how to best deal with top knot

[christinepi]

One of our 3 alpacas has a big top knot that needs to be shortened frequently. Today, we tackled the job for the first time on our own. With scissors the job takes quite long (in alpaca terms--well, mine also) because the fiber is so thick, matted and full of burrs. Granted, while the scissors were sharp, it wasn't a barber strength pair either, which will change. While he stayed pretty calm for the entire duration (ca 10 minutes), I was wondering whether electric shears would be an option to help get the job done much faster (I'd ideally shave off enough in one sitting that he'll be able to see for months, not just weeks). However, this guy is often afraid of his own shadow, and may go to pieces immediately; but if you and others have done this before without too much fear triggered by the noise (there must be a reason why most people tie up their alpacas come shearing time!!), maybe I'll give it a shot. I could always stop immediately if he's not the right candidate. Are there particularly "quiet" shears, if I end up going that route? Or are there particular scissors for a job like that that could be recommended?

[Marty McGee Bennett]

fiskars scissors the razor sharp kind I think there is a brand of fiskars that has the word razor edge or something like that and if you cut closer to his head (as you would anyway if you were using electric shears) it will be a lot easier and last longer. I wouldn't use electric shears on his top knot.

[rose@almapark.com]

I agree with Marty. I use fiskars too. It cuts through matted fiber pretty easily. I would not use electric shears except at shearing time. On my show animals, I usually pick out the burrs and use a carding comb (used for fiber prep) so that I don't have to cut the topknot before show season. I usually balance the animal and have a friend work on him/her. I start about a month before the show and usually only spend 2 - 3 minutes a session so they don't get antsy. The only trimming I do on my show string is around the eyes (with fiskars) so they can see and to "round out" the puff. Once they are done showing or come shearing time - it gets cut pretty close as I do not like to have them have the "lions mane" in the summer months in NJ.

Hope that helps and let me know if you need more info.

Rose

[christinepi]

Thanks--will get that pair of scissors asap!

Christine

[OHL]

I would ditto Rose and Marty's suggestions. The Fiskars are great for areas like that and don't have a sharp point like many hand shears. I also usually recommend shearing the top knot during annual shearing - either down to the same level as the rest of the body or a significant trim to keep it from turning into a matted seedy mess. (:

Good luck and try to keep the sessions short - I'd start around the eyes so he can see, and not fuss too much with making it perfect.

[rose@almapark.com]

Totally agree with Sara on keeping sessions short. As I was training a 7 month old yesterday - he seemed distracted and this was his 2nd lesson and he was always pretty attentive and on point. When I looked at him front on, I noticed he could not see with the halter pushing fiber in his eyes. I trimmed around the eyes and he was fine, then I wanted to pull some burrs out of his topknot and he had his fill of me messing with him - so I stopped. He walked fine after the trim, so I ended on a good note and put him back in his field.

I also recommend shearing the top knot during shearing. It is better in the hot NJ summers as well as allowing them to see. I find when they can see properly, their environment is a lot less scary. It made a world of difference in a Suri that my client brought to the farm.