Oh dreaded hoof trimming day lol...its not one of the most glamorous jobs we do, but it must me done...
Tools:
A stand is easiest way to trim when you are on your own...but you can also tie the goat up to a post or tree. or a strong helper
trimmers, I like the orange handled ones I order off of Jeffers, but TSC carries a green handle one that works good too...these are great for small hands..
I like to have a box knife to help slough off the pad which sometimes can be hard to get flush with the walls...do take care not to get the wick as they call it...if you do make the goat bleed, don’t freak out..it bleeds a lot but will stop once the goat gets moving...if its real bad..I put cayenne pepper on it and press with a paper towel until it stops..
While the hair band is great for a guide, we don't necessarily have to get the hoof in line with it. Each goat has its own hoof trimming need based on how it stands and such. Be sure to set the leg down often to see how the goat stands. Some need more toe, while another may need more heel...or the goat does great with it even with the hair line. Take your time and check often. The following picture shows a good even with the band trim.
Tools:
A stand is easiest way to trim when you are on your own...but you can also tie the goat up to a post or tree. or a strong helper
trimmers, I like the orange handled ones I order off of Jeffers, but TSC carries a green handle one that works good too...these are great for small hands..
I like to have a box knife to help slough off the pad which sometimes can be hard to get flush with the walls...do take care not to get the wick as they call it...if you do make the goat bleed, don’t freak out..it bleeds a lot but will stop once the goat gets moving...if its real bad..I put cayenne pepper on it and press with a paper towel until it stops..
While the hair band is great for a guide, we don't necessarily have to get the hoof in line with it. Each goat has its own hoof trimming need based on how it stands and such. Be sure to set the leg down often to see how the goat stands. Some need more toe, while another may need more heel...or the goat does great with it even with the hair line. Take your time and check often. The following picture shows a good even with the band trim.