What Are Lamb Clippers?

Lambs are often shown in competitions. To show the lambs off to their best advantage, it is common for the owners to shear the lambs prior to the competition. This gives the lambs a neat appearance and makes it easier for the judge to see the lamb’s muscles as well as how it moves. Lamb clippers are electric clippers that are used to remove the excess wool from a young sheep prior to its being shown.

When using lamb clippers it is a good idea to have the animal stand in the position it will use in a show. This helps to ensure that the shearing enhances the appearance of the lamb rather than detracting from it. If the lamb is standing in an awkward position it is easy to miss places that need to be clipped or to clip the wool unevenly. While it is good to have the lamb practice standing in its show stance, it should not be shorn too often. Frequent shearing may give the skin a loose, wrinkled appearance that is undesirable in a market lamb.

Lamb clippers are used on a show lamb anywhere from about 10 days prior to the show right up until the day of the event. The type of show and how long the lamb’s wool is supposed to be for judging controls how far in advance it should be clipped. A typical market lamb’s wool grows about one-third to one-half an inch per month (0.84 to 1.27 cm), though this can vary widely depending on the breed.

When using lamb clippers it is important to clip the coat close to the skin, but without cutting the lamb. The idea is to create a smooth, slick appearance that will show off the lamb’s features. Livestock combs with 20 or 23 teeth typically work best to achieve the desired effect. Alternately, the sheep can be sheared with special slick shearing lamb clippers, which will clip the wool very close to the skin.

Many different companies sell lamb clippers. Typically the clippers are also sold for use on other animals, such as goats and horses. Sometimes lamb clippers may be designed for dogs, but marketed for clipping small animals in general. It is important to make sure the clippers are powerful enough to cut through a lamb’s wool, since some lower-power types may overheat and the motor will burn out when they are overused.

Lamb clippers are specialized shearing tools designed to trim the wool of young sheep. They are essential for maintaining the health and hygiene of lambs, preventing overheating, and reducing the risk of infestation by parasites like ticks and lice. Proper clipping can also improve the quality of the wool for future shearing seasons.

Lamb clippers are typically smaller and lighter than standard sheep shears, making them more suitable for the delicate task of clipping the softer wool of lambs. They often have finer blades to navigate the less dense fleece and are designed to be gentle on the lamb's sensitive skin, minimizing the risk of cuts or irritation.

The optimal time to clip lambs is usually in the late spring or early summer, as the weather warms up. This timing helps lambs stay cool and reduces the likelihood of wool maggots, a condition caused by flies laying eggs in the fleece. Clipping at this time also allows the wool to grow sufficiently before the colder months.

While lamb clippers are specifically designed for young sheep, they can sometimes be used on other small animals with fine hair, such as rabbits or llamas, for minor grooming tasks. However, it's important to use the appropriate tool for each species to ensure the safety and comfort of the animal.

Lamb clippers require regular maintenance to function effectively. This includes cleaning the blades after each use, oiling the moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation, and sharpening the blades to maintain a precise cut. Proper care extends the life of the clippers and ensures the well-being of the lambs during shearing.

Yes, safety is paramount when using lamb clippers. Operators should be trained in proper handling techniques to avoid injuring the animal or themselves. It's crucial to keep the clippers well-maintained to prevent malfunctions, and always ensure that the lamb is securely held or penned to minimize sudden movements during the clipping process.