Shearing day

Shearing day was on Thursday and it dawned cloudy and threatening to rain.  The boys were due to be sheared at 1230pm so we put them into a field shelter around 1000am just as the first drops of rain fell.  It wasn't long before camel noises and spitting started in the shelter and this photo shows Fergus with his spitting mouth on!

The boys didn't have too long to wait for the shearers and this was the last photo of them with their winter fleece on.

It's always funny to watch the expression on their individual faces as they see their pals for the first time minus the fleece.  We knew that when Faro emerged naked that that would get the interest of the others - just as  Fergus (left) and Fidget demonstrate.

And here he is - delighted to be free of the heavy fleece and running about all over the paddocks and being a real 'Jack the Lad!'

James Dixon assisted by Ginny did an excellent job of shearing.  This is Fyta about to get the short back and sides treatment.  This is the 10th time the boys have been sheared so they know the procedure, although they don't like it too much.

Neighbours Claire and Mike came to see the shearing in operation, pity about the rain outside but at least it was nice and dry in the shelters for the boys - and James!

And finally.............. with their winter coats off, the boys enjoy the freedom.  Fidget in particular feels the weight of the fleece on him and before shearing often lies down to eat instead of standing.  After shearing he's back on his feet and running around.