"My goats' feet have curled over at the front. Do I need to trim them, and what with?" It's one of the most common questions we get from smallholders, and it's a good one to ask before you start cutting.
Goats and sheep are different here, so it's worth taking them one at a time.
Goats: regular trimming is normal
Goats' hooves keep growing, and on soft grass or bedding they don't wear down. The outer wall grows over and folds under the sole, trapping muck and putting the foot at the wrong angle. Most goat keepers check feet every month or two and trim when the wall starts to fold over.
Sheep: trim only when it's needed
With sheep, current UK advice has moved away from routine foot trimming. Cutting into healthy feet can cause bleeding and damage, and dirty shears can spread infection from one sheep to the next. Trim only when a hoof is clearly overgrown, and if a sheep is lame, speak to your vet first so the cause is properly identified and treated.
What you need
- Sharp hoof trimming shears. Spring-loaded shears with a safety lock are easiest one-handed. Our 9" Hoof Trimming Shears have stainless steel blades and a heavy duty spring. The 2pc set gives you a serrated blade for grip and a straight blade for neat finishing.
- A stiff brush or hoof pick to clear mud and stones first.
- Disinfectant to clean the blades between animals.
- A helper or a stand, so the animal is held calmly and securely.
Step by step
- Restrain the animal calmly. A goat on a milking stand or a sheep held by a helper is far safer for both of you.
- Clean the foot. Pick out mud and stones so you can see exactly where the wall and sole are.
- Trim the overgrown wall. Cut the outer wall back a little at a time until it is level with the sole. Take thin slices rather than one big cut.
- Level the heel and toe. The bottom of the foot should sit flat and parallel to the hairline.
- Stop when the sole turns pink. Pink means you're close to blood. Stop there.
- Clean the shears before moving to the next animal.
Common mistakes
- Cutting too deep. Bleeding and soreness come from over-trimming. Little and often is better.
- Blunt shears. Blunt blades crush rather than cut and make it harder to stay in control.
- Not cleaning between animals. This is how foot problems spread around a flock or herd.
- Trimming a lame animal without a diagnosis. If an animal is limping, smells bad or has heat in the foot, call your vet.
Looking after your shears
Rinse off muck, disinfect, dry the blades and add a drop of oil to the pivot. Lock them closed when you put them away. Sharp, clean shears make the job quicker and kinder.
You'll find hoof shears, wool shears and other livestock tools in our Farrier & Vet Tools collection. If you're not sure which pair suits your animals, send us a message and we'll help you choose.