Clipping goats?

GoatNamedDunn · #1 07/03/08, 05:22 PM

I was wondering If I should clip my boys. Its going to be a hot summer here in the NW and I dont want they to over heat. I know that pygmies and nigerians come from africa... so do you think they will need it? If I do clip I know it WILL be a big fight to get them to accept the clippers. I can hardly control my pygmy for anything. (he is a giant amongst pygmies mind you lol.... Im seriously starting to doubt he is purebred but he doesnt look like a kinder or mini nubian or more like either of the parent breeds.... might be purebred since he wasnt bred for the standard his genetics might be bigger)

Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians · #2 07/03/08, 05:34 PM

Well he isn't bigger than my Nubian boys

and yes they get a haircut every year. Getting off that winter hair and yes it makes them cooler and certainly prettier! But it's fluff...they would appreciate a good brushing. Vicki

GoatNamedDunn · #3 07/03/08, 05:36 PM

I have a good rubber brush that gets all the shed off them. I just wonder if they will be more comfortable with a good haircut. I think I will... atleast if they arent getting hot it wont hurt any.

RiverPines · #4 07/03/08, 05:42 PM

I dont clip my goats. I only brush out the winters under coat.

Be careful because they can get sunburned with the short hair.
Their guard hairs are actually protection against things like sunburn.

As long as they have access to shade and clean water they will be fine.

In nature, goats dont have clippers.

Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians · #5 07/03/08, 05:47 PM

In nature goats would never have chosen to live in Houston

Vicki

**mygoat** · #6 07/03/08, 05:52 PM

I clip all mine. I feel they cool better and feel better. They all over rub themselves trying to get their cashmere out in late spring, causing bald spots and sometimes sores. Once it gets warm out for the season, I give 'em all a good bath, tether them to the fence in sun/shade (and no dirt), then clip them when mostly dry. Remember to lube/clean the blades often.

As for sunburn - I've never really heard of sunburn being an issue if you don't bare your goats. No need to show trim your goats - just get a little excess hair off of them. It's usually only ever a problem with pink skinned, show trimmed animals.

I've never understood the argument of "in nature they don't don't get 'such and such' treatment.". There is NOTHING natural about raising any domestic creature. Not saying that it's bad that you don't clip your goats, though, simply stating I don't understand that thought.