Goat-Info.com
Disclaimer : I am not a vet. Although I may suggest medications, dosages, and treatments for animals, you should always have a vet, use a vet, and consult a vet.
|
|
Disbudding Your Babies WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011 |
|
This topic seems to be a very controversial subject, yet many don't know
how to do it and end up not doing it or they have scurs that might as well
be horns. I was taught by a gentleman in the SE United States who was
taught by one of the best, if not the best disbudder in the United States
(my opinion of course, but then again it is my
blog). Many use the same method I do, and many think that it is a
horrible method. If you are one that thinks it is a horrible method just
email me and I would be glad to send you pictures of what is truly
horrible. I would be referring to a buck that I bought that HAD scur-horns,
that myself and two others put in a stanchion, held down, and hacked said
scur-horns off. Very nasty, and unnecessary when disbudding is done
right.
We are not talking about a nice copper ring here. That is exactly how
the previously mentioned buck and many other goats I have seen over the
years end up with scur-horns. Now don't get me wrong, you are going to
have the occasional scur, but never a scur-horn. Typically when I do
have a scur it is what I call a "thumbnail" scur, small, thin, and comes
right off with a little twist by fingers or pliers.
What we are talking about is burning right down to the skull and
removing the hide inside of the burned ring. This is done much easier
than one would think. There are a few things you will need to do the
job, so I will make a list and then I will be posting a video to show
exactly how I do it...
Age: 1-10 days old. I judge each baby individually and as soon as I can feel the horn bud really well I disbud. Bucklings are usually ready much sooner than the doelings. Tools -Disbudding iron (Rhinehart X50 or the X30) Small Tip 1/2" (not the
Pygmy tip)
|