Focus on Herd Health: Hoof Trimming
Our Operations Manager & Herd Health Manager work together to carefully trim Dice’s hooves
Did you know that goats need their hooves trimmed regularly?
Just like human fingernails, goat hooves are made out of a protein called keratin and grow continually. While hooves are normally worn down in the wild, during the winter season, and when our goats are on particularly flat or muddy terrain, they need their hooves trimmed every six weeks or so. Hooves are gently cleaned, examined for health issues such as rot caused by moisture, and trimmed to create a more even surface for goats to walk on comfortably.
Our Herd Health Manager trims the outer wall of a goat's hoof to reveals a healthy, gray sole,
In the photos above, notice the gray sole of the goat's foot revealed after trimming, it’s notably fleshy and soft to the touch. Thanks to our generous donors, we have a variety of tools for hoof trimming. The scissors, pictured here, are great for fine details and difficult to reach areas. We also utilize a “Hoof Boss” for quicker and less delicate jobs. It’s an electric tool that looks similar to a Dremel, but is specially designed for goat hooves. Trimming goat's hooves helps maintain their health, and does not hurt them. It’s really quite similar to clipping our own finger or toe nails.
Curious what else goes into goat care?
Refilling hay and clean water to ensure a safe and balanced diet
Providing daily access to vitamins and minerals
Applying fly cream or spray as needed
Brushing, petting, and spot cleaning their coats to remove barbs, tangled leaves, other plant parts
Want to get involved with caring for our adorable herd? Fill out our volunteer interest form! (LINK)
More to chew on…
