We sheared the Angora goat kids today, for a couple of reasons. They are six-months-old and Angoras are sheared every six months. We could have waited till November and sheared them along with the rest of the goats, but I was concerned that they might be underweight and getting a couple of pounds of fleece off them would let me check out their nutrition level. Further, Angora kids tend to go through a big growth spurt once you get the fleece off them.
The first shearing is always the most dramatic for the kids because it’s a new experience.
Emily is my shearer because she is so gentle with the animals.
After a couple of minutes most of the kids calm down.
And in just a couple minutes, it’s over.
So the good news is that the kids weren’t too thin. In fact, they looked great! It’s one less thing for me to worry, although I’m sure I’ll find a replacement worry by tomorrow.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Yesterday I was at the hairdresser and a little boy was getting his first haircut. Lots of screaming, lots of crying. The goat kids look like they handled it a lot better!!!!
I just love your blog! You help all of us feel as if we truly do share. Over the course we learn, we laugh, we cry, we celebrate. Thanks, Susan!
OMG, they’re so adorable. I love that you worry about how traumatic it will be for them. Your level of love and care for your flock and your work shines through in every blog entry. You never fail to make me feel, although perhaps to a lesser degree, what you feel. Thank you SO much…for all of it.
You forgot to mention the other reason–they look so darn CUTE after their haircuts!
Now, time to wash up some luscious kid mohair locks! Nomnomnom!
looks like a darn good first experience
and none the worse for wear
plus
someone will get to wear
some lovely fleece all spun and knit up
mmm
yay
I love that “Mama! Look at my new haircut!” picture at the bottom! So adorable…
NEKKID!
Aw, such a good looking kid! I hope your kids were quieter than mine for their first shearing
I wish I lived close enough for Emily to come shear my goats this Fall, she does a beautiful job, and obviously loves what she does. Lucky JMF critters.
oh my goodness that sheared kid is so stinkin cute.
Oh, he (she?) looks so different without all that fleece. So cute in that last shot, and looking so happy to be light as a feather without all that hair. Glad to here the kids are in good health!
ahhh nakey goaties!
I love that last shot! He looks all wrinkly under his wool, just like my angora bunny after a shave.