Shearing

Byron Johnson sheared our flock last Friday, April 8.  It was wet and soggy all week, and then the sun shined bright on Friday morning and shearing went off without a hitch.  I feel infinitely lucky to have it over with before lambing begins.  Lambing could begin this Saturday, April 16.

Sian, 5 year old black, once again shows some iset on her hips.  But it took three years to develop that iset, and so far, her ribs and shoulders are still black.  Maybe some more experienced breeders could tell me whether she is a non-fading black with ordinary age graying, or if she is iset.  I've had other black Shetlands that were frosty with iset from head to tail by their first shear.  Just curious to hear opinions on how other breeders would categorize her.

Little Red Oak January and her black kat daughter, Esyllt.  I was pleased to see that all the ewes, bred and open, had good flesh under their fleeces.  They were fed grass hay all winter.  I did start a whole corn/oats/molasses blend feeding at 6pm each night about 2 weeks ago.

River Oaks Hannah is the biggest girl out there.  She looks like she is carrying triplets compared to the others.  But I'm truthfully just wishing for nice twins out of her.  I was happily surprised with her soft fleece this spring.

The shearer had a hard time with River Oaks Lana's fleece.  He couldn't get the clippers underneath the rise all along her back and hips.  And her belly had completely rooed.  She is skittish of me so I don't know if I'll get her cleaned up later on or not.  Lana does have the lighter flash marks along her hips now.  They are not as dramatic as some gulmogets I've seen.  Some breeders prefer solid sided gulmogets.  I can't say I have an opinion either way.  I am just so pleased to have Lana in my flock.

Here is little Carys, unbred yearling.  I think she looks like a little dolly. 

And finally, some hind shots.  White Lyneth is the girl that didn't take last year.  Her kat twin in the background gave me twins for her first pregnancy.  I think Lyneth might just be really fat again this year.  If that is the case I will decide her future based on her micron results.  Excellent numbers may persuade me to offer her as a fiber pet.  I had wanted lambs from Lyneth especially because of the deep depressions in her skull.  I figured she has the polled gene for sure.
The shearer thought she looked bred.  Ah well, we shall see.
Let the waiting for lambs begin.