Just a little off the top, please

Some sheep are in dire need of winter haircuts. The wooly top-knot that covers the head like an afro is 4 inches thick, nearly covering his ears and eyes. When it begins to cascade downward toward the nose and over the face, it acts like a visor making it awfully difficult to see what's happening in the world. This condition is called "wool blind" and is easily remedied. When we noticed Cody stumbling around the barn like Mr. MaGoo we knew it was time to take out the scissors and get to work. 

Check out his salon makeover before & after:
 

Cody's Afro

Cody'sCoif

Ta-dah! Whatta handsome guy.

Not everyone needs a winter trim. Some of our Cormos (mostly Trumpet offspring) have nice open faces because of the shape of their heads and top-knots that sit well back and do not migrate over the nose. Our crosses are all open face, due to their partial Border Leicester ancestors whose faces are clear of wool. Teaberry, our main breeding ram has a big daddy-o top knot which makes him look much taller than everyone else. He's passed this trait to his offspring – Cody and his sisters – who require an occasional trim of the bangs.

Open face sheep

A nice open-face group of ewes – no trim needed!

************************************************************************************
copyright 2009, Barbara Parry, Foxfire Fiber & Designs. All rights reserved.