Blog #14

Cutest or just Emo?

So …, are Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep the cutest on the planet, or just emo teenagers with good marketing?  How about highland cattle?  Whatever your thoughts, these are definitely cool examples of what can happen with nature. 

 

Valais Blacknose sheep are still fairly rare in America, and even more so in the Southeast.  There are several reasons for this, and one is obvious from their appearance: These are bred to be shown.  Show sheep appeal to a fairly small group, and it’s a passion for those who compete.  Another reason is physiology.  These are a bigger breed and as shown in the pictures, they are a longwool. The climate in the Southeast isn’t really conducive to longwools, especially when wool truly grows to the hoof-line and to the end of their noses.  These sheep require additional attention to make sure they stay clean, safe, and healthy.  An additional challenge is due to their rarity.  Have you ever tried to find parts for a 1915 REO Speedwagon?  Trying to find a veterinarian familiar with a Valais Blacknose is equally challenging.

 

 

Shearing these two fellas was a challenge for me in several ways, one being I’ve not sheared this breed before.  Their body shape and head structure, while similar to other sheep, has challenges especially on rams with very long and thick belly wool, hiding anatomical features out of sight. 

 

This being the modern age I watched a Youtube video of a reputable shearer with this breed of sheep.  He seemed to spend as much time on the head of the animal as he did on the entire rest of it.  The length of the wool, the growth down to the snout, the horn-to-ear proximity, and the tremendous growth of wool over the eyes all are individual challenges, and they’re all within inches of each other, which means – concentrate.  Fortunately, I was able to get through both rams without any medical issues, although the first big boy did require two or three additional hands to keep him still at points.  I was very pleased that the owner had socialized these animals well so they weren’t exceptionally skittish, especially for their first shearing, which can be another challenge.

In the pictures there is a third Blacknose that’s already been sheared. That ewe will likely get shorn this coming fall when I’m back for the pre-winter shearing.  As fast and as long as the wool grows on these sheep, twice-a-year shearing is recommended for their health and hygiene. 

I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to shear these sheep.  Their owners have a variety of livestock, and all looked healthy and content, living in a pastoral haven in Georgia.  The freshly sheared sheep were turned out into a fresh pasture with plenty of shade and water to give them an out from sunburn, and a few folks were sitting in a swing watching the sheep and relaxing as we headed out.  That’s a great Saturday morning!

C-Ya!

 

*** No animals were harmed in the making of this post. Shearing is an important part of sheep farming for the wellbeing of the sheep. ***