Disbudding calf questions - anyone done goats and calves?

[cjb]

It is time to disbud Violet's Jersey heifer calf. She is ten weeks and finally has the tiny bumps on her head.

My "goat lady" said that she would do it and has, I think, a 30 burning tool? Whatever it is, I checked with you folks and it was what you use.

Are there any special instructions for her on exactly how long to burn, how hard to burn etc? I know that when she does my goats, she burns for several seconds, then flicks the burnt stump off, then goes in again and burns the remaining area with the side of the burner.

Can anyone compare how this is done to goats with little buds to a calf with little buds so I can pass it on?



Also, how do you hold them? Do you use Banamine to settle them down a bit? If so, how much would you use on a ten week Jersey calf of average size? Should I tie her ankles together and sit on her?

This lady has not done a calf but has done 100's of goats and is willing to do the heifer.

Thanks in advance,

Cliff

[ozark_jewels]

Your goat lady can do it just like she does the kids and your calf will have a beautiful clean head. Calves are very easy to get a clean disbudding compared to kids.
As to how to hold her? We just lay the calf on the ground, one or two people hold while the person with the disbudding experience(me) disbuds. No Banamine, no Lidocaine, just a quick burn then they are sprayed with Alushield, then let go. They never slow down.

[ozark_jewels]

At ten weeks of age, I suggest you get someone to help you sit on her......thats a lot of bucking calf when there is a hot iron involved. If you can do it when she is around one month next time, it will be much easier on all parties.
This advice comes from the gal who is sitting looking out her window at two 8 week old heifers who still have to be disbudded..........I clean forgot about the out-of-season calves!
Sounds like your goat lady has an X30 iron. While I use an X50, an X30 will do just fine.

[cjb]

That's what I figured. This calf is a handful too!