Economical, Safe, Stress-Free Alpaca Shearing Method Utilized at Wisteria Suri Ranch

Keiko Makarczyk, alpaca shepherdess at Wisteria Suri Ranch, began hand shearing her alpacas in 2014 using minimal to no restraint because she wanted to be able to care for her alpacas in the most natural, stress-free way possible.

After seeing how stressed alpacas become when the normal shearing method is used –  fully restrained on the ground with loud electric shearers to remove the fleece – she committed to finding an alternative that was enjoyable and stress free for everyone.

“When we had the professional shearers come to our farm, they were strong and fast, but our alpacas weren’t happy about being handled by strangers and would scream and spit.  We all had deep anxiety,” said Keiko. “I wanted to hand shear my alpacas without all the stress.”

Initially, Keiko and her husband learned to shear using electric shearers and with the animals in ground restraints. This had many challenges for them since restraining alpacas on the ground safely requires 3 adults, it is a very physically demanding job, and still induces stress on the animals.

After a few years of practice, Keiko now shears her alpacas by herself in a 10 x 10 pen using only a pair of spring loaded craft scissors, catch rope/halter if needed, and a fair amount of  patience. The animals are never restrained in a chute or otherwise prevented from moving.

She points out how important it is to continually build a trusting relationship with animals and to set realistic expectations. Keiko added, “Even with all the work I put in, that doesn’t mean all of my alpacas are always cooperative. But that’s ok.  We all have our days and some of us have stronger personalities. I just try to have fun and enjoy each alpaca for who they are.”

She began her alpaca farm with her family in 2008 because of her love for animals and the desire for a more natural lifestyle. Keiko was intrigued by their beautiful unique fiber and set out to learn everything she could about Suri alpacas and their fiber.

One of the most important aspects of raising alpacas is the yearly shearing to harvest the fleeces. This is key for two reasons: prevent heat stress for the animals and to collect the fleeces they are raised for.

Keiko shares her shearing techniques and tips in her video demonstrations so other alpaca owners can learn how to hand shear their animals. She emphasizes, “It’s really helpful to know how to shear because you might have one alpaca who missed the group shearing, or is showing signs of heat stress.  Knowing how to shear gives you more control over when and how they are shorn. As a bonus, it also saves you money.”

To learn more about how she shears, watch her free video demonstrations at her website. https://www.WisteriaSuriRanch.com

About Wisteria Suri Ranch

Keiko Makarczyk from Wisteria Suri Ranch, has been raising Suri alpacas in central Texas since 2008 with a focus on gentle, stress free animal management. Wisteria Suri Ranch offers natural eco-friendly products made from their alpacas’ fleeces who are hand-shorn every spring.