Castrating bands and horns (help)

[AtHomeDaughter]

Hi

I have 2 nubian/boer does that are 4 mon. old. They were disbudded (I think when they were a few weeks old) and the horns are now 2-3 in. long (they are not pointed on the ends, they are unevenly sqaured).

I read about using castrating bands a few weeks ago when I first got them (I have had them for 4 weeks). Can someone share with me how to safely, bloodlessly apply the rings and success stories?? I need to dehorn as one of them is half blind and most likely 50% deaf and isn't very careful at times where she walks, jumps, etc.

Thanks Jessica

[BiGtImEfArMeRs4]

Hi,
Well some people in our goat club said this works but it takes about 8 weeks as they did this on their own. We have bands on now but its only been 4 so well see if it works. But what you wanna do is take the band & put it at the very base of the horn where it just comes outta the skull and then put duck tape around the horn to keep the band from moving. If the band breaks or the duck tape gets chewed or ripped off then you have to replace one or both. Hope this helps and works.

[Freeholder]

It also helps to first, trim hair at the base of the horn where the band needs to go, and second, if you can manage it, cut a little groove around the base of the horn for the band to fit into. I've used the elastrator bands to remove horns on a couple of bad disbudding jobs (mine), and they worked but it does take a while. You have to watch closely, because when the horns get loose they can get knocked off and bleed badly, so be prepared with some bloodstop powder and antibiotics.

I couldn't get the bands to work on one doeling. Her horns were (are) shaped differently at the base and I couldn't get the band to stay on at all. It would just immediately start rolling back up as soon as I released the plier thing. So she still has her horns, but she's a timid doe and so far hasn't abused them. I do trim the ends, though, so they are blunt rather than pointed.

Kathleen

[fishhead]

I would wait until after fly season if you can.

By doing a search on the goat forum you should be able to find a thread with the pros and cons of banding.

[GoldenWood Farm]

If they are that young (you said 4 months correct?) I would take them into the vet and have the vet surgically remove them. Depending on how big the scurs are the prices probably will vary if your vet will do it. My vet said between $40-$100 depending on how big the scurs where and how old the animal.

Thats my two cents!

Justine

[GoldenWood Farm]

Oh yes and like fishhead said I wouldn't do ANYTHING until fly season is overwith if I was you.

Justine