Ars Goat Hoof Trimmers? The 49 Latest Answer

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For some people, homesteading is scary. You have to deal with animals, plants and a whole new lifestyle. Well, one thing I’m learning to overcome is the fear of trimming my goats’ hooves. This may not sound like a scary thing, but I hate taking the risk of hurting one of my animals.

Trimming her hooves was always a really scary thing for me until I learned how to do it properly. So I’m going to share with you how to properly trim your goat’s hooves. This way you can do it safely and your goats can be healthy and vigorous.

To trim your goat’s hooves:

What you will need:

1. Put the goat on the milking parlour

Goats aren’t big fans of trimming their hooves. For her safety and yours, it is a good idea to put her on a milking parlor during this task.

This means that you first need to make sure you have a milking parlor on hand. If not, this is a great resource for building your own milking parlor.

Once you have the milking parlor ready, you need to place a favorite grain in the parlor’s bucket to encourage the goat to enjoy the milking parlor.

Sweet feed at the milking parlor is a must for my goats. They rarely get sweet food, so when it comes out it’s a big deal.

Whichever treat makes your goats happy is what you choose to use. Once you have secured your goat at the milking parlour, you are ready to begin.

2. Let them pass

When you begin trimming, grasp the hoof you are working on and bend it at the knee. This will give you a better grip and put you in a better position to work on the hoof itself.

However, your goat probably won’t like this. Let’s be real for a second. They make them stand on 3 hooves, which is probably not the most comfortable position for them.

And you interrupt her snack.

Of course, they will be a little upset. It’s better to let them stamp their feet and try to pry you off their hoof before you start trimming.

As I mentioned before, I’ve always been terrified of cutting too close to the hoof. If they fight you, it increases your chances of it actually happening. So better get them out of the way before you start the actual trimming.

3. Start at the beginning and work around

Photo by OSUMeatGoat

This is a preference, but you must choose a rhythm to trim the hooves. If you start in the front and then move to the back hoof.

Then over to the other hind hoof and done with the opposite front hoof, then you don’t have to move as much. For me it’s just a smoother way to start at the beginning and work around.

Verily it is your call. If you find a better trim rhythm for you, then by all means give it a try.

Once you’ve chosen the hoof you’re going to start with and your goat has gotten over its bout of clumsiness, you’ll need to bend the hoof back at the knee.

Then line the clipper with the overgrown portion of the hoof and clip that portion off. There are a few details that will help you avoid trimming the hoof too tightly, but I’ll discuss those in more detail later in this post.

4. Sit behind the goat to trim the hooves

When moving to the back of the goat, sit behind the goat instead of next to it. It just makes trimming easier in my opinion.

Again, when you sit down, bend the hoof at the knee so you have a better grip as you trim.

Then slowly begin trimming the overgrown portion of the hoof (the front wall) to where it should be. That’s when it’s level with the rest of the hoof.

In addition, you should also gradually shorten the heel. You will trim it until it is level with the bottom of the hoof.

5. Start trimming… Slowly

This is the trick to properly trimming goat hooves. You must trim the hooves very slowly. Instead of going in with the hoof clippers and clipping away, make gentle, flat strokes so you don’t cut too close.

Then you get the hooves nice and even without the goat bleeding.

However, it will be obvious as you approach the quick (the flow of blood in the hoof). You’ll know it because the hoof will start to turn pink. If you see signs of pink on the hoof, you know to stop trimming because you’re getting close.

If you get too close to the goat’s hoof, don’t panic. Instead, sprinkle a healthy dose of Blood Stop Powder on the hoof and it should help stop the bleeding fast.

Other trim options:

Nothing really replaces proper trimming techniques for trimming goat’s hooves. If you don’t trim your goats’ hooves, they could potentially get to the point where they can’t walk properly.

Trimming their hooves unevenly can also cause them to have trouble walking. Here are a few alternatives to traditional trimming that can help you increase your trimming times.

1. Cinder blocks

Photo from PetDIYs.com

I admit I’ve been using this method for far too long when I was afraid to trim my goats’ hooves. It has helped keep her feet from being a big problem.

One day I was looking at the feet of my billy goats and started to see the sides overgrowing. I knew it was time to bite the bullet and just clip his hooves.

I still use cinder blocks in her goat yard. What I do is stack 5-6 cinder blocks in a pyramid formation. This way the goats will prance up and down in formation because they like to climb.

They trim their hooves as they climb up and down. You’ll need to swap out cinder blocks regularly, as the goats wear them down enough that they become slippery and lose their effectiveness.

It’s no different than walking your dog on concrete to trim his claws. You just let them prance and let the concrete do the trimming for you.

As I said, it worked for my goats for a very long time. I think what caused it to stop working on my billy goat was the fact that I didn’t swap out the cinder blocks as they got smoother. I didn’t realize how much he had worn her down until it was too late.

I definitely recommend this method for hoof care. Your goats will love it, and as mentioned, it should keep you from trimming their hooves as often.

2. Secateurs

Let’s say you’re working on a budget. Hoof trimmers are by no means out of this world expensive, but there are times when you’re working on a tight budget.

What can you use instead to get the job done without having to spend extra money?

Well, you can invest in pruning shears. If you’re a home resident or an avid gardener, chances are you already have some.

The pruning shears should do the same job as the claw shears as they are basically the same thing. Depending on the type of pruning shears, the head can be slightly more curved than with the claw shears.

All you have to do is make a few shallower cuts on the hooves and be a little more careful. However, you should be able to safely trim your goats’ hooves with it without much trouble.

We’ve even provided a guide to help you choose the best secateurs for your home. Hopefully it will help you save some money while you try to take on the adventure of trimming your goats’ hooves.

A few words of caution:

It’s very unlikely that anything catastrophic will happen when trimming your goats’ hooves, but you should pay close attention in some cases.

For example:

1. When you cut too close

If you clip your goats’ hooves too tightly, you need to be careful. Usually a goat will limp for a couple of hours.

However, if your goat is still limping days later, you need to revisit that goat’s hooves. Make sure that no infection has settled anywhere.

If this is the case, you must call the vet immediately to ensure the infection is smothered quickly.

2. When your goat isn’t walking

Sometimes when the hooves are trimmed unevenly, it becomes difficult for a goat to walk. If you’ve recently trimmed your goat’s hooves and she’s suddenly having trouble walking, you need to investigate.

If you find that the hooves are uneven, try to level them out as best you can. If you’re still having trouble, call the vet. You don’t want to cause long-term damage when trying to repair the hooves.

3. When your goat’s hooves are really overgrown

Photo from http://goatworld.com

There are some cases where a goat’s hooves become extremely overgrown. If this is the case (and you are a novice hoof trimmer), you will need to call in a professional. Because extremely overgrown hooves have to be cared for in a multi-stage process.

They begin by trimming away small amounts of the hoof. This is done in order to cause the goat as little discomfort as possible.

If this is your goat, call a vet and start the healing process. Once the hooves are groomed, you can try grooming them to keep them from getting out of control again.

4. When your goat’s hooves are smelly and wet

There is a disease that goats can get in their foot called foot scald, which eventually turns into foot rot. This happens because of the copper and sulfur content in a goat’s diet.

If the scald progresses, it will cause foot rot. This causes a foul odor to come out of the hooves and then pus to come out of the hooves as well.

This is corrected by removing the unhealthy tissue on the hoof and then correcting the copper and sulfur levels in the goat.

If your goat has this, you should consult a veterinarian for help so you don’t accidentally cut away healthy hoof tissue in the process.

Now you know how to trim a goat’s hooves, the few things that can potentially happen if you don’t trim them properly, and when to worry.

How to prevent foot rot in goats

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Did you see your goat limping? While not the cause of all limping and pain, foot rot in goats should be suspected.

All ungulates are at risk of foot rot and the associated foot scald. Both conditions cause pain and cause them to limp in the pasture or kneel in the stall to eat. In severe cases, goats will attempt to walk on their knees.

If you notice a limp or hesitation when a goat walks, it’s time to take a closer look. Gather the hoof trimmings, a hoof pick, and a clean rag. Find a quiet area of ​​the stable yard and help the goat into the goat post if you have one. If the goat is excited, ask another person to feed some treats and help keep the goat calm while you investigate. I have yet to work on my goat feet without resistance. Treats and a second person will make the task much easier.

Examine the hoof for signs of foot rot in goats

Wipe the hoof and use the pickaxe to remove any mud that has built up in the hoof. Look for pebbles or debris that may have lodged under a flap of overgrown hoof material. Examine between the toes. If the goat is scalded or rotten, it can be painful, so be quick and gentle. An irritated, red area or white and infected-looking tissue are telltale signs of foot burn or hoof rot in goats.

The cause of foot rot in goats, in my experience, has been wet, damp soil and weather. Prolonged periods of moisture can cause goats to limp and hold up one leg. A minor irritation or abrasion can allow bacteria to enter the hoof and soft foot tissues. This can then lead to fungal growth.

Two organisms cause foot rot: Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides nodusus. Fusobacterium necrophorum lives in the soil. Being anaerobic, it must grow in the absence of oxygen. This is exactly the case with deep, muddy pastures or stables. When the secondary bacterium is introduced, Bacteroides nodusus associates with F. necrophorum to produce an enzyme that causes foot rot.

What now

Gently clean the affected hoof with a disinfectant solution diluted in water. be gentle Keep the goat on dry ground until you have cleaned the stall and laid out dry bedding.

Disinfect tools before using them on other hooves. This is a highly contagious bacterium that spreads easily through the herd. I even suggest you clean up the goat pen.

Check the pen or paddock where the goats are housed. Is the soil damp and damp? Have manure, mud and dirty bedding accumulated? If so, clean the bed and put fresh, dry linens on it. You may find that cleaning more frequently helps reduce the incidence of foot scalding and foot rot in goats. Wet winter weather can contribute to a bad case, or other goats with foot rot can bring the infection to your flock.

treatment

Treating goat foot rot is a lengthy process, but consistency is key to healing.

Copper sulfate foot bath is a standard treatment. Pour enough solution into a shallow pan for the goat to dip the affected hooves. You can use concrete mixing pans, plastic dishes, or any large, shallow container. Farm supply vendors sell boots for goats that hold the solution against hooves.

Treatments for foot rot include copper sulfate solutions in easy-to-use spray bottles like Hoof and Heel, which are spritzed directly on the affected areas between the toes.

Using herbal and essential oil treatments to treat foot rot in goats

Katherine Drovdahl, in her book The Accessible Pet, Equine and Livestock Herbal, recommends lavender essential oil and garlic oil in a blend to treat foot rot in ungulates. Other blends can be made from tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, or sage oil. Note that not all of these essential oils are safe for use in pregnant livestock. Ms. Drovdahl’s recommendation is a total of 12 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of olive oil.

How to prevent a case of hoof rot in goats

If an animal has foot rot on the farm plot, the bacterium now lives in the soil. It is important to keep shelters dry to prevent goats from bringing diseases.

Not every limp is a symptom of foot rot. Examine the hoof fully prior to treatment. Rockfalls can cause pain and the goat will respond by limiting the weight on that foot. Arthritis in older goats can lead to lameness and painful joints, and cold weather plays a role in arthritic pain. A goat may hold up a stiff leg after lying down for a long time. If you don’t find any signs of disease or tender spots on the bottom of the hoof, look for other causes of lameness. It could be that your goat could use a joint lubrication supplement to help combat the effects of aging.

Proper trimming of goats’ hooves may not eliminate the chance of your goat contracting hoof rot, but a healthy hoof is more resistant to bacteria in the environment.

Take these steps to ensure good goat hoof health:

Trim goats’ hooves regularly and examine them for signs of injury or disease. Regular hoof trimming reduces overgrown areas where wet mud can become lodged.

Because the bacterium needs moist, anaerobic conditions, keeping stalls clean and dry helps keep it under control. Frequently remove soggy bedding and muddy areas contaminated with manure.

Quarantine all new animals joining your herd for at least 30 days, including your own goats leaving the farm for breed shows or fairs.

Practice good biosecurity on and off your property. Have special shoes for your goat home and do not wear these boots to visit other farms or goat areas.

Unfortunately, once the causes of foot rot in goats and other ruminants become your property, eradicating them is almost impossible. Hopefully, with good prevention tactics, you avoid dealing with it.

Originally published in the January/February 2018 issue of Goat Journal and regularly checked for accuracy.

Our family has been breeding Pygora goats for many years. The farm also houses sheep, pigs and many species of poultry. In the past we were home to beef cattle. I can’t tell you a favorite farm animal because I love them all. Making beautiful yarn from our popular wool and fiber animals is a passion and a dream of mine. You can find our yarns for sale on Etsy at Timber Creek Farm.

Proper goat hoof care

Taking good care of your goats’ hooves is an essential management practice.

Hoof care in all species of animals is an essential part of their management. Goat hooves must be trimmed and examined regularly to determine if there are any hoof problems that could lead to lameness or infections that can spread through the herd, such as: B. contagious foot rot.

Depending on the environment goats live in, they may need trimming more or less frequently. For example, goats living in rocky conditions where the hoof wears down on the ground may need trimming less frequently than a goat living in a grassy pasture. Familiarize yourself with the environment your goats live in and keep accurate records of when you perform hoof trimming. This will help you establish an appropriate schedule for your herd.

Hooves should not grow too much, as this allows the animal to walk well. The goal of trimming should be to make the bottom of the hoof flat and at the same angle as the hairline on the top of the hoof. All dirt and manure should be removed from the hoof before trimming. The Michigan State University Extension recommends using a hoof pick or the tips of hoof trimmers. The walls or sides and heels should be trimmed flat with the sole. To see how to properly trim your goats’ hooves, visit eXtensions Goat Basic Hoof Care or watch Oklahoma State University’s How To Trim Goat Hooves video on Youtube.

As always, when trimming your goats’ hooves, pay attention to hoof health. Look for signs of casters, abscesses, contagious foot rot, or granuloma. Goats that may have hoof infections should be treated appropriately.

hoof care

Trimming goat hooves is a simple task that can be easily learned. Many foot and leg problems in goats are caused by either a lack of trimming or improper trimming techniques.

time between trims

The amount of time between trimmings depends on many factors, such as:

type of terrain

the age of the goat

level of activity

nutritional level

breed

Goats raised in relative confinement and small areas may need trimming more frequently than goats raised in large pastures. In general, foot trimming should be done as needed. A properly trimmed hoof should look like that of a newborn child.

Hoof trimming tools

gloves

a set of hoof shears

a hoof knife, both with sharp edges.

Optional items include: a rasp, some iodine, turpentine, copper sulfate, and formalin.

It is always easier to trim the hooves after the goats have been out in the wet grass as moisture is absorbed by the hoof walls making them softer and easier to trim.

Hold on to your goat

There are several ways to hold or hold a goat to trim its hooves. The best method is the one that works well in your particular situation.

methods

Place the goat in a milking parlour.

Tie the goat to a post or fence with a halter

Have someone hold the goat while the paws are trimmed.

Hold the goat’s feet the same way a farrier would hold a horse.

Place the goat between the legs in the same position as when shearing; the animal is in an upright sitting position.

Trimming steps

Step 1

The first step in trimming is to clean the foot so it is free of dirt, stones, rot and manure.

A clean foot is not only easier to see and more pleasant to handle, but it also doesn’t dull the edge of a knife as quickly as a dirty foot.

step 2

The next step is to remove any rim or excess growth from the walls of the foot. The wall may have grown and folded back under the foot. In this case, part of the overlapped toe will need to be trimmed back so that the edge of the wall can be properly removed.

Trimming of the wall and toe should be done with scissors, while the heel and sole are best trimmed with a hoof knife. When using a hoof knife, always cut away from the goat and yourself. The sole should be sliced ​​thinly until the heel, sole and wall form a flat surface on which the goat should stand at a correct angle of about 45o. Stop trimming as soon as the sole starts to turn pink. Every further trimming is in the “fast” and the foot starts to bleed. In this case, a disinfectant such as iodine should be used. Turpentine hardens the sole and can also be helpful. In many cases, the weight of the goat itself puts pressure on the cut and stops the bleeding.

If the goat’s paws have been neglected for some time and the toes are very long, trying to bring them back to normal in a single trim is usually not practical. It is generally better to trim your feet a bit and then gradually trim them back to the correct shape, size and angle by trimming frequently.

A general rule to keep in mind when trimming goats feet is that the hairline of the hoof should be almost parallel to the ground and the more trimmings are done the less time and energy is required per trimming and the better the trimmings will become Goats thereby behave trimming. Also, the goat is less likely to develop foot problems such as foot rot if the owner works with the goat’s feet regularly and frequently.

hoof care

Trimming goat hooves is a simple task that can be easily learned. Many foot and leg problems in goats are caused by either a lack of trimming or improper trimming techniques.

time between trims

The amount of time between trimmings depends on many factors, such as:

type of terrain

the age of the goat

level of activity

nutritional level

breed

Goats raised in relative confinement and small areas may need trimming more frequently than goats raised in large pastures. In general, foot trimming should be done as needed. A properly trimmed hoof should look like that of a newborn child.

Hoof trimming tools

gloves

a set of hoof shears

a hoof knife, both with sharp edges.

Optional items include: a rasp, some iodine, turpentine, copper sulfate, and formalin.

It is always easier to trim the hooves after the goats have been out in the wet grass as moisture is absorbed by the hoof walls making them softer and easier to trim.

Hold on to your goat

There are several ways to hold or hold a goat to trim its hooves. The best method is the one that works well in your particular situation.

methods

Place the goat in a milking parlour.

Tie the goat to a post or fence with a halter

Have someone hold the goat while the paws are trimmed.

Hold the goat’s feet the same way a farrier would hold a horse.

Place the goat between the legs in the same position as when shearing; the animal is in an upright sitting position.

Trimming steps

Step 1

The first step in trimming is to clean the foot so it is free of dirt, stones, rot and manure.

A clean foot is not only easier to see and more pleasant to handle, but it also doesn’t dull the edge of a knife as quickly as a dirty foot.

step 2

The next step is to remove any rim or excess growth from the walls of the foot. The wall may have grown and folded back under the foot. In this case, part of the overlapped toe will need to be trimmed back so that the edge of the wall can be properly removed.

Trimming of the wall and toe should be done with scissors, while the heel and sole are best trimmed with a hoof knife. When using a hoof knife, always cut away from the goat and yourself. The sole should be sliced ​​thinly until the heel, sole and wall form a flat surface on which the goat should stand at a correct angle of about 45o. Stop trimming as soon as the sole starts to turn pink. Every further trimming is in the “fast” and the foot starts to bleed. In this case, a disinfectant such as iodine should be used. Turpentine hardens the sole and can also be helpful. In many cases, the weight of the goat itself puts pressure on the cut and stops the bleeding.

If the goat’s paws have been neglected for some time and the toes are very long, trying to bring them back to normal in a single trim is usually not practical. It is generally better to trim your feet a bit and then gradually trim them back to the correct shape, size and angle by trimming frequently.

A general rule to keep in mind when trimming goats feet is that the hairline of the hoof should be almost parallel to the ground and the more trimmings are done the less time and energy is required per trimming and the better the trimmings will become Goats thereby behave trimming. Also, the goat is less likely to develop foot problems such as foot rot if the owner works with the goat’s feet regularly and frequently.