The sheep had a bit of a stressful day today. They were sheared.
In the UK shearing takes place in May, the earlier the better, to avoid the dreaded fly strike and keep the sheep cool during the hot months. Flies are active and laying their eggs towards the end of May, sometimes earlier if the weather has been unseasonable warm. Sheep fleece, especially moist places like around their bums, is especially vulnerable. The wounds from a bad fly strike can kill a sheep.
So, today our whitefaced woodland wethers tried, and failed, to do battle with our sheep shearer Jason. They had no chance of escape. He was super efficient; had them on the bums and sheared in less than four minutes apiece. Incredibly skilled. He can shear 300 sheep a day.
They were most indignant, roaring their heads off during the process then belting out the bleats together afterwards. Typically, the weather turned and it's been cold and raining ever since, but they've tucked themselves up in the straw in the field shelter for the night. I went in there to check earlier and it is warm and cosy.
So now I have a few kilos of dirty sheep fleece to wash. It's supposed to be white!
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