Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Sheep: Shearing Welfare and Timing

Shearing is an essential welfare procedure but must be timed correctly and performed by skilled shearers to minimise stress and injury risk.

Key Facts

Unshorn sheep are at risk of flystrike, heat stress, and reduced mobility in hot weather
Shearing timing should follow last frost risk to prevent hypothermia in unshorn sheep
Skilled shearers complete the process in 2-5 minutes with minimal stress and injury
Cuts from shearing blades are treated with antiseptic spray immediately after shearing
Ewes with young lambs should be shorn with lambs present to reduce separation stress

Welfare Considerations

Shearing is a non-negotiable welfare requirement for wooled sheep breeds - unsheared animals suffer from heat stress, flystrike, and reduced mobility. However, the shearing procedure itself involves restraint and manipulation that causes acute stress. Skilled shearers minimise this stress through rapid, competent technique, while adequate restraint prevents injury to both animal and shearer.

What You Can Do

Ensure shearing is completed before peak flystrike and heat stress risk periods
Use competent, trained shearers and monitor welfare during the process
Treat all cuts immediately with appropriate antiseptic spray
Keep ewes and lambs together during and after shearing where possible
Provide water and shelter access immediately after shearing