Shearing Alpacas: Timing, Preparation and Shearing Day

Alpacas don’t shed — they must be shorn once a year. Shearing prevents heat stress and harvests the fleece. A well-organized shearing day is quick and low-stress for everyone.

When to shear

Shear in spring, after the risk of hard frost but before summer heat. Timing depends on your climate — our county guides suggest a shearing month for every U.S. county based on when nights reliably stay above about 38°F (3°C) and before highs reach 85°F (29°C). In very hot regions shear earlier; in the far north, late spring.

Booking a shearer

Professional alpaca shearers travel circuits and book up months ahead. Book 6–8 weeks early. Ask about:

• price per animal and travel fee,
• whether they trim toenails and fighting teeth,
• how many helpers they need from you.

Preparing the herd

• Keep fleeces dry. Wet fleece can’t be shorn and molds if bagged. House the herd the night before if rain is forecast.
• Blow out or brush off loose debris a few days before (optional).
• Withhold feed for a few hours before shearing to reduce discomfort while lying down.
• Sort animals by color, shearing whites first and darks last to avoid contamination.
• Prepare a clean shearing area: a tarp or mat, good light and power.

Shearing day setup

• Labelled bags for each animal: blanket (prime fleece), seconds (neck, upper legs), thirds (belly, lower legs).
• A skirting table if you’ll skirt on the day. See skirting.
• Helpers to catch, hold and sweep between animals.
• A first-aid kit for nicks.
• A list of extra tasks: toenails, teeth, vaccinations, body condition, ear tags.

What happens

The shearer restrains the alpaca lying on its side, with legs gently stretched by ropes. The blanket comes off first in one piece, followed by neck, legs and belly. Shearing one alpaca typically takes 5–10 minutes. Most animals hum or protest but are released quickly and back to grazing within minutes.

Common shearing styles

• Full shear: standard in most climates.
• Barrel cut: body shorn, legs and neck left longer — useful in cooler climates or for show animals.
• Leave 1/2 in (1 cm) of fleece in very sunny climates to reduce sunburn.

After shearing

• Watch for cold stress if a cold, wet snap follows — provide shelter.
• Check skin for nicks, lice or mites now that it’s visible.
• Freshly shorn animals are a good opportunity to score body condition accurately.
• Store bagged fleeces in breathable bags (paper or cloth), labelled with name, date and weight.

Frequently asked questions

How much fleece does one alpaca produce? About 5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg) total, including 2–5 lb of prime blanket.

Does shearing hurt alpacas? No — it’s like a haircut. The restraint can be stressful, so calm, quick handling matters.