Alpaca Shearing

Alpaca shearing is a crucial aspect of alpaca husbandry that maintains their health and well-being.

Equipment Disinfection: We disinfect all equipment thoroughly between farms to prevent the transmission of diseases from one location to another.
Proven Method: Our disinfection process includes a proven method to eliminate bacteria that may come in contact with the equipment during shearing.
Rubber Overshoes: Our team wears rubber overshoes, which are also disinfected, to ensure no disease is transmitted between farms.

Rain Preparation: Monitor local weather forecasts leading up to shearing day and take precautions if rain is forecasted. Keeping animals dry and inside before shearing day is essential.
Wet Alpacas: While we can shear wet alpacas, it adds complexity to the drying process for the fiber. Preparing in advance helps streamline post-shearing tasks.
Cancellation Policy: If you decide to cancel due to rain or lack of indoor facilities, we can recommend another shearer. Rescheduling may be challenging due to our tight schedule during the season.

Shearing Area Setup:
Provide a clean, dry area with a solid surface for setting up two mats/shearing stations.
- Concrete is preferable for easy cleaning during the shearing process.
- Ensure a minimum of 20 feet between tie-off points for pulleys, though flexibility is maintained to adapt to various farm setups.

Animal Preparation:
- Keep animals dry and corralled in a holding pen close to the shearing area.
- To facilitate the shearing process, ensure alpacas are dry, as shearing damp animals can complicate fiber drying before bagging.

Animal Care Before Shearing:
- Keep animals off water for 12 hours before shearing to ensure cleaner, drier fiber.
- Consider withholding food on shearing day until after shearing to minimize animal restlessness, fights, and jumping, resulting in less spitting and spit-up.