hoof trimming fiasco...

Well, I just got done trimming and I managed to trim the side of my finger! OWIE! What a bloody mess...Grrrrrr

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Teach only Love...for that is what You are

This is why they invented gloves

I managed to run the point of the hoof shears through my thumb, this was before I discovered the glove invention. I won't trim feet without them now.

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I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, with your help I KNOW I can.

I have one that is a little too active to trim in any of the normal ways. He's gentle, but skittish with his feet. I get beside him at his level, reach around his chest with one arm, rear with the other and get hold of his "elbow" and his hip. Lift and pull toward you in one motion, he goes down on his side gently. A leg over him will hold him down while I trim his feet. This is also the way I shear him.

If you start trimming feet monthly when they are kids, they will either stand on the milkstand as older milkers and stand for foot trimming or be sold. You can't ever let them win, like only doing one hoof and quitting. Especially your older does and bucks, they remember, they will be just bad enough to get you to quit. I also pay for a gal to come and do my bucks once a month, mostly because of my asthma and their smell and because I would do anything to not have to trim bucks feet! It's crazy how those with small goats think a smaller goat who puts your center of gravity way to low is easier to handle than a big doe who has manners. Start trimming this years kids on a schedule so hoof trimming is a manicure and not a butchering. Vicki

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Vicki McGaugh
Nubian Soaps
North of Houston TX
www.etsy.com/shop/nubiansoaps

A 3 decade dairy goat farm homestead that is now a retail/wholesale soap company and construction business.