SHEARING …….very small numbers of Alpacas.

Most Alpacas irrespective of the stud size require to be shorn (removal of their dense coats) once a year rather as is the situation with sheep. Normally - subject to weather conditions and your location - this would be carried out in the late spring.

An important factor to always consider is any element of stress, which might be experienced by the animal, balanced by the importance of the removal of the coat, which allows them to be kept in a more comfortable state during the hot summer months. To this end special attention should be paid to both the "shearing facilities" and the equipment used.

In order to conduct the "harvest" of the fibre, which is a valuable product and much in demand, certain specific equipment will be needed.

For the removal of the fibre the normal method would be to use a "sheep-shearing machine". This is a "motor in the hand-piece" clipper, equipped with a clipper "head" designed to accommodate sheep blades, which are known as "cutters and combs". (See fig. 1).

However if you just own a few (say between 1 and 3) and are really not planning to increase the numbers then the cost of purchasing a shearing machine may be somewhat expensive relative to the small numbers involved. If however the numbers exceed say 4 and are likely to increase, bit the bullet and get the proper equipment - over the years it will reward you handsomely in many ways!

For the very small studs/herds (again let it be emphasised…. we are talking of only 1 to 3 animals) the shearing options are …..

1. Hand shears (the sheep type.) They work fine, but it is really hard work! Sheep are bad enough and the Alpaca is a larger surface area than a sheep!
2. A Moser Max 45 two-speed clipper fitted with a Moser 2.4mm wide blade.

For limited number of animals the Moser Max 45 fitted with a Moser 2.4mm wide blade works remarkably well (See fig 2.) and makes a really good job of the clipping. (Many years ago we supplied for demonstration purposes the predecessor - the Moser KM1 with the wide blade - clipping Alpaca at the South of England Show. People were amazed at the easy it clipped!)

The Max 45 is one of the most powerful dog clippers on the market. Equipped with an efficient two-speed 45w motor. German made, from the House of Moser, it has all the superior qualities associated with a German built product. Often used as a "full body" horse clipper like its predecessor the KM1 it has quickly built a reputation for reliability.

The body casing enhances a comfortable compact handpiece, giving an added combination of balance and lightness. It has the ability to operate at two speeds and over prolonged periods without any signs of overheating. With a very acceptable noise level it is almost vibration free, and will accept "snap-on" detachable blades.

Clearly the shearing task is not achieved as quickly as when one uses the normal type shearing machine as referred to in figure 1, and therefore one must make allowances for the smaller powered machine, letting it do the work and not attempting to "push" the clipper.

As with any clipping/shearing the need for reserve or backup blades in the event of sudden "blunting" remains important, and you should not really attempt to shear without at least one spare blade to hand.

The Moser 2.3mm wide blade is a "detachable" blade. It is supplied from the factory as an assembled unit with cutter and comb and is not intended to be taken apart. The blade fits on to a "tongue" protruding from the clipper head (See fig 3) and this is then pushed/snapped back against the head into the clipping position. Normally this is done with the clipper motor running at the lower speed. Lubrication is there essential and at regular intervals. (Every 3 to 4 minutes) An advantage with this type of blade is that it requires neither tensioning nor alignment.

For those who are prepared to invest a larger sum there is the cordless version of the Moser Max 45 known as the "Avalon." Originally designed for the horse market this machine is operated off a powerful but lightweight battery pack worn off your waist belt. With a two and a half hour clip time on a single charge it allows you to cover a fair bit of ground. The "Avalon" is fitted with the new CeraBlade - a ceramic-coated blade.

Moser wide blades are available in a plain steel or ceramic-coated form. The steel blade has been a highly successful blade for many years and involved in a number of applications with large animals. The ceramic "coated" blade is a recently new innovation. (November 2003.) Moser of Germany - the manufacturer, have taken their existing wide size #10 2.3mm blade and coated it with a ceramic powder.

The benefits claimed by the manufacturers are that the blade cuts up to 4 times better, last longer and glides through the coat with greater ease. Ceramic blades are not cheap, but there is every reason to assume they would be highly successful on Alpacas.

PEASRIDGE

Repair & service all makes of clippers and trimmers
and professionally sharpen all types of blades

Tel: 01424 882900 or E-mail info@peasridge.co.uk

Whilst every care has been take to ensure the accuracy of the information given both in the written text and pictures created, neither PEASRIDGE nor any of its staff can accept any responsibly of any type for injury or damage inflicted by or caused to persons or animals by any operator or a third party who has made reference to this web site. Owner/Operators of all such appliance should satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any statements made, and if they are unsure on any point consult the manufacturer direct.