Blog #35 

Dorsets on a Hill

*** I’ve taken a few weeks off from writing and posting just to re-cage a bit.  We got out of town, spent some time at the edge of the continent, and sipped some outstanding espresso.  Ahhhh… ***

So …, My first time shearing Dorsets, and a reminder of how much power sheep can harness.  This was a small batch, down from the original count, and included lambs, ewes, and rams, all of which could use a bit of a trim going into the new year of winter, lambing, and growth.

Dede and I rolled up to a very pastoral scene north of Macon with the requisite old-growth trees, barn, farmhouse, and fencing.  This being Georgia, there were a few trees with serious wind/hurricane/tornado damage, bit right next to them, trees in full leaf, no damage whatsoever.

The sheep barn was great, with level patios on the east and west sides, wide doors, and secure pens inside.  We set up to shear on the west side, which was the better choice.  Even though the morning started cool, the direct sun would have been sweltering before we finished.  Laying off to the side was a single ram’s horn.  The mirror twin was still attached to the ram as you see in the picture below.  Beautiful, 360° + curl, thick and heavy, knocked clean off just beyond the skull.  As I was shearing the ram this injury showed to be well-healed, but it’s definitely a conversation starter.  Yes, it turns out it was a fight between the sire and the offspring, and neither would give quarter until there was damage.  

 

Now, imagine if that was you in front of either ram and gave them opportunity to come at you undetected.  Not only have there been documented cases of humans being killed by rams, and the obvious cases of horns being broken, I’ve seen video of rams butting each other hard enough to break a pelvis.  Just like the ocean’s waves, you never want to turn your back on them.  As you can see from the picture, I have no problems handling or shearing a ram, and from many descriptions previously, rams know they’re rams, and they want everyone else to know, too.  By treating them with the same respect you would a controlled fire, ocean waves, or an idling vehicle, there’s seldom a negative outcome.  This ram sheared up just fine and was a great way to start the day’s shearing.

As you see me working the long blows, look over by the yellow fuel can—that’s his other horn behind the box on the stack of lumber.

 

After I got him sheared up it was a steady stream, plus the other ram. Both of his horns are intact, and you can see the amazing curl.  While they curve gracefully away from the skull they’re still close enough to preclude getting the handpiece in between the horn, the ear, and the skull.  Since all three of those parts are fairly important, the owner was good with me getting close, then he came in with hand shears and cleaned up in the tight spots to maintain good hygiene around the eyes and ears.

 

 

These sheep all had a high lanolin volume, which is readily seen as the golden hue in their wool.  You can also see by the time I spent cleaning it off the combs on my handpiece.  I’m still amazed at how I can have such soft skin on my hands but still have callouses.  Lanolin is such a great base for skin lotion, but it’s antiseptic and antibiotic properties are fantastic as well.

Several of the animal were fighting off infections, so the owner and I worked it out that I’d hold the animal once it was sheared so he could administer a shot.  Not all shearers do that, but with a small flock and a prepared owner, it doesn’t interrupt the flow, provides an extra 30-second rest for the shearer, and gives the owner a fresh look at their sheep down at the skin level.  I’ll always hold that livestock health is the responsibility of the owner, but as a deputized farm hand, I have a responsibility to point out problems I see and assist if I can.  That was lived out with the last lamb, too.  The one that didn’t get sheared.  The owner and his team couldn’t get this one in the barn before the week’s rain came through, so it was too wet to shear, and as a single in a good-sized pasture it’s a case of “who’s got who” when you try to corner them.  Thankfully Dede was there as another blocker, so among all of us and the use of a shepherd’s crook this little lamb was penned in and administered a shot to continue his return to 100% health.

After that, load the gear, wash up, change clothes, and head toward the house for the day, then look at the schedule to see who’s next on the top-40 playlist!

 

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. ***