been "done" for two weeks but, with these onesy twosy jobs that I am doing,
I feel like I'm starting all over again at the beginning of the
season.  Nothing feels right.  I have to think more about what I'm
doing.  It's like my body is forgetting what it knew.

Sigh.

Blue Skies

scott

Bear River FiberWorks
Park City, Utah

http://www.rio-oso.com/

At 10:59 AM 7/25/2006, you wrote:
>--- In AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com, "Brian Schieber" <bschieber@...>
>wrote:
> >
> > I had a new experience today in shearing. I went out to shear just a
>handful
> > of Suris but they were WET from sweat as the new owner didn't have
>them
> > under fans before I got there.
> >
> >
>  Another good reason for getting it off those crias asap. Customers are
>usually amazed and glad they made the call to shear cria when they see
>how much fiber is actually on the little guys. Now if we could convince
>mainstream alpacadom. Staple length be da$#@@! I need something to do
>this summer.
>
>Matt
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)

#360

From: "Jay Ward" <jayward@...>
Date: Sun Jul 30, 2006 3:49 am
Subject: North American Alpaca Shearing Contest

Dear fellow shearers:

I’d like to start some brainstorming conversation around creating an alpaca shearing contest…

What are your thoughts on a contest?

When to hold a national contest?

The alpacas have to have fleece

It couldn’t be too late in the year so that the contest alpacas wouldn’t suffer too much from the heat

Couldn’t be during shearing season (the alpaca shearing season is too short already. unless of course your asking my wife!)

Or does a regional contest make more sense?

Where to get the alpacas to shear?

Who would want to subject their alpacas to the unknowns of lots of different shearers

A large farm w/ lots of geldings?

Lots of farms bring in their geldings to shear?

Would there be different classes? (I wouldn’t want to be in the same class as Matt! I wouldn’t have a chance)

Pro and amateur

Teams? Shearer, head holder, wranglers and nail trimmers ???

Please share your thoughts with all

Jay

Alpaca and light livestock equipment in stock. We have feeders, chutes, panels and more. Check out the complete line at www.LightLivestockEquipment.com.

Hosting Dr LaRue Johnson for his well known Neonatal clinic on Sat March 24, 2007.

Jay & Julie Ward
AuSable Valley Alpacas
57 Howard Heights Ln.
Jay, NY 12941
518-524-0545 (cell)
518-946-2402 (fax)
www.alpacanation.com/ausablevalley.asp
www.AusableValleyAlpacas.com
www.LightLivestockEquipment.com

Reply | Messages in this Topic (8)

#361

From: scott kendall <scott@...>
Date: Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:44 pm
Subject: Re: North American Alpaca Shearing Contest

trappist_the...

You're right, the season is too short but, the end of the season (whenever that is) seems to be the right time for such a contest because competitors would be in fighting trim. Choosing a time would be problematic simply because seasons in different parts of the country end at different times.

I suppose that one would also have to establish some sort of criteria on the quality of the alpacas used for the contest. You know how much differently a very fine dense fleece shears compared to a not so dense coarse fleece, so some effort would need to be put into choosing the contest animals. Alpacas for the contest should be of relatively uniform size. Then, perhaps by lot, each contestant is assigned a number of alpacas to shear so that the variations between animals are minimized.

What constitutes a win? Fastest? Least amount of second cuts? How good the alpaca looks after shearing? Something else? A combination of factors? Who judges? Who writes and enforces the rules? What do you get if you win?

And I guess I've got to ask: Why? To what or whose benefit? Are there enough shearers to make it worthwhile? For me, a shearing contest has little appeal. I'm not all that interested in competing. It's just not in my personality. I shear because I enjoy the work (a lot).

Blue Skies

scott

Bear River FiberWorks
Park City, Utah

http://www.rio-oso.com/

At 09:49 PM 7/29/2006, you wrote:

Dear fellow shearers:

I d like to start some brainstorming conversation around creating an alpaca shearing contest&

What are your thoughts on a contest?

When to hold a national contest?

The alpacas have to have fleece
            It couldn t be too late in the year so that the contest alpacas wouldn t suffer too much from the heat
            Couldn t be during shearing season (the alpaca shearing season is too short already. unless of course your asking my wife!)

Or does a regional contest make more sense?

Where to get the alpacas to shear?
            Who would want to subject their alpacas to the unknowns of lots of different shearers
            A large farm w/ lots of geldings?
            Lots of farms bring in their geldings to shear?

Would there be different classes? (I wouldn t want to be in the same class as Matt! I wouldn t have a chance)
            Pro and amateur
            Teams? Shearer, head holder, wranglers and nail trimmers ???

Please share your thoughts with all

Jay

Alpaca and light livestock equipment in stock. We have feeders, chutes, panels and more. Check out the complete line at www.LightLivestockEquipment.com.

Hosting Dr LaRue Johnson for his well known Neonatal clinic on Sat March 24, 2007.

Jay & Julie Ward
AuSable Valley Alpacas
57 Howard Heights Ln.
Jay, NY 12941
518-524-0545 (cell)
518-946-2402 (fax)
www.alpacanation.com/ausablevalley.asp
www.AusableValleyAlpacas.com
www.LightLivestockEquipment.com

Reply | Messages in this Topic (8)

#362

From: Star Gazing Farm <farmeranne@...>
Date: Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:40 pm
Subject: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

I just got a message from a woman who is taking in two llamas as rescues -
they have not been sheared in 2 years, and she is quite concerned about
them.  She is located in Allegheny county in Maryland.  Is anyone on this
list close enough that they would be willing to do this for her?  I would be
willing to go, but I have never sheared a llama before (only goats and
sheep - I'm on this list to learn more :)) and so I don't know how to safely
restrain the animal while shearing.

Anne

Reply | Messages in this Topic (7)

#363

From: Kevin Cooney <kevncandie@...>
Date: Thu Aug 3, 2006 1:26 pm
Subject: Re: North American Alpaca Shearing Contest

I think that sounds kinda fun....but definitely different classes! We enjoy shearing and our customers have all expressed how pleased they are....but we are nowhere near as experienced as most of you! I like the idea of teams.....our little team worked well together this spring...it's basically us and our older kids. We had quite a system going.

Candie

Angola, IN

Jay Ward <jayward@...> wrote:

Dear fellow shearers:

I�d like to start some brainstorming conversation around creating an alpaca shearing contest�

What are your thoughts on a contest?

When to hold a national contest?

The alpacas have to have fleece

            It couldn�t be too late in the year so that the contest alpacas wouldn�t suffer too much from the heat

            Couldn�t be during shearing season (the alpaca shearing season is too short already. unless of course your asking my wife!)

Or does a regional contest make more sense?

Where to get the alpacas to shear?

            Who would want to subject their alpacas to the unknowns of lots of different shearers

            A large farm w/ lots of geldings?

            Lots of farms bring in their geldings to shear?

Would there be different classes? (I wouldn�t want to be in the same class as Matt! I wouldn�t have a chance)

            Pro and amateur

            Teams? Shearer, head holder, wranglers and nail trimmers ???

Please share your thoughts with all

Jay

Alpaca and light livestock equipment in stock. We have feeders, chutes, panels and more. Check out the complete line at www.LightLivestockEquipment.com.

Hosting Dr LaRue Johnson for his well known Neonatal clinic on Sat March 24, 2007.

Jay & Julie Ward
AuSable Valley Alpacas
57 Howard Heights Ln.
Jay, NY 12941
518-524-0545 (cell)
518-946-2402 (fax)
www.alpacanation.com/ausablevalley.asp
www.AusableValleyAlpacas.com
www.LightLivestockEquipment.com

Do you Yahoo!?
Next-gen email? Have it all with the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (8)

#364

From: "Matt and Jozi Best" <jozibest@...>
Date: Sat Aug 5, 2006 9:23 pm
Subject: Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

--- In AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com, Star Gazing Farm
<farmeranne@...> wrote:
>
> I just got a message from a woman who is taking in two llamas as
rescues -  I would be
> willing to go, but I have never sheared a llama before (only goats
and
> sheep - I'm on this list to learn more :))

Oh, come on Anne, where is your sense of adventure! I usually rope 'em
same as alpaca, but if you search this forum we've discussed llama
shearing before. Some do them standing, and some in a chute. Just get a
little Rescue Remedy and go to! They have really tght skin as compared
to sheep, and if they are rescues, just getting some fiber off would be
great. I expect a full report next time I check this site!

Matt

Reply | Messages in this Topic (7)

#365

From: "Islandwest & PurelyAlpaca.com" <brianandfrieda@...>
Date: Sat Aug 5, 2006 10:09 pm
Subject: RE: Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

I’ve only done a couple of llamas this year and did them both standing. They were pretty gentle guys so it was easy. That said, I’m having a hard time picturing how we’d take down a llama if we were to use my ropes. Care to share how??

-Brian

Seattle

From: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Matt and Jozi Best
Sent: Saturday, August 05, 2006 2:24 PM
To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaShearers] Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

--- In AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com, Star Gazing Farm
<farmeranne@...> wrote:
>
> I just got a message from a woman who is taking in two llamas as
rescues - I would be
> willing to go, but I have never sheared a llama before (only goats
and
> sheep - I'm on this list to learn more :))

Oh, come on Anne, where is your sense of adventure! I usually rope 'em
same as alpaca, but if you search this forum we've discussed llama
shearing before. Some do them standing, and some in a chute. Just get a
little Rescue Remedy and go to! They have really tght skin as compared
to sheep, and if they are rescues, just getting some fiber off would be
great. I expect a full report next time I check this site!

Matt

Reply | Messages in this Topic (7)

#366

From: "Ellen Prosser" <yenne@...>
Date: Sun Aug 6, 2006 12:35 am
Subject: Re: Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

I have yet to run into a llama that I couldn't shear in a good chute. most of my regular clients are fine just short tied. They may fuss the first few passes, but seem to have an " oohhhhh!" reaction when that cool air hits their skin. They mostley become more co operative as the shearing goes on. A few are fussy about their stomache, but if they are, I do short quick strokes going perpendicular to the topline, in other words straight down and across the belly, like a horse's girth. They seem to fuss less that way. Good luck, and it's easier than an alpaca with a bad attitude, trust me! ellen b prosser Yenneveldt Farm Llamas & Alpacas
NELR & Poultry In Motion
http://www.mtdata.com/~yenne/
Colrain, MA yenne@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (7)

#367

From: scott kendall <scott@...>
Date: Sun Aug 6, 2006 1:33 am
Subject: RE: Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

trappist_the...

I wrote about how I do llama shearing in April. Here's a link to that message: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlpacaShearers/message/257

In that message I wrote that I do front legs first. Actually, I do back legs first though I still suspect that it doesn't matter which you do first.

Blue Skies

scott

Bear River FiberWorks
Park City, Utah

http://www.rio-oso.com/

At 04:09 PM 8/5/2006, you wrote:

I ve only done a couple of llamas this year and did them both standing. They were pretty gentle guys so it was easy. That said, I m having a hard time picturing how we d take down a llama if we were to use my ropes. Care to share how??

-Brian

Seattle

From: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Matt and Jozi Best
Sent: Saturday, August 05, 2006 2:24 PM
To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaShearers] Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

--- In AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com, Star Gazing Farm
<farmeranne@...> wrote:
>
> I just got a message from a woman who is taking in two llamas as
rescues - I would be
> willing to go, but I have never sheared a llama before (only goats
and
> sheep - I'm on this list to learn more :))

Oh, come on Anne, where is your sense of adventure! I usually rope 'em
same as alpaca, but if you search this forum we've discussed llama
shearing before. Some do them standing, and some in a chute. Just get a
little Rescue Remedy and go to! They have really tght skin as compared
to sheep, and if they are rescues, just getting some fiber off would be
great. I expect a full report next time I check this site!

Matt

Reply | Messages in this Topic (7)

#368

From: "Islandwest & PurelyAlpaca.com" <brianandfrieda@...>
Date: Sun Aug 6, 2006 3:30 am
Subject: RE: Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

I’ve been seeing this too. They don’t like the weight of their own fleece pulling on them so I ask someone to hold up the fleece if I’m taking off YEARS of growth. This has its own problem since if the holder does it wrong they’ll pull on the skin, and bad things happen.

They almost all hate legs done so I work down lightly. Luckily most llama’s are pretty light in the lower leg hair so trimming in minimal and I whip out the scissors at times.

Cheers,

-Brian

Seattle

From: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ellen Prosser
Sent: Saturday, August 05, 2006 5:36 PM
To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaShearers] Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

I have yet to run into a llama that I couldn't shear in a good chute. most of my regular clients are fine just short tied. They may fuss the first few passes, but seem to have an " oohhhhh!" reaction when that cool air hits their skin. They mostley become more co operative as the shearing goes on. A few are fussy about their stomache, but if they are, I do short quick strokes going perpendicular to the topline, in other words straight down and across the belly, like a horse's girth. They seem to fuss less that way. Good luck, and it's easier than an alpaca with a bad attitude, trust me! ellen b prosser Yenneveldt Farm Llamas & Alpacas
NELR & Poultry In Motion
http://www.mtdata.com/~yenne/
Colrain, MA yenne@mtdata.com

Reply | Messages in this Topic (7)

#369

From: Star Gazing Farm <farmeranne@...>
Date: Sun Aug 6, 2006 5:34 am
Subject: Re: Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

Thank you very much!

Anne

----- Original Message -----

From: scott kendall

To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, August 05, 2006 9:33 PM

Subject: RE: [AlpacaShearers] Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

I wrote about how I do llama shearing in April. Here's a link to that message: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlpacaShearers/message/257

In that message I wrote that I do front legs first. Actually, I do back legs first though I still suspect that it doesn't matter which you do first.

Blue Skies

scott

Bear River FiberWorks
Park City, Utah

http://www.rio-oso.com/

At 04:09 PM 8/5/2006, you wrote:

I ve only done a couple of llamas this year and did them both standing. They were pretty gentle guys so it was easy. That said, I m having a hard time picturing how we d take down a llama if we were to use my ropes. Care to share how??

-Brian

Seattle

From: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Matt and Jozi Best
Sent: Saturday, August 05, 2006 2:24 PM
To: AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaShearers] Re: Llama shearing in western Maryland?

--- In AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com, Star Gazing Farm
<farmeranne@...> wrote:
>
> I just got a message from a woman who is taking in two llamas as
rescues - I would be
> willing to go, but I have never sheared a llama before (only goats
and
> sheep - I'm on this list to learn more :))

Oh, come on Anne, where is your sense of adventure! I usually rope 'em
same as alpaca, but if you search this forum we've discussed llama
shearing before. Some do them standing, and some in a chute. Just get a
little Rescue Remedy and go to! They have really tght skin as compared
to sheep, and if they are rescues, just getting some fiber off would be
great. I expect a full report next time I check this site!

Matt

Reply | Messages in this Topic (7)

#370

From: "Matt and Jozi Best" <jozibest@...>
Date: Fri Aug 11, 2006 11:46 pm
Subject: Re: North American Alpaca Shearing Contest

--- In AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com, "Jay Ward" <jayward@...> wrote:
>
> Dear fellow shearers:
>
>
>
> I'd like to start some brainstorming conversation around creating an
alpaca
> shearing contest.
>
>
>
> What are your thoughts on a contest?

Well, if I was a completely optomistic person, I'd answer your
questions like this:

-There's only one place to hold the showdown, AOBA nationals. This show
would of course be held in early June towards the end of the shearing
run. Regional events would have been held already in conjunction with
spring shows and fiber festivals, so shearers would have had a chance
to compete in a "contest atmosphere" a few times before deciding to
head to Kentucky or stay home and finish their runs. Those shearers who
did well at the regional contests would have picked up sponsorships
from companies such as Heiniger, Premier, Lister, etc. and would arrive
at the nationals driving big dually pickups with the appropriate
stickers on the doors, fight their way through screaming fans, sign a
few autographs on the way to their all expense paid motel rooms. The
next day or two would be spent with their teams in practice sessions
where they would shear several fiber-quality males from several nearby
farms who donated animals for the practice sessions in return for
advertising in the form of huge banners hung strategically throughout
the barn. These practice sessions would include pit crews who filmed
the action that would be reviewed by the team's computer simulation
analyst who speciallized in eliminating wasted motion.

On the morning of the actual contest, a semi-trailer would arrive with
about 200 carefully selected fiber-quality alpacas, and after penning,
the contest judges then the contestants would review the animals,
cutting out the thin, the fat, the ones with better than average
density, and those with too little coverage. Again the pit crews would
be behind the scenes making notes, doing micron counts and computer
simulations of each animals projected shearing ease. The alpacas would
then be sorted into pens of 5 for the preliminary, semi-final, and
final rounds; with each team looking over the lots for uniformity.

After a luncheon that included interviews with CNN and ESPN, the crews
would spend the rest of the early afternoon going over their stategy
and gear.   To be continued

Matt

Reply | Messages in this Topic (8)

Messages 341 - 370 of 1020 Oldest | < Older | Newer > | Newest

Messages

Start Topic
Just address an email to AlpacaShearers@yahoogroups.com

Jump to a particular message

Search Messages Advanced

Copyright � 2010 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Guidelines NEW - Help