Trimming Sheep Hooves

[YuccaFlatsRanch]

This is what we used to use and what we now use for trimming feet. The trimmers with the blue handle are the new trimmers and they look suspiciously like what farriers use. Farriers hoof trimmers are both too big and too expensive. These trimmers are not really hoof trimmers - they are concrete nippers made by Channellock and their model number is 35-250. I suspect this number means the head is 35 mm wide and the pliers are 250 mm long. I get them at Lowes and they make trimming so much easier. The pruner type trimmer requires you to get at some odd angles in order to get a good cut on the hoof or requires you to hold the hoof at equally odd angles. With the Channellocks you hold the foot straight and just clip and you do it a right angles to the hoof. I can trim all four feet of a sheep in about 5 minutes and do a very professional job. Less stress on me and less stress on the sheep.

Old style hoof trimmers:



New style Hoof trimmers:

[Cat]

I'll have to look for a pair. I've always used footrot shears, they work well but like you say you sometimes have to be a contortionist to get them where you need them. Thanks for posting this!

[frazzlehead]

I have a set from when I tiled by the fireplace... I'm gonna dig 'em out and give 'em a try!

Good idea!