Why shear sheep?

A full-grown sheep will produce about seven pounds of wool each year, which can make two adult-size sweaters. After the wool is "scoured," or cleaned of all dirt, manure and other debris, it's ready to be carded and spun into yarn.

Sheep are sheared once or twice a year, depending on the breed and the reason for shearing. Some shepherds shear in the fall so they can fit more sheep in their barns during the winter - sheared sheep take up about a third less space than unsheared sheep. Others shear sheep before they lamb so it's easier for the lambs to nurse and easier for the shepherd to care for the sheep.

A sheared sheep's wool quickly grows and provides a dense fleece to protect it from cold. In the summer, sheep are kept out of the hot sun for several days after shearing to protect them from sunburn while their wool grows in a bit. David's quick and careful shearing causes little stress on the sheep.

Alpacas, too

David also shears alpacas throughout the Northeast, and has sheared in Peru. He uses a state-of-the-art shearing table made in New Zealand. It makes shearing easy on the animal and on the owner, and allows a better job of managing the fleece. David occasionally buys alpaca fleeces for resale.

Call David for more information on alpaca shearing and alpaca fiber.