Disbudding Nigerians?

[pookshollow]

My disbudding iron arrived today (Rhinehart X30) and I did my two Saanen kids this afternoon. It was about a week later than they should have been done, but the first shipment never arrived, and they had to resend it. Anyway . . . they got done.

Now, I have the two little Nigerian doelings that need doing. Their horn buds are just palpable now. My question is - is the disbudding iron too big to do them? It's the smaller tip, but it looks like it will burn off half their heads! If it is too big, what else can I use? I have some dehorning paste (somewhere - I hate moving ) but I really don't like using it, if I don't have to.

[full sun]

I just had my ND buckling disbudded at 2 weeks. He was born early so I waited a little longer. His horn buds were the size of peas. I will go out and measure, but I would say the holes in his tiny head are the size of nickel or bigger. I will go check and get back with you....

Jennifer

[full sun]

....Okay I measured and the burned ring is just smaller than a nickel, but just bigger than a penny. His head was smaller on Monday when it was done, so yes, it did look like half his head was burned!

HTH!
Jennifer

[Jillis]

I've read that ND have a wider horn base so it is good to have a bigger burn spot to head area ratio anyway.

[pookshollow]

Well, I guess I'll have to go with what I've got. How I'm going to hold them still for the procedure, though . . . DH is going to have to help!

[moonspinner]

I'm an ND breeder and you have the right tool for the job. I also have the 30X. Nigies have a larger horn base (despite the small head!) than most breeds and you will need all of the diameter to get the job done, particularly on bucks. In fact, you really need to do a figure eight or double ring burn on the boys to prevent scurring. Most newbies at this do not burn forward enough to do a clean head. Best of luck!

[Heidi's_Goats]

Hopefully I will have some Nigerian kids coming this summer. I would like to know what irons and fittings everyone is using.

Another Nigerian breeder said it would be good to get a teardropped shaped fitting.

What's best and does anyone have pictures?

Thanks,
Heidi

[dbarjacres]

We have the X-30 and it's perfect for the nigies.

[moonspinner]

I didn't know you could get a teardrop fitting, but since that's the shape of ND bases that could be perfect. Might eliminate the need for a double ring burn on bucks. Otherwise, the 30X has worked well for me. BTW, never use dehorning paste - that stuff could blind a goat and I've been told it doesn't really work well.

[Oldntimes]

Yes I have a 40X and it can take a nigie tip which is nice, also a tear drop tip which is called a Buck tip.