Shearing by Tracy Annis
I have been shearing for three years now and I absolutely Love it. Before I learned to shear, it was a time of the year that I dreaded. It was exhausting and stressful on me and the animals. Not only were we subjecting our herd to a stressful day of traveling and shearing, but also exposing them to many unknown animals. I became very determined to create an environment that was safe, kind, efficient and fun. At the time, I was training to become a Camelidynamics Practitioner.
This training gave me not only new methods and techniques to work with, but also a broader understanding of these animals. I have implemented all that I have learned into the handling of these animals, which is what we do a lot of on shearing day.
I shear alpacas on the ground, stretched out, using the pro-tie. I feel it is the safest method.
Llamas are sheared standing. I prefer to have them in a 10x10 pen.
Preparation for shearing:
• Provide a source of electricity
• Provide a shaded area to shear
• Provide at least two other people to help. One at the head, and one to collect fleece.
• Be prepared to bring each animal to the shearer
• Have bags with labels for fleece
• Old towels come in handy at times.
Shearing Fees:
$35 - 1-10 alpacas
$30 - 10 and up
This includes the style of cut you want, and toenails.
Trimming of front teeth - $10
(I do not do fighting teeth)
Travel Fees:
$25 set up fee for any farm within 50 miles
.55 per mile (round trip) over 50 miles plus hotel accommodations if needed.
To schedule a shearing contact:
Tracy Annis
512-293-5021 or
512-847-8580
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