[jacob and Georgina]

hi all, we only have a small flock of sheep 12 at present and are looking for some mains shears just to use for occasional dagging and crutching but not complete shearing. was wandering if anyone as used these before? are they any good or just a bit too cheap? http://www.hornershearing.com/acatalog/zipper-shearing-machine.html or  http://www.masterclip.co.uk/landing_page/sheep_clippers/sheep_products_list.aspx?nProducts=sheep_clippers or can anyone recommend any other good ones?

[Anke]

I just use old-fashioned hand clippers for dagging, easier to do a quick job in the pen without any set up etc etc - I would have thought with 12 sheep hand clippers would be quick enough?

[Fronhaul]

I have a friend who is a professional shearer and swears by the service Horners provide.

But I would agree with Anke, unless there is a particular reason to want to use a machine for dagging it is a considerable expense.  I usually carry a small pair of dagging shears on my quad bike so I can take action on the spot for the sheep I can catch easily and wouldn't really want to be tied to only dagging in the barn.  Also sheep you have dagged with a shearing machine can't be shown which may or may not be a consideration for you. 

I would be interested to hear what the Singing Shearer has to say but another consideration is the safety of the sheep.  Having experienced hand and machine dagging although machines may on the face of it appear to be safer in inexperienced hands it is very easy to damage a lamb with machine shearers.  I have experienced the heartbreak of having to have a lamb put down because a tendon was cut while someone was machine dagging for me and it is not an experience I would wish to repeat.  The combs for the machine clippers for sheep are very different to horse clippers.

Have a look at these if the size of traditional dagging shears worries you (and it does me on occasions particularly with small lambs) https://www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk/small-traditional-dagging-shears-p-70.html  .   

[Calvadnack]

I've loved using my new Jakoti hand shears this year.  They are light and easier to use than dagging shears because they're so sharp and sit comfortably in my smaller hand.


http://www.handshears.co.uk/products/jakoti-hand-shears.cfm

[Alistair]

It's quite easy to nick with any electric shears with combs/ cutters, you have to set the blade/comb distances correctly so there's no over cut and the distance between the bevel on the comb and cutter blade is correct.

There are specific blows to use when Crutching that minimise the chance of hitting the tendons etc, also if you do choose this route, never pull the wool up to get the comb in, always keep the comb on the skin flat and pull the skin behind the comb back so the wool is pulled onto the blade if that makes sense, keep your left hand over any sensitive parts.

If you arn't comfortable with turning the sheep over and keeping her still I'd probably use hand shears, the shearing hand piece is a bit more vicious than your standard clippers and you have the opportunity to do a lot of damage very quickly

British wool board I think do a Crutching course? Certainly there are Crutching courses at agricultural colleges

[Alistair]

Horners are my suppliers of choice, cracking service from them, I also like George Mudge as well

[jaykay]

I use hand shears for dagging and crutching too. It's an easy job and you can do it wherever you can catch the sheep.

If you had 1200 I can see going electric but for 12 I'd say it's cheaper, easier and more peaceful to use a small pair of hand shears.

[Fronhaul]

Thanks Alistair.  I was talking from gut instinct and observation.

Im feeling very tempted by those Jakoti shears I will admit.  As for that Greek shepherd, he was impressive.

[Bramblecot]

I was so tempted that I've ordered some .  Thank you for the link- a lovely quiet way of working.

[Big Benny Shep]

id go for the hand shears as well, ive got some small dagging shears, full size clipping shears (long pointy ones)and a horner machine and i use the full size ones more than anything, i only use the machine for clipping


hope this helps