Trimming goat feet?

[bluemoonluck]

I'm looking into getting two goats when I move (I'm only allowed two "large farm animals" on my new property, so two's the limit!). I've never owned goats before, but I know that they need to have their feet trimmed on a regular basis. Should I learn to do this myself, and if not who do I call to come do it for me (goat farrier???).

I've got a lot of experience with horses and I wouldn't even dream of trimming their feet, because I know how much damage that can do, so I guess I'm curious about goat feet.

[farmmom]

Trimming goat feet is not difficult once you get the hang of it. I started using shears, planes, hoof knives etc. and have found that a good utility knife with a new blade works very well. Hoegger sells a book that shows how to trim and what you want the feet to look like when you're done. It also tells you what to look for so you don't cut too deep. I do mine on the milk stand. It works great and doesn't take long. Of course, it will take longer if they have not been maintained before you get them.

Good luck on your goats.

[delphinium]

You may want to look into the definition of two large animals, that's what it says where I am and it was explained to me that it is actually the equivalent of two large animals - or two thousand pounds each of a given farm animal. That equals a whole lot of poultry and a whole lot of goats!

Trimming their feet is no big deal, especially if you do it regularly.

[bluemoonluck]

Originally Posted by delphinium

You may want to look into the definition of two large animals, that's what it says where I am and it was explained to me that it is actually the equivalent of two large animals - or two thousand pounds each of a given farm animal. That equals a whole lot of poultry and a whole lot of goats!

That would be good to know! I'm going around in circles now, because I can't find out any information on the zoning of the land. All I know is that it was marketed as horse property and the real estate agent said that it is "zoned for 2 large animals." A few neighbors have horses, but that's all I saw when I was out there. Heading back out in a few weeks, so hopefully I'll get more info then.

Its only .76 acres (just over three-quarters of an acre) and I can't imagine keeping too many farm critters on it. Especially since I want my veggie garden, and I have to have room for the dogs too!

[kreddish]

I started with little bygmy goats... they are easy to maintain, don't eat a whole lot, and foot trimming is not difficult. I have small field shelter for them, since our climate is quite mild. They only use it if it is raining