Author: Kris Barndt
Date: 10-18-04 19:03
Hi,
I have started out with a small flock of Blue Faced Leicesters and BFL/Border Leicester crosses; I currently have 4, but in the future may have up to 6-8 adults at any one time. Purebred BFLs have very soft fine wool, and not a terribly "heavy" fleece (2 to 4 lbs on any given animal, depending on size). They are longwools, however, so the locks can get long. It tends to part along the spine, and fall in crimpy locks or ringlets. I would like to shear them myself (I've been told it's not a big deal with this breed, due to no fleece on legs, head, or much on the bellies).
What would be the best solution for me... a clipper, or a shearing machine? I have seen some emails on this message board where you have recommended a set of clippers for a small flock owner, instead of a shearer. I have never sheared sheep before, but have quite a bit of experience with the smaller electric clippers on horses (like the StableMate Pro, Oster A-5, etc.). Do the clippers stay as sharp as long as a set of electric shearers going through wool?? I also do not want to cut them up. They have fairly sensitive skin (loose); I would rather leave a bit of wool on them than surgically shear them down to the pink skin and risk cutting them up.
I have handled your Premier 1000 clipper and a shearer at a sheep and fiber show, and I like their smaller size and lighter weight (compared to the big Oster Clipmasters, etc.) I did not get to turn them on, though, so I don't know how they compare for heat and noise.
I had an experience body clipping a friend's horse with a set of the big Oster clippers (the one used for body clipping and cattle fitting, etc.) NO WAY! They are huge, and they get hot and heavy VERY quickly... and they are noisy!!
Thanks for your help... your products will definitely find a place in my sheep hobby!
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