Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Shearing cria

 

I agree that I prefer to shear crias, although we've never done it. :) Skirting cria fleeces is maddeningly time consuming.

In judging fleeces, they do prefer that the tips are removed, because it makes for a more uniform fleece from weathered end to cut end. There is not allowed to be a preference for tipped vs. not for judging, in that one fleece should not place higher than another simply because it was tipped. Everyone knows what a cria tip is, and there is not supposed to be any disadvantage for not doing it. In halter shows, I guess the same thing would apply, the fleece is just more uniform from weathered tip to the skin. 

Heather

Heather Zeleny

White Lotus Alpacas

Oregon

Holistic Farm and Elite Fleece

http://www.whitelotusalpacas.com

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/AlpacaTalk/join

On Aug 26, 2009, at 8:15 AM, dreamwoodalpacas wrote:

I prefer to shear as cria fleece is like velcro and by spring they have so much hay, straw, etc. in it that unless you are willing to spend gobs of time skirting, it is practically useless--yet it is the softest! So to me its $25 to shear (I don't have the courage or equipment to do it myself yet) and have a baby fine fleece to process easily, or $0 and spend HOURS skirting and still loose half. Sometimes there can also fleece breaks between the fuzz and the after-born fleece.

As far as showing, I've heard that untipped crias are at a disadvantage. However, I've seen several untipped juvies take blues, so I don't know if this is true in halter or if it is judge by judge--they usually do comment on the mats and abundance of crap, though. Supposedly in fleece shows it can hurt since the judge wants to see uniformity of crimp, etc. from tip to skin, and cria tips (1/4-1/2") are usually straight, plus you get/loose points for skirting. 

I wouldn't worry too much about the cold, just be sure to have multiple sizes of coats available for the chillier Sept/Oct nights until s/he grows an inch or two back.

Cheers,

Morgen Bowers
Dreamwood Farm
Claverack, NY

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