Sheep shearing: how does it work and when is it done?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Counting sheep before bedtime is something we all know. But did you know that at FarmCamps Mariekerke you can not only count sheep, but also help with shearing them? At this cosy sheep dairy farm near the Zeeland coast, Farmer Rutger will teach you all about sheep shearing. A unique experience for children (and parents!) you won’t forget anytime soon.

Why is sheep shearing actually necessary?

Shearing sheep is not a luxury, but a real necessity. In nature, sheep do not shed their wool by themselves. That means their fleece keeps growing. That’s why sheep need to be shorn:
• To prevent overheating in summer
• To avoid skin problems
• To keep the animals clean and healthy
• To be able to use the wool

Especially in spring, you can see that the flock is ready for a fresh, light summer look. At Mariekerke, more than 150 sheep roam around and they are all shorn regularly. That’s quite a job!

When should you shear sheep: what is the best time?

A frequently asked question is: when should you shear sheep? Most sheep are shorn once a year, usually in spring (April or May). This way, they lose their thick winter coat before the warm months begin. At FarmCamps Mariekerke, they look at:
• The temperature
• The condition of the woo
• The lambing season
• The farm schedule

On the activity board, you can see whether a shearing session is planned during your stay. And if the timing works out, you can help!

How does sheep shearing work?

Sheep are shorn with a special shearing machine. It looks a bit like a large hair clipper.

Step by step:
• The sheep is held calmly
• The wool is removed in one smooth movement
• The fleece comes off almost like one big blanket
• The sheep gets a quick check for small wounds or skin problems

Farmer Rutger is a sheep farmer through and through and shows you exactly how it’s done. He makes sure the animal stays calm and that everything is done safely. Children often find it exciting to see how quickly such a thick coat comes off!

Does shearing sheep hurt and what happens to the wool?

An important question, especially for children: does it hurt? No. Shearing sheep does not hurt, as long as it is done properly. It can be compared to a haircut at the hairdresser. The wool is clipped, not the skin. Farmer Rutger works carefully and with experience. He always checks that everything goes neatly and safely.

After shearing, a large, soft fleece remains. At Mariekerke, the wool is sometimes used for fun activities on the farm. With Farmer’s wife Annelie or Alide, children can, for example, make a little sheep out of real sheep’s wool. A lovely little craft project they proudly take home. This way, you immediately see where wool comes from – much more fun than in a shop!

Sheep shearing at FarmCamps Mariekerke

At this sheep dairy farm near the Zeeland coast, everything is about experience. Rutger milks his flock of over 150 sheep every day. Delicious sheep’s cheese and yoghurt are made from the milk and sold in the farm shop. But there’s more:
• Helping with milking
• Taking care of lambs
• Sweeping the stable
• Cuddling animals in the cuddle barn
• And sometimes… helping with sheep shearing

For €6.50 per person, you can join when a shearing session is planned. A unique experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Rutger’s flock consists of dairy sheep that are specially kept for milk production. Their wool keeps growing and therefore needs to be removed regularly.

More than just sheep shearing

FarmCamps Mariekerke is more than just a place where sheep are shorn. You stay in a luxury tent on the farm. During the day, you play in the large yard, race around on go-karts, jump on the trampoline and get wonderfully messy in the water and sand play area. Even during the summer holidays, there is something to enjoy every single day. Within 10 minutes, you are at the beach of Walcheren. Domburg, Zoutelande and Veere are just around the corner. And in the evening? Then you snuggle up under the covers. On Sundays, 

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about sheep shearing

How often do you need to shear a sheep?
Usually once a year, in spring.

When should you shear sheep?
Before the warm summer starts, usually around May or June.

How do you shear a sheep?
With a special shearing machine, calmly and in smooth movements.

How much does it cost to shear a sheep?
This differs per farmer. At FarmCamps Mariekerke, it costs €6.50 per person as an experience activity.

Does shearing sheep hurt?
No, it does not hurt when done professionally.

Would you like to experience sheep shearing yourself?

Would your family like not only to read about sheep shearing, but also to experience it in real life? Come and stay at FarmCamps Mariekerke in Zeeland. Who knows, there might be a shearing session planned during your stay and you may be able to help Farmer Rutger.

Ready to sleep among the sheep? Book your stay at FarmCamps Mariekerke or explore our other farms.