Plumpton College Sheep Demonstration

Have you ever wondered why and how sheep are sheared? Phill Hart of Plumpton College in the UK answers these questions in a wonderful video on sheep shearing. Don't worry sheep are quite happy after being sheared. Of course they don't like being handled, but sheep feel great after being sheared.Sheep grow wool continuously. If they are not sheared at least once a year, they become very stressed and uncomfortable, especially when it is hot and humid. Eventually, the wool will become matted and more difficult to remove. After shearing you will see sheep playing and leaping in the air.

Freshly shorn sheep need protection from the elements. It takes up to six weeks for the fleece to regrow sufficiently to provide effective insulation. Sheared sheep also require more feed to maintain their body temperatures,especially during the winter.