Disbudding Time!

Frankincense exploring an old tractor tire this morning...he is getting quite strong at 4 days old!

As I posted about last year, I really can't stand having to disbud baby goats.  I don't like seeing them in pain (even for 15 seconds!) and they look so sad after their hair is shaved and little horns burned.

But despite my complete dislike for disbudding, I do feel it is necessary.  Many people in this area like to purchase goats that are disbudded.  It is also a good idea to have them disbudded if they will eventually be show goats.  Also, I think that it is safer to not have dangerous sharp horns on goats, especially bucks who can exhibit "strong" behaviors.

I called around this morning to get a vet to disbud Frankincense.  The first vet I called insisted that I not disbud my goat until he was TWO weeks old!  What?  Goats should be disbudded based on the growth of the horn nub, not age.  The nub should be about 1/4" (like a hard round growth).  Disbudding it burns the nerves around it so it can't continue to grow.  Catching it too late can increase the risk of "scurs" (malformed horns that grow despite an attempted disbudding).

I called a couple of other vets and finally found one who was willing to do it for Frankincense.  When I arrived at the vet, they first shaved the top of Frankincense's head.  Then they heated up a hot iron and just barely touched it to the skin all around the horn.  It only takes about 30 seconds total and the goats barely know it happened after that.

They sprayed a metallic "bandage" on the disbudding sight!

After taking a nap from the stress of the event, Frankincense was up hopping around!  He even nibbled on some grain and beet pulp out of Charlotte's evening meal.  He is very adventuresome when it comes to tasting things.  I have seen him eating hay and grass already!

"Hey Mom, can I have some?"

I really like raising goats.  Disbudding is one of my least favorite aspects, but with every endeavor worth pursuing there are unpleasant facets.  After the fact, I am very glad that I had Frankincense disbudded today!