Goat question

[helmstead]

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Yeah, I used to think that until I learned how to disbud. It's simply not bad. The kids get over it immediately and go right to nursing and butting each other like nothing happened.

I also dehorn adults with elastrator bands. This method, not so great - but it works when it's necessary.

Also...the first time you get hit by one of those "dairy nannies"...you might change your tune. I have vowed to NEVER sell a large breed goat kid born here horned. My sweet, dear Nubian doe broke my nose back in December on accident and she is disbudded. If she had had horns, I would have needed surgery. One flip of the head...CRUNCH.

All in all it's personal preference. I allow my buyers to decide (if they purchase a kid in time) whether or not they want their miniature goats to be disbudded or horned. More than half of our minis are horned, and we chose to leave horns on our last retained buckling. While I used to be staunchly against it (disbudding)...with time in the goat world, I have seen both sides' arguments.

 

[ksacres]

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I can attest to this!

 

[helmstead]

Inserts foot into mouth, with appologies!

Gotta do what ya gotta do...

 

[Chatychick]

I like Kate use the elasticator bands on goats that use their horns agressively. It will stop them from using them as it makes them sore and they do back off. I disbud mine and also on some of mine that came with horns they get the little green bands and its not hard to do either. Just make sure you get them as close as possible and I use 2 to 3 bands depending on the width of the base of the horn. I ohly tape a stick on 1's that like to stick their heads thru the fence and after 2 times they get banded..

 

[ksacres]

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See? A broken nose is good for something.

 

[helmstead]

Actually we started disbudding well before the nose incident...LOL. We learned because we were getting into show goats, and several clients had asked we learned how. So...we did.

 

[ksacres]

Dangit, I like my scenario better.

 

[mekasmom]

I had a Boer that was really nasty and would use her horns as often as possible. I personally do not like the breed, and will not keep them. My three experiences with Boers have taught me that I am not a "boer person". As far as milking goats, I have never had a problem with or without horns. Maybe different breeds have different personalities?

I use to have Sanaans that I had disbudded. When I saw it done, I decided to never have it done again ever. I just won't do it. I have never had a problem with the horns at all except for that one nasty boer I was stupid enough to buy. Like I said, I just can't stand the breed. They seem more catlike rather than doglike in personality if that makes any sense?

My nubians and Alpines do fine with the horns. I don't have pygmy issues with them either.

 

[ksacres]

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Ok. That's your decision, I'm glad it's working out for you. That's more often the exception than the rule. I have three things that I always say about goat horns. One is about the scar on my leg from my first goat's playfulness. The second is about my only horned goat that constantly gets stuck in my fence. The third is that we show, ADGA rules say no horns. Three very valid reasons for not allowing horns in the herd.

You don't like the process. That's also ok, but that doesn't mean everyone that disbuds is guilty of cruel and unusual punishment.

Most of us have goats because we like them, not because we want to torture them.

 

[Chatychick]

I use to feel the same way about disbudding till I had a goat get stuck in the fence while I was away and some dogs got to her and tore her up really bad so now most of mine are hornless and it only takes a few seconds and its over...we hurt worse than the babies as they forget it as soon as they see their mommas...I cried my eyes out with my first that I did but it does get better ...especially when you dont have to deal with what I had to deal with...never again if I can help it. If by chance I get 1 that does have horns they get banded....