Shaved my first goat today - Shame on you all for not warning me...

[helmstead]

I mostly agree with you, but it's important to factor in the cost of the equipment and major wear and tear on your blades. If you were bringing home $30-$40 per hour after your costs are covered it'd be worth it, provided it wasn't a wrestling match!

KellyHM, $25 for a full service groom is nuts! I'd have quit my job long ago.

You couldn't PAY me to groom someone else's goats, dogs, horses, etc. I used to be really really good at mane plaits and tail rolls for hunters and people offered big bucks for me to do theirs at shows. NOPE. NADA. NOT ME! Y'all can save the finger cramps and yarn burns for your own stinkin' horses!

And, yeah, I spend enough on blade sharpening, replacement parts, etc etc that I'd be right in the $50 per goat, too.

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

Yeah, wear and tear on the GROOMER is something that folks don't always think about. Ask my hands and wrists about it after a week in the middle of shave down season when I have does in milk. I had a wrist injury earlier this year from work that took weeks to heal because I wasn't able to stop using it long enough for it to do so. Us groomers have to make enough to retire before arthritis sets in or we're in big trouble.

 

[KellyHM]

Yes, but what will the market bear? Goat owners are probably mostly do-it-yourselfers. Let's say one can make $30-40 per hour. Still a nice wage.

I mostly agree with you, but it's important to factor in the cost of the equipment and major wear and tear on your blades. If you were bringing home $30-$40 per hour after your costs are covered it'd be worth it, provided it wasn't a wrestling match!

KellyHM, $25 for a full service groom is nuts! I'd have quit my job long ago.

I sure as heck wouldn't do it. I wouldn't do it for $100/animal, but that's just me.

 

[freemotion]

You have to remember that the person doing the fantasizing about a goat clipping business (me) has never clipped a goat and probably never will!

I clipped a lot of horses and was really good at it but no, I would never do it for any amount of money. I also pay a groomer to clip my two dogs. I can do one of them, but it takes me hours and lots of tears and she does it in a flash, comes to my house, and no one is stressed. Least of all me.

Someone could do it, though! In theory!

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

Yes, if it brings you to tears it is best to call your groomer. There have been a few other people's dogs that have nearly driven me to tears, so I hear you loud and clear.

Actually, if you were to set up pre-show and you were FAST you might have a good opportunity.

 

[KellyHM]

So, what you all are telling me, is that the #40 blade that came with my clippers isn't what I should have used?

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

So, what you all are telling me, is that the #40 blade that came with my clippers isn't what I should have used?

Did you REALLY shave your goats with a 40?! Seriously though, get those gals some sunscreen right away or they're going to be miserable. Oh, I sure would love to see some pics.

 

[KellyHM]

So, what you all are telling me, is that the #40 blade that came with my clippers isn't what I should have used?

Did you REALLY shave your goats with a 40?! Seriously though, get those gals some sunscreen right away or they're going to be miserable. Oh, I sure would love to see some pics.

Umm, yes, I did. Only one of them though. She has dark skin, so hopefully she won't get burnt. How about a #10? That's what I have access to at work and I still have to do the other 3.

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

So, what you all are telling me, is that the #40 blade that came with my clippers isn't what I should have used?

Did you REALLY shave your goats with a 40?! Seriously though, get those gals some sunscreen right away or they're going to be miserable. Oh, I sure would love to see some pics.

Umm, yes, I did. Only one of them though. She has dark skin, so hopefully she won't get burnt. How about a #10? That's what I have access to at work and I still have to do the other 3.

Yes, a 10 is fine. Just use it with the grain on the body coat. Some folks do reverse it even on the body, but it's not my preference. Even with a #7 rev they're at risk of a sunburn, just more so with a #40. No worries, it's just the visual made me crack up. Your goat is nakey! I'll bet you can find some spray type sunscreen at the feed store...

 

[KellyHM]

Did you REALLY shave your goats with a 40?! Seriously though, get those gals some sunscreen right away or they're going to be miserable. Oh, I sure would love to see some pics.

Umm, yes, I did. Only one of them though. She has dark skin, so hopefully she won't get burnt. How about a #10? That's what I have access to at work and I still have to do the other 3.

Yes, a 10 is fine. Just use it with the grain on the body coat. Some folks do reverse it even on the body, but it's not my preference. Even with a #7 rev they're at risk of a sunburn, just more so with a #40. No worries, it's just the visual made me crack up. Your goat is nakey! I'll bet you can find some spray type sunscreen at the feed store...

I don't know what either of those statements mean. Told you I was new to this!