GENERAL INFORMATION.
Alpacas need shearing once a year, usually in Spring around October.Alpacas need restraining with ropes slipped around each leg and then pulled reasonably tight so they can't move while being shorn.Someone needs to hold the head. The shearers bring their own ropes or shearing table as alpacas can be shorn on the ground or on a table. If only a few alpacas,the ground (with a rubber mat underneath)is fine but if a large herd you may get a sore back and legs.The shearer will need the alpacas to be penned near where they are to be shorn. There should be shade for the shearer and alpacas. There also needs to be access to electricity.Try to have a few friends or family members helping.Have everything you need ready such as any vaccinations, toe nail trimmers, garbage bags and labels for the fleece, a broom, old towels in case an alpaca spits or wees.Prices vary according to the number of alpacas and distance travelled.e.g.$15 per alpaca upwards..You can save some travel money if you have friends with alpacas or goats that can all be shorn together (if they don't mind you taking a few alpacas to their place). Ask the shearers for quotes and do this a few months ahead of shearing time.There are some good video clips on "You Tube" if you look up "alpaca shearing" on the "You Tube" site.If you have shorn animals before there are cheap shearing handpieces(clippers)on eBay e.g.GTS-2005 around $100-$120.

AFTER SHEARING: BE AWARE THAT STORMS AND WIND MAY CAUSE HYPOTHERMIA TO ALPACAS THAT HAVE BEEN SHORN. HAVE AN AREA WHERE THEY CAN BE HERDED TO AND LOCKED UNDER IF THE WEATHER IS BAD (ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT)...JUST UNTIL THEIR FLEECE GROWS BACK.HYPOTHERMIA CAN KILL.Last year I put hay under the double carport and they went under there quite happily..the cars sat out in the rain for a while.

SHEARERS:
* Mid North Coast Shearing Services- David Willis- sheep/goats/alpacas
0413 426 290 (travels to the region for September/October/November)
* Drew Shearman- Fullerton Cove near Newcastle.Will travel to the Mid North Coast. 0427 924 493
* Peter Feldman- Surilox Alpacas.
A local Mid North Coast breeder with a sizeable herd of his own.
Has learnt shearing from experienced shearer Chris Power
Has a portable tilting table and shearing gear
Toenail trimming is included
Vaccinations can be done with prior notice.
He can fit your shearing in on a weekday not just on a weekend .
Call Peter on 02 4997 7223 or 0447 825 110 or email him to discuss a booking