Trimming Feet

I took the sheep out of the pen today so David could take the dogs in there to run around (since we don't let Elmer off the leash). I checked their hooves and saw that they could use a little trimming.

Here's quick little tutorial in case you ever wanted to know how to trim sheep (and goat) hooves.


Start with a good, sharp pair of hoof trimmers.





Here you can see the sides of the hoof have grown taller than the sole. The heel is also a little over grown. It's important to keep hooves trimmed so they don't trap dirt and bacteria, which can cause hoof rot or scald.



Here is a picture of the same hoof after I trimmed the overgrown sides and heel. You want to be careful not to trim too much, because you will hit the quick and the hoof will bleed and become sore. I've also rounded the toes a bit. You want a nice flat surface, with no areas that can trap dirt/soil/manure.


You want to make sure the animal has a nice walking surface. You don't want the toes too long or the sides over grown.


The Maryland Small Ruminant Page has a good website with more detailed information and pictures of over grown hooves.



Oh, and Clarabell must be pregnant because she didn't come into heat again on what would have been her second heat cycle. Go Calvin!