CntryBoy777 - The Lazy A** Acres Adventures

[AClark]

Oh to have a tilt table, lol!
I spent the better part of 45 minutes trying to catch one of these guys this weekend to trim her feet...no go. I caught Bonnie (the darker faced and earred one) reasonably easy, and got her front feet trimmed. Learned that from Youtube. Betty wasn't having it after seeing that. I gave up on Bonnies back feet purely for the fact that they don't trim like horses, and after being patient with the jerking and lack of cooperation, I had cut myself twice and my back hurt. At least I got the front ones right?
They're fine once you catch them, but trying to catch them...different story. Time to put in a catch pen.

 

[Mike CHS]

They're fine once you catch them, but trying to catch them...different story. Time to put in a catch pen.

I had to laugh because I can relate. Even after we catch one it takes both of us to hold it in place but they are getting better.

 

[AClark]

I seriously debated if it wouldn't be easier to lay them on their side and do it on the ground Mike! Actually, the one I managed to catch I tied to the fence and sat on a bucket with her foot in my lap. This is nothing like trimming horses. I thought it might be easier since you can use the trimmers with 1 hand...LOL!!! I really shouldn't think.

 

[lcertuche]

I once watched my neighbor trim his horse's hoofs and re-shoe him. He made it look easy but the only thing I ever trim is my chihuahua's toenails occasionally and she yaps, cries, growls like I'm killing her.

 

[Mike CHS]

We have two that if you raise their heads high enough they will sit down and then you can pretty much keep them in place. Problem is that only works with the two smallest.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Well I've watched several videos on hoof trimming on youtube, but not one unruly animal...and none with Black hooves and pads....there isn't any "Thought Process" that is verbalized in the evaluation of the hoof and the steps taken in the decision to trim here or there and for what reasons. I have the basics down, but there has been a change in the "Plan of Attack", because Joyce can no longer control them as I trim them. Now, I have to hold them and she is going to try to trim, but she knows less than I do, so I can just imagine how this will turn out.
After some experience to rely on the questions will subside, but it is getting to that point that is difficult, and we only have 3 to deal with, but none just stand there, even tethered to a fence, and we certainly don't want to Stress them for too long at one time....beginners take longer than one with experience, because ya debate and wonder whether to trim here, how much, is it even, and once ya decide to trim a little more the hoof seems to jerk and ya lose your Spot and train of thought. Yes, there is a bit of "Over Thinking" the issue, but that only resides with experience and confidence. So, it makes a beginner like me feel better that others with more experience than us have some of the same problems.

 

[Bruce]

You really should look into the "sheep sling chair"
https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/deck-chair

I first heard about it on another forum. You back the animal to the chair and they have no choice but to sit into the "hammock" and can't hop out. Lean the chair against your selected support and all 4 feet are available. I have to believe it would work for goats as well.

 

[NH homesteader]

All of our goats have hooves trimmed and vaccinations on the milking stand. Lock their head in and give them snacks. That way DH can trim and I entertain if need be. Most of them are pretty good now. It's worth having even if I didn't milk. He built it for free out of scrap pieces of wood we had lying around .

As for the actual trimming, I've never done it. DH used to help trim horses so he taught himself how to do goats

 

[frustratedearthmother]

If you can put them on a raised platform and restrain their head - they might stand better for you as they don't want to fall off. It's worth a try even if you have to improvise something. Good luck!

ETA: didn't see NH's post before I posted but it proves that great minds think alike, lol!

 

[NH homesteader]

Yes! Great minds! Lol

I don't know about putting a goat in one of those chair things. Mine would probably panic, and since I have a small herd I would prefer to train them to stand for trimmings than force them into the chair.