Goat Hoof Trimming

[Ruus]

And other ideas for natural wear?

I know a man who made a long gravel corridor that his animals had to walk down to get to the water, and he never had to trim hooves. Might be a good idea if your setup allows for it.

 

[chicken pickin]

I just trimmed my goats hooves for the very first time Im not sure how good I did. I was so afraid to cut too low or not cut them at the right angle so I didn't cut too much off. I also wasn't sure if I was supposed to cut the heel down or leave it be, I did end up trimming the heel.I hope I didn't do anything wrong. I think I did ok and both goats luckily were very behaved one didn't even budge. I got them both done in less than 10 mins. Im hoping each time gets easier and I learn better how to cut them down.

 

[elevan]

It'll get easier each time you do it.

And yes, trimming the heel is sometimes required. It just depends on the specific goat and how the heel is wearing. Because we don't live in a rocky environment I found that I needed to trim the heels each time with most of my goats.

 

[BHOBCFarms]

Where do you buy your hoof plane?

 

[elevan]

I've never had need of a hoof plane....just the hoof trimmers. Though it's listed as an essential tool in the video, I don't truly think that it's needed if you have a good pair of sharp trimmers.

eta: If you wanted to buy one, however, I would go here .

 

[HoneyDreameMomma]

Anyone have ideas/advice on how to handle goats with a large quick in their hooves? I have one doe whose hooves always look too pointed and long to me, but when I trim them, I go right up to the pink (last time I was close enough I worried about hitting the quick and making her bleed). Having slightly longer, pointed hooves won't cause damage to her feet will it? Sometimes her 'toes' seem to spread and I wonder. I made the hooves as clean as possible; no curling of the hoof underneath or anything like that.

 

[TwinMapleRanch]

I just found this video on another site a few days ago and immediately ordered the shears. This video makes it so easy to do it yourself with confidence!

 

[Tea Chick]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!!!
My dad always did it with his pocket knife; I'm not that brave, but that was how I'd seen it done until now.

 

[taylorm17]

I leanred form just looking up how to trim off of youtube! great videos there if you find a clear one. Another tip. ALWAYS USE FOOD. seriously goats are curious little guys that can't stand still...unless there is food.

 

[BackyardChickenLady]

We get enough questions about hoof trimming that I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread where we can share videos, pictures or tips on hoof trimming.

Here is a good instruction video from YouTube for trimming hooves:
[youtube]

I don't get a specific video when I click the link...has it been deleted or something?