Hoof question (newbie & pics)

[Gen9]

I bought a couple goats this weekend & I've tried to trim the hooves on one of them but I'm not sure how to approach this because I've looked at all the hoof trimming videos & her hooves don't look anything like the others I've seen. The outer part is peeling & the pad looks overgrown. I'm just afraid of messing it up, but I did clean up the edges & trimmed the pads a little bit after I took these pics.

I've left a message for the vet to come & look at them & trim them for me so I'll have a better idea where to trim. We live in a wet area, but I have a big driveway for them to walk on.

I was wondering if there's something I need to do nutrition-wise? I have a mineral block for goats, baking soda (free choice), sweet formula, soaked alfalfa pellets, & obviously fresh water. They have been browsing on the apple trees & some of the vines & weeds as well.

 

[jodief100]

You want to rim off all the outer edges. Clean out all the dirt and mud you can. There isn't much you can do nutritionally but having lots of rocks and solid surfaces for them to walk and climb on will help. Big rock piles are great!

 

[mysunwolf]

I agree. I'd also say to trim those pads--I never trim pads harshly or do any filing, but a little can help them get back on track. Of course, I deal mostly with sheep. I've found that my goats can need a hoof trim every month! And that they tend to need the pad trimmed regularly. Make sure to also get a side view so that you can line up the "fur line" (coronary band) at the base of the leg with the hoof line--I've found that this helps me the most. Trim a little away at a time so that you can be cautious. If there IS blood, quickly use blood stop powder or corn starch and try really hard not to do it again!

 

[OneFineAcre]

Those hooves need some work, but they aren't that bad. I've seen worse on here.
Just take a little off at the time. Don't get in a hurry and you'll be fine.

 

[Gen9]

Thanks for the replies! I have been trimming off a little bit every day. Trying to get her used to me trimming her hooves. Today she did a little bit better than all the other days. I guess the most difficult part for me is locating the hoof wall, since it is peeling off the pad. I'll post an updated picture when I'm finally done