Hana and I shore four llamas today. I clipped their feet.
Hana and I use hand shears because we feel like you have time to form a better relationship with the animal you are working with by using them. It is a slower process where you really get to know your animal, and investigate the way they move, act, and respond to what you are doing.
Using hand shears also allows us to feel less dependent on fossil fuels. When shearing several llamas (as apposed to hundreds), using hand shears can be a great experience!
Below is Munch. He and his brother, Crunch, are the main source of the wool we use for education throughout the year. They are lovely appaloosas that give white and brown wool. I have taught more than 3 people how to spin with their wool this past year at college. The fiber they produce is a pleasure to work with, almost free of guard hairs and relatively clean!
By working with Crunch and Munch, Hana and I have seen an excellent example of how llamas progress, mentally, while they mature. When they were a year old they bounced around while we worked with them. Now, a few years later, they stand quite still and learn quickly when we have something to teach them. We are also able to live up to our ultimate philosophy which is working with llamas in as little of a confinement situation as possible. Llamas are naturally (like most animals) afraid to be trapped. We like to shear llamas outside, with only a halter on. Aside from getting better light to work by, the llama feels more secure by having more space to move. In a sense using reverse psychology and a bit of training, the llama will stand still in a wide open space quicker than in a confinement situation, like in a stanchion. By working with the llama, and not against it, there is less of a chance of injury (for llama and handler) and it is an overall better experience for everyone. 
Below is Cocoa and daughter, Cocoa Puff. These two llovely lladies have spectacular wool and are very sweet to handle. Two years ago Hana and I were able to show them at the Maine State Fair, in Fryeburg, Maine! We had a blast!
Below is Cocoa and daughter, Cocoa Puff. These two llovely lladies have spectacular wool and are very sweet to handle. Two years ago Hana and I were able to show them at the Maine State Fair, in Fryeburg, Maine! We had a blast!
We were able to shear and trim feet for the four llamas in about 3 hours today!
