The Shear Details

When Jim and I first started shearing alpacas, we had the animals stand up with no restraints and no medication, but we have learned to shear them in much easier ways. I shear by laying down the animal and restraining it on a clean padded area. I find this way to be the most convenient. I have a shearing table which I can use on request.

Quality is more important than quantity.  Each animal is given the time needed so the job is done right.

I will exercise care and skill in shearing; however, you are solely responsible for any injury or loss of alpacas being shorn under this agreement. You are encouraged to secure proper insurance; however, the lack of insurance will not create any liability for me in the unlikely event of injury or loss.

I require two helpers from the farm. One holds the head and calms the animal, and the other gathers the fiber. I shear with either a 13-tooth or 22-tooth comb. The 22-tooth gives a nicer finish for Huacayas. The 13-tooth is good for Suris as well as for patch-shearing Crias.

I will use hand-shears (non-electric) for Suris on request.

I shear around 300 alpacas a year.   I handle local shearing jobs in Ohio, and have traveled to Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and West Virginia.  I would welcome the opportunity to do more traveling, and will go anywhere for my regular shearing fees if my travel expenses are paid.

Most of my shearing jobs involve small flocks of up to 75 animals.  I like to do a quality job and Jim and I can't handle more than that in a day!

I am available to teach shearing clinics and tutor privately.  Please contact me for more information.

Jim shearing a Huacaya on the shearing table with helpers

Steve shearing at Alpaca Farms Alpacas

Steve hand-shearing a Suri at Alpaca Farms while Jim holds the head

Steve shearing a Huacaya in down position at Blankstone Farm Alpacas