Why don't sheep shrink in the rain?

Question

Question #62591. Asked by little-miss.
Last updated Jul 20 2021.

woodardr
Answer has 3 votes

Currently Best Answer

woodardr
19 year member
58 replies

Answer has 3 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

They do shrink, but the shepherds stretch the sheep back to shape shortly after the rain stops.

Feb 16 2006, 5:22 PM

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Answer 1

Brainyblonde
Answer has 2 votes

Brainyblonde
24 year member
1455 replies

Answer has 2 votes.

Rain water is not hot enough. If you place them in boiling water they rapidly shrink to the size of a bean.

Response last updated by CmdrK on Jul 20 2021.
Feb 16 2006, 9:50 AM

Answer 2

Arpeggionist
Answer has 1 vote

Arpeggionist
21 year member
2173 replies

Answer has 1 vote.

Besides, the wool does shrink a bit, as would your hair if you adjusted the water pressure enough in the showerhead.

Feb 16 2006, 10:38 AM

Answer 3

crisw
Answer has 1 vote

crisw
25 year member
86 replies

Answer has 1 vote.

Also, sheep's wool is coated with lanolin, so that there really is very little water penetration into the wool itself.

Feb 16 2006, 3:32 PM

Answer 4

Baloo55th
Answer has 2 votes

Baloo55th
22 year member
4545 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.

The wool shrinks as it gets wet, but the sheep inside expands so you don't notice any difference.

Feb 17 2006, 3:58 AM