Julies Alpacas: Come Join the Fun ................

Shearing Day May 13th 10:00 - 2:00

After many months of careful planning for our big day,

it will finally arrive May 13th.

Here is a little about how we expect the day to go.

Here is the over view from last year.

Our shearer's name is Mike Bickley.

He travels all the way from Christchirst, New Zealand.

This year he will be leaving his new baby son

for about 3 months to come to the USA to shear alpacas.

There are many jobs on shearing day . . . . . . .

We must bring the alpacas in from the field.

It's best to keep the alpacas on green grass.
The grass helps to keep the fleece as clean as can be.

Next each alpaca is vacuumed to get as much dust, dirt and hay out as possible.
We want the fleece as clean as possible, as it is much easier to clean it while still on the alpaca.

After all the cleaning the alpaca waits it's turn to get a spot on the mat with the shearer.

Each alpaca will need 3 bags. One for the best or prime coat, next for the
neck and belly hairs we call seconds, and another bag for the leg hairs, called thirds.

Once the alpaca is on the mat, Mike the shearer begins the
hair cut. The alpaca is restrained so not to get hurt or hurt anyone
else. Each alpaca is gentle put down on the mat with many helper
so everyone stays safe.

This is Robbie. He is very happy to have
his coat off. The days are getting warmer
and he was sweaty. Now he looks so
different but the rule is no laughing.
Alpacas have feeling too and are very
sensitive.