Goats hooves need to be trimmed to keep them comfortable.It can be difficult to trim your goat's feet if you've never done it before.Don't trim the pink portion of the hoof, take your time and be gentle.
Step 1: Take your materials.
Make sure you have everything ready for the trimming process.Goats may not like having their hooves trimmed.If your goat is agitated, it may be difficult to grab brushes and clippers.You will need a brush to clean the goat's foot.You can purchase a rasp online or at a livestock store, which you can use to flatten out the hooves so they're level to the ground.Gloves are needed to handle the goat's hooves.A goat's feet can get messy.Hoof shears and hoof knife are the types of clippers you will need.Both should be cleaned.It's a good idea to have blood stop powder.Your goat's hoof may bleed if you cut too deep.Hoof stop powder can be purchased at a hardware store.
Step 2: Soften the hooves.
It is easier to trim a goat's hooves when they are soft.After a rain or snow fall, trim your goat's hooves.A goat's hooves are softened by rain and snow.If you live in an area that isn't likely to get rain or snow, you might want to use a hose.The goats can play in this part of the yard.
Step 3: The goat should be restrained.
You will need to restrain your goat to begin the trimming process.Your goat's temperament affects how you restrain him.If your goat is not likely to kick or fall off, you can place him on a milk stand.It is easier to reach your goat's hooves with this.If you don't have a milk stand, you can tie your goat to a post or fence.It might be helpful to have someone hold your goat while you clean him.
Step 4: The hooves should be cleaned.
You should clean your goat's hooves after he is adequately restrained.If your goat's hooves are dirty, it can be hard to tell where to trim them.Dust off the hooves with your brush.It's a good idea to remove any dirt or manure regularly.Pick out any rocks, dirt, and mud that is trapped inside the hoof by lifting each hoof up.It's important to remove debris that can obscure your vision.It's hard to see where you're trimming.
Step 5: Get rid of the front nail.
The trimming process can begin once you have cleaned your goat's hooves.Attach your hoof shears to the front of the nail.When goats are kept domestically, their nails become overgrown easily.Their feet would get tired from climbing and jumping.The front nails have a tip.Continue until you see a white surface.Don't clip further than this.You can make your goat bleed if you clip into a pink surface.You should try to clip in a straight line.Your goat's hooves should be level to the ground.
Step 6: The sides of the nail should be cut.
Move on to the sides of the nails after you clipped the front nails.Keep using the hoof shears.There are two toes on each foot for goats.If you want to reach the white part of the hoof, clip the sides around these toes.It's a good idea to clip around the heel as well.
Step 7: The hoof needs to be level.
Your goat's hooves should be level with the ground.This helps your goat walk.The rasp or knife will be used to level the bottom of the hoof.Move from the toe to the heel if you use a knife.If you use a rasp, move to the toe.Cut off a very thin layer with each stroke.Keep trimming until the goat's hooves are level with the ground.If you start to see pink, stop.
Step 8: If necessary, use blood stop powder.
If you move slowly and avoid trimming into the pink, your goat should not bleed.Everyone slips up.Applying blood stop powder can help correct the problem if you cause droplets of blood to appear.Sprinkle some powder on the area to stop the bleeding.Before using your packet, read the instructions to make sure there are no special considerations for your goat.
Step 9: Hoof problems can be prevented with foot baths.
There is a walk through bath in the goat's pen.A condition known as foot rot can be prevented by allowing your goat to wet his feet regularly.Foot rot can be treated with trimming and antibiotics.It is possible to add copper or zinc to your foot bath.Foot rot can be caused bybacteria that fight these chemicals.As they walk through mud and feces, goat's feet are prone to being colonized withbacteria.
Step 10: It's a good idea to trim regularly.
You can prevent foot rot and infections by trimming your goat's feet.You should trim at least four times a year.It depends on the individual animal.The goat's feet may grow faster.If your goat's hooves look a bit overgrown, schedule a trimming session.The goat's feet are worn down in the wild.It is possible to cut back on the need for trimming if you provide a large rock for your goat to play on.