FAQs
What happens if the weather is bad or my animals are wet?
Shearing cannot be done on animals whose fiber is soaked through down to the skin. Wet fiber impacts the quality of the fleece, increases shearing time, and poses risks such as cuts and electrical shocks. If rain is forecast, ensure your animals are kept dry in a barn or shelter before shearing.
Why do my sheep need to fast before shearing?
Sheep with full stomachs experience discomfort, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal distress, when restrained for shearing. This makes the process more stressful for the animal and increases the risk of injury. Removing feed for 12 hours prior to shearing helps prevent these issues. Water is fine.
What should I do with my fiber after shearing?
We bring mats to keep animals comfortable and their fleeces clean during shearing. However:
- We do not bag fiber or provide bags. If you’d like to collect and store your fiber, please have at least one person available to bag it as we shear.
- We do not keep fiber ourselves. Instead of discarding this valuable natural resource, consider putting it to good use:
Ways to Use Your Fiber
- Sell to a Craftsperson – Join fiber sales groups on Facebook, Etsy, or other marketplaces to connect with spinners and artists looking for raw fleece.
- Mulch – Spread it around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Compost – Wool naturally breaks down, enriching your soil.
- Slug & Snail Repellent – A wool barrier around plants can help deter pests.
- Bird Nest Material – Place small tufts outside for birds to use in nest-building.
- Tree Wraps – Insulate young trees to protect them from cold and wildlife.
- Wool Dryer Balls – Roll raw wool into balls and use them as a natural alternative to dryer sheets.
- Draft Stoppers – Stuff fiber into a fabric tube to block cold air from doors and windows.
Can I vaccinate my animals during shearing?
Yes. While we do not provide or sell vaccines or medications, we are happy to assist you in administering them—as long as you are well-prepared.
Please note: Shearing day is already likely the most stressful day of the year for many of the animals we are working with. Administering medication to an animal always comes with risk, which can be compounded by the stress of shearing. It is worth considering waiting to do this on a different day.
- Have all vaccines and supplies ready to go before we arrive. Syringes should be filled, labeled, and organized for each animal.
- If you prefer to administer vaccinations yourself, you’re welcome to do so while we shear. All we ask is that you remain cautious and mindful of our team’s safety (i.e please don't stab us with your needles.)
Please note: We are not trained or licensed as veterinarians or veterinary assistants and will not advise you on dosages or medication types. Always consult a veterinarian for proper recommendations before shearing day.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. Last-minute cancellations disrupt our schedule and may prevent us from rescheduling, as we are often only in your area for a short time while traveling from farm to farm. Please do not double book shearers. Shearers plan their schedules carefully, often months in advance. Booking two different shearers without notifying them is disrespectful of their time and expertise.
Do I need to be present during shearing?
No, you do not need to be present. It’s not uncommon for us to complete a job without the owner on-site. If you can’t be there, please ensure the animals are caught, penned, and ready for shearing when we arrive.
Why do animals need to be caught and penned before you arrive?
Shearing day can be a stressful experience for animals, and our goal is to keep that stress to a minimum. If we have to chase animals through a field, their stress levels will spike unnecessarily, which can make shearing much harder on them and increase the risk of injury or exhaustion. Catching animals in a large space also increases the likelihood of a member of our team getting injured, thus reducing our capacity to serve the several hundred farms that we shear at each season.
To ensure a smooth and safe process, please have all animals caught, penned, and ready well in advance of our arrival. This allows them adequate time to calm down before shearing begins, reducing stress and minimizing health risks, including the rare but serious possibility of stress-related complications or death.
Any other questions? Contact us today!
Phone: (952) 999-2222
Email: riversongshearing@gmail.com
FB Messanger: Riversong Shearing LLC