Shearing

Alpaca shearing is a vital part of an alpaca’s life. Alpaca have been domesticated for the last 6,000 years and do not exist in the wild, as such they rely on farmers to ensure that their needs are met by being shorn every year. Shearing is an animal welfare issue and therefore one of the most important aspects of alpaca husbandry.
They can be shorn on a table or on the floor, both methods are safe for the alpaca and shearer. The alpaca is restrained, [legs and head] to ensure safety for alpaca and the shearer.  It usually takes approximately 5-10 minutes an animal.

A mid side fleece sample can be taken by the shearer for testing. Most shearers will trim the toenails while the alpaca is restrained.

Fleece is the most valuable product of the alpaca and care needs to be taken in harvesting to present in the best condition. Ensure alpaca are kept in a clean paddock before shearing day (free from weeds, sticky seeds etc).

Tips

Alpaca fibre should be harvested under the best possible conditions, starting on shearing day by doing the following.....

• Clean woolshed or shearing area on shearing day.

• Shear main colour first to avoid colour contamination.

• Shear lowest micron first to avoid contamination of strong fibres.

• Blanket first shearing.

• Clean shed between animals.

• Clean skirting area.

Blanket fleece [across the body] should be sorted into separate containers [plastic or paper bag], some like to also keep the neck fibre separate. Seconds [legs and bellies] are kept separate in bins, they can be collected in separate colours. Fleece for shows can be laid out flat then rolled in fabric to keep the shape.

List of Shearers

Below is a list of New Zealand shearers. If you are a shearer who has been missed or would like to be added, please get in touch. All shearers listed can include trimming toenails in their services. 

Nationwide

North Island

South Island