Why We Still Hand Shear Our Shetland Sheep | Freddie's Full Shearing Story 🐑

Over thirty years ago we made the decision to hand shear our Shetland sheep, and we've never looked back. In this video we're shearing Freddie, one of our lovely ewes, using traditional hand shears. Years ago we had a poor experience when our first Shetlands were shorn by a sheep shearer using electric clippers. That experience encouraged us to do the shearing ourselves and learn the traditional skill of hand shearing. We're certainly not suggesting all shearers using electric clippers have the same outcome, but for us it marked the beginning of a different approach. Hand shearing is slower, more physical and takes patience, but it allows us to work carefully, taking each sheep as an individual and reducing the risk of accidental cuts. We never rush the job. For me, one of the unexpected pleasures is working so closely with the sheep and their fleece. The natural lanolin ends up all over my hands and arms, and there's something deeply satisfying about continuing a skill that has been passed down through generations. Shearing is also essential for the sheep's welfare, helping them stay comfortable through the warmer months. We hope you enjoy spending some time with Freddie and seeing how we've cared for our Shetland flock for more than three decades. Follow our smallholding journey 🌱    / @rootedinthegut   #ShetlandSheep #HandShearing #TraditionalSkills #SheepFarming #SmallholdingLife #AnimalWelfare #RegenerativeLiving #CountryLife