{"title":"Goat hoof care","description":"\u003cp\u003eGoat hooves keep growing, and on soft pasture or in a bedded barn they barely wear down. The edge of the hoof then curls over, dirt gets trapped and the goat starts walking differently. With a sharp foot-trimming knife or hoof shears, you keep on top of that yourself. This collection contains those knives and shears, plus footbaths for those who want several animals to walk through at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTools: knife or shears?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003efoot-trimming knife\u003c\/strong\u003e with a curved hook blade is short and handy. It comes in a classic and a premium version; the difference is in the finish and the steel, so if you do a lot of animals, you will appreciate the premium. \u003cstrong\u003eHoof shears\u003c\/strong\u003e cut away the curled wall in one movement and are often easier for beginners to control. Hofman Animal Care supplies the Claw Clipper Sheep Dutch, and there is simple sheep foot shears; both are just as useful for goats. Many keepers use them together: first clip, then finish with the knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to go about it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eTie the goat up by its collar against a wall or put it in a hoof-trimming stand; a second person helps with restless animals.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eLift the leg and clean the hoof, so you can see where the living tissue begins.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eTrim the overgrown wall until it is level with the sole. Work in small steps; pink tissue means stop.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eMake both halves of the hoof the same length, so the goat stands straight.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow often it is needed depends on ground, breed and age. Preferably check every few months, and any goat that walks differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFootbath and points to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe smallest footbath in the range (120 by 40 cm) is enough for a handful of goats; the wide model for cattle and sheep is intended for large groups. Only use a product intended for footbaths, and follow the label. If a hoof smells, there is swelling or a goat stays lame after trimming, call your vet: then it is about more than growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSee also: back to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/goat-supplies\"\u003eeverything for your goats\u003c\/a\u003e, or see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/goat-health\"\u003ehealth\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/goat-minerals-and-licks\"\u003eminerals\u003c\/a\u003e for strong hooves from within. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/goat-housing-and-feeding\"\u003eDry barn bedding\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/goat-kids\"\u003egood rearing\u003c\/a\u003e also count.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often do you trim goat hooves?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat differs per animal and ground. Check regularly, at least every few months, and trim as soon as the wall curls over or the goat walks differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use a sheep foot-trimming knife for goats?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Goat and sheep hooves are similar in shape and size, so foot-trimming knives and shears for sheep also work for goats.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do I do if it bleeds?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStop cutting, keep the hoof clean and let it settle. If bleeding continues, or there is swelling or lameness, consult your vet.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.fidello.co.uk\/collections\/goat-hoof-care.oembed","provider":"Fidello","version":"1.0","type":"link"}