Just to let you know how
much of a positive difference the Matilda Sheep Coat/Cover may have with
your sheep-one of my Coopworth raw fleeces placed first in the Coopworth
Breed at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. This festival is the largest
on the eastern coast. I do give credit to the Matilda Sheep Coat/Cover for
the quality of the raw fleece!
How to measure for a
good fit:
Measure from the base of the
neck (where it joins the back), to the top of the tail and add about 5 or 6
inches-to allow for wool length and chest length. If the measurement in
between the sizes, make sure that you order the larger size and not the
lower size. If the coat is a bit too large, you may use the elastrator band
(for tail docking and castrating) to gather the material up above the tail
and hold it until the fleece grows. I have also used nylon cord but I have
found that if you have two adult rams that want to decide "who is boss", you
may need to replace the bands or ties as the rams continue to "ram" each
other! I will also suggest quilting thread (double) and a hand basting
stitch, this may be removed as the fleece grows and will not damage the
fabric.
You will find that it is
necessary to increase the size of the coat/cover as the sheep and or fleece
grows. For example, my sheep were sheared on February 25 and I have started
to change some of the covers in the yearlings. Check the bands at the back
of the legs off and on to make sure that they are not too tight.
You will soon find that the
Matilda Sheep Coat/Cover is a wise investment and if you have never covered
your sheep prior to this, you will be amazed at the quality of the fleece.
The covers should be put on as soon as the sheep are sheared and taken off
just prior to shearing. My lambing season is from early March through
April-I only remove the coats as the ewes are about to lamb and this you can
tell by checking the milk sacs. The whole process becomes a routine and it
is one that is certainly well worth the little bit of effort and investment
that it takes to end up with a quality and sellable raw fleece.
I look forward to helping
you-please e-mail or call me if you have any questions. I will be happy to
let you know the shipping cost and I will accept either a check or a money
order.
Deborah J. Martzall
Phone: 1-304-462-8043
Matilda Brand
Patent
Design
