GOAT HOOF TRIM
Hobby Farms|July-August 2023
Sooner or later, you'll need to trim your goats' hooves.
- DANIEL JOHNSON
GOAT HOOF TRIM

Livestock care requires many daily chores regarding the basics of feeding, watering and shelter. But certain other chores are performed less frequently, and for that reason, may be a little more challenging for the beginner. Hoof care falls into this category.

If you're going to raise goats, sooner or later you'll need to trim their hooves. At first you might be tempted to delegate this task to a knowledgeable neighbor or friend. But learning the skill yourself will save time and maybe some money and, most importantly, help you feel more independent and confident with your livestock and homesteading lifestyle. To help you out, let's look at some of the tools and techniques needed to perform this important task.

WHY TRIM A GOAT'S HOOVES?

Left untrimmed, the hoof walls (the sides of the hoof) have a tendency to grow long and then fold over on themselves. Eventually this can become uncomfortable for the goat and can even cause lameness or a deformity of the pasterns if left unchecked.

Regular trimming prevents this and keeps the hoof at the correct angle. It's also a chance to clean the hoof thoroughly, and perform a visual inspection for any health issues such as abscesses or hoof rot.

HOW OFTEN? 

Plan on evaluating your goat’s hooves about every two months. Some goats raised on grassy pastures or that spend time in soft stall bedding may need a trim that often. Other goats may naturally wear down the hoof walls if they have access to rocks or sand outdoors; in these cases it may be possible to stretch out the trimming intervals to several months, but you probably wouldn’t want to trim less than three times a year. The length of time between trims also depends on the breed, as some grow slower than others.

Moisture Conditions 

この蚘事は Hobby Farms の July-August 2023 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Hobby Farms の July-August 2023 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

HOBBY FARMSのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
The RISE of Opportunist WEEDS
Hobby Farms

The RISE of Opportunist WEEDS

Be prepared to see increasing changes in weeds we fight, such as poison hemlock and poison ivy, and in the crops we grow.

time-read
3 分  |
January - February 2025
LIVESTOCK Health
Hobby Farms

LIVESTOCK Health

Prepare yourself for how to spot symptoms of illness in your farm animals so that you can get them help before it's too late.

time-read
6 分  |
January - February 2025
CUT FLOWER Farming
Hobby Farms

CUT FLOWER Farming

If you're considering growing flowers for sale, brush up on these five key things to know before diving in.

time-read
3 分  |
January - February 2025
WINTER Survival
Hobby Farms

WINTER Survival

Keep your land, animals and yourself in good shape this winter with this helpful advice.

time-read
5 分  |
January - February 2025
COVERAGE CONCERNS
Hobby Farms

COVERAGE CONCERNS

Avoid common insurance mistakes for rural and hobby farm businesses.

time-read
7 分  |
January - February 2025
FARMER'S GUIDE Berries
Hobby Farms

FARMER'S GUIDE Berries

Set the stage for tasty strawberries, blueberries and brambles with these soil-boosting garden tips.

time-read
6 分  |
January - February 2025
Preconditioning CALVES
Hobby Farms

Preconditioning CALVES

Follow our step-by-step guide to get more money for your calves.

time-read
7 分  |
January - February 2025
Soil Conservation
Hobby Farms

Soil Conservation

Often, outside of having a specific problem that needs to be addressed, soil conservation isn't something every farmer readily thinks about. Yet conserving the soil should be at or near the top of every farmer owner or manager's list of concerns because absent the prevention of soil erosion, we have the opportunity for another dust bowl.

time-read
4 分  |
January - February 2025
Year-Round Lettuce & Salad Mixes
Hobby Farms

Year-Round Lettuce & Salad Mixes

It's easy to think of salad greens as just a spring- or fall-garden crop, but it's possible to enjoy freshly harvested lettuces, mustards and more from your own garden year-round.

time-read
6 分  |
January - February 2025
Barn Improvements
Hobby Farms

Barn Improvements

Days are never long enough for a farmer. From dawn to well into the night, tasks arise that often require immediate action. Having to search for tools or equipment is an enormous time waster and incredibly frustrating when you can't find what you need, especially when you know you have it.

time-read
3 分  |
January - February 2025