The Poultry Keeper

Heather

Do any of you keep sheep and if so could you tell me ( in simple terms for preschool) how wool gets made from the raw material ?

I have so far - the sheep gets sheared

The fleece gets washed to get rid of the lanolin etc etc

It is then carded

Dyed if dying is required - then spun ???

Is this right or is there a vital part I have missed ?

We are doing "the farm" this term and as you can tell I am doing sheep ! Rolling Eyes

Not going to talk about getting meat from the sheep - might be frowned on - in fact I know it would - they are easily upset these kids - and fussy enough eaters as it is - they have been known to turn their noses up at at carrots and tomatoes !!!

debcat · Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 11:57 pm Post subject:

think thats right, I'll check with the Oh in the morning to make sure
Debs

Vivienne · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Salisbury Plain

Hi Heather, looks like you were on course about the fleeces. I know its ages since your post, but .... if you are still doing sheep stuff with the children at school, we are due to start lambing our first flock, the Hampshire Downs in about two weeks time. We lamb them outside over Christmas and if anyone would be interested to come and see them and have a look round the farm, please let me know. Hampshire Downs are a traditional breed, they lamb easily on their own, outside over Christmas, and finish real early. They taste fantastic and the rams are great to cover other breed ewes for fast finishing heavy lambs. Regards, Viv