There are several ways to harvest Pygora fiber:
    1. Shearing – cutting the fiber off the goat using scissors, shears, etc. (Recommended of all fleece types.)
    2. Combing - brushing the fiber off the goat (when the goat is releasing its fiber) using a brush, rake. or comb. (Recommended for some Type B and Type C.)
    3. Plucking – taking the fiber off by hand as it is naturally released. (Recommended for some Type B’s and Type C’s.)
    4. Let it “blow in the wind” – not collecting the fiber and letting shed off naturally. (Not recommended for Type A or heavy Type B.)

Plucking and Combing Your Pygora Goat
   Both these methods of fiber harvesting are done when the goats’ fiber is naturally being released. This is a natural occurrence when the goat is blowing its fiber. When the fiber is truly released it should pluck or comb off quite easily without yanking or pulling hard. The fiber is not ready for harvesting if you have to pull the fiber out it does not comb or brush out easily.
    Both combing and plucking fiber allows you to harvest the fiber with little guard hair in it as it is the undercoat that is releasing. It has been my experience that some goats’ are better for plucking or combing that others as some goats will release their fiber all at one time, some will release it in stages, and some do not release it without it matting first. Working with you goat will let you know how it releases its fiber and whether or not it is a candidate for combing or plucking.

Shearing Your Pygora Goat
    You can accomplish this with scissors, grooming shears, sheep shears, etc. For many years I sheared my goats with scissors. It is the least intimidating method of shearing and gives you hands on experience with you r goat’s fiber.  I have since gone on to shearing with Oster A-5 grooming shears using a size 7 blade. They are considered pet grooming shears, lightweight, and easy to handle.
    However you choose to shear your goat there are a few things to consider before starting in.
   1. Make sure as much vegetative matter (vm) as possible is removed from the fiber. (Weeds, straw, hay, leaves, etc.) You can blow your goat with a blower or leaf blower to accomplish this or pick it out by hand.
   2. Look over your goat and access it fiber. Ask yourself where on the goat is the fiber is looking really good? The barrel, the chest, legs…? Where is it matted? What areas have lots of vm in it that you can’t get out?
   3. Feel the body of your goat so that you will know where the stomach goes out. Look for where the teats or the penis and testicles are so as not shear important parts off. Other areas to be careful of are:
             • Where the leg meets the body of the goat it some very loose skin that can easily be cut.
             • Back legs, as there is a tendon that runs down the leg that can easily be cut if the goat kicks
                  or raises its leg as you are shearing down the leg.
             • Does you goat have wattles? Watch out for those!

The Shearing process:
This is my method of shearing. I am sharing it with you as a place to start from, a guideline. Everyone has his or her’s own way of shearing and you will develop your way as you learn. I use this process with both scissors and shears.
1. I have two buckets or bags, one for #1 grade fiber (the best) and one for #2 grade fiber (fiber that has more vm, more guard hair, is a little matted, etc.).
2. I first shear from the base of the neck down to the tail. From there I start shearing strips going across the barrel, from neck to tail, taking the longest swipe that I can. I continue this all the way to the belly.
3. Next, I shear the back end watching the back of the legs so as not to cut the tendon.
4. Last, I shear the front legs, chest, and neck. This area sometimes will require some one to hold the goat so that you can get around the head. Watch for the holders fingers!

Storing Pygora Fiber
 When storing your Pygora fiber I would recommend using a box or paper bag. It has been my experience using plastic bags will eventually ruin the fiber by compacting and felting it. 
Always mark your container with the name of the goat sheared and date of shearing.