Thinking of when the weather warms...

CraterCove · #1 02/05/11, 10:19 AM

When does one usually clip their goats, if they are going to? And when I see clipped Saanens, is there a reason why everyone leaves that tuft at the end of the tail?

My buck has a lovely sort of topknot that covers the remains of his horns. If you were trimming his coat would you take that off or just trim it? He looks awfully cute with those bangs but I want to get rid of the remains of his rut so he can be nice a pristine white for a little while.

Any hints or tips for clipping? I've only ever trimmed my horse, my dog and my son's head. :-P I have a milk stand but not one of those snazzy grooming stands.

rootsandwings · #2 02/05/11, 10:23 AM

I find that trimming the goats is pretty much the same as trimming my son's head.

pookshollow · #3 02/05/11, 10:25 AM

I don't clip my goats unless they're going to a show in late summer or fall. That tuft at the end of the tail is part of the show clip for any dairy breed.

Well, not quite true. If they are excessively hairy, I'll trim up the hair around their back ends before they kid, just to make it easier to clean them up afterwards.

Most of my does are white Saanens, with pink skin, so if I clipped them in the summer, they would burn. I do have one show that is in early June - they get their tails trimmed and maybe a quick once-over on the fringes to tidy them up.

pygmybabies · #4 02/05/11, 10:42 AM

Thinking of when the weather warms...
yeah, i dont know if that is ever going to happen around here

CraterCove · #5 02/05/11, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pygmybabies

Thinking of when the weather warms...
yeah, i dont know if that is ever going to happen around here

Being optimistic here. I need to be... I just moved from Florida to Texas and sleet!

I daren't do any clipping around Sunny's tail end right now... I'll just be on call with some dry, warm towels.

I suppose assuming that because they have lots of shade to retreat to that they will actually use it is not a good idea. I don't want any sun burnt goats, but I think Mr. Kidd will get a trim... unless any of you have a secret wash that is guaranteed to un-yellow a buck. :-P

julieq · #6 02/05/11, 11:09 AM

We wait to clip until June when the weather is finally warm and stable. It's nice to be able to get the old undercoat off, especially on the bucks, and let them grow a new winter coat. I've seen the topnotch left on the bucks, or you can take it off. Same with beards on the bucks, your choice.