How to Trim Sheep Hooves (A Step by Step Guide)
One of the least enjoyable, but very necessary duties of the shepherd is trimming sheep hooves. If you're just getting started or have somehow (miraculously) been able to pass this off to a friend (or angel of mercy) in the past, chances are that your good luck won't last forever and the time will come when you must teach yourself how to trim sheep hooves.
To help the uninitiated learn how to trim sheep hooves without breaking your back (or hurting your sheep), we've decided to put together this comprehensive guide to sheep hoof trimming, which includes pictures, graphics and a short, informative video on the subject.
To help the uninitiated learn how to trim sheep hooves without breaking your back (or hurting your sheep), we've decided to put together this comprehensive guide to sheep hoof trimming, which includes pictures, graphics and a short, informative video on the subject.
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How Often Should You Be Trimming Sheep Hooves?
The answer to this common question is that it varies. Sheep hooves grow at different rates, and the frequency with which you must trim hooves in your flock of sheep can be affected by many factors. Sheep in wet environments where there aren't many rocks or hard surfaces for the hooves to be worn down will likely need to have their hooves trimmed more often. If you're in dry, rocky terrain you may be able to get away with one or two times per year for your brood ewes. Best practice is to pay attention to your flock's hooves, see how your sheep are (or aren't) getting around and to be proactive about caring for your sheep's feet. If a sheep can't move well a number of other sheep diseases and issues may arise.
Sheep Hoof Trimming Equipment
The main item you'll need to trim your sheep's feet is a comfortable, appropriately sized set of hoof trimmers. We recommend the orange-handled shear magic hoof trimmers, although there are other options which will get the job done. We've provided some detailed reviews of sheep hoof care products with links to purchase any of the items online in another section of this site and hope that you find this helpful!
Some shepherds like to have a comfortable set of gloves to protect their hands (a good idea), a hoof pick to clean out manure and bedding (I find that your hoof trimmers can work fine for this, allowing you to carry one less thing) and if you're battling hoof rot in your flock, you may want to consider having some Dr. Naylor's Hoof n' Heel or Kopertox on hand to treat this infection.
Some shepherds like to have a comfortable set of gloves to protect their hands (a good idea), a hoof pick to clean out manure and bedding (I find that your hoof trimmers can work fine for this, allowing you to carry one less thing) and if you're battling hoof rot in your flock, you may want to consider having some Dr. Naylor's Hoof n' Heel or Kopertox on hand to treat this infection.
How to Trim Sheep Hooves: A Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide
We realize that a picture is worth a thousand words, so we're providing an illustration of the steps involved in trimming sheep hooves. Please use the graphic below as a step-by-step guide to sheep hoof trimming. If you think others would be interested you are welcome to share this on your site - I just ask that you credit us as the source with a link so your readers can find our other articles!
Congratulations! You've now learned how to trim sheep hooves.
We hope this detailed how-to guide complete with images and an illustration has been helpful! If you still have some questions or concerns, we hope the short video below will give you the courage to try yourself. How to Trim Sheep Hooves (Video)A useful demonstration of how to trim a sheep's hooves. Watch an experienced shepherd trim hooves and learn how to care for your sheep's feet yourself.
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Overgrown Sheep Hoof
image courtesy of infovets.com
In the image above you can see a very overgrown sheep hoof with growth curling over the pad or sole of the foot and down from the heel. This condition makes it easy for bacteria, bedding or mud to get caught between the hooves or in the space between the overgrown flap and the healthy hoof, creating an ideal environment for the anaerobic bacteria which cause hoof rot.
Sheep Hoof - Half Trimmed
image courtesy of infovets.com
What a difference! You can now see a side-by-side comparison of the same sheep hoof with one half freshly trimmed. It's obvious that finishing the job will be good for the sheep and a clean, trimmed hoof won't give bacteria anywhere to hide.
Sheep Hoof Trimming Complete
image courtesy of infovets.com
Totally worth the effort! This sheep will be much more comfortable.
Our Pick:
The very popular Shear Magic Hoof Trimmers. We love how these cut smoothly and stay sharp!
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Like anything with sheep, the important thing is to be patient and take your time. Remember that people have been trimming sheep hooves for hundreds of years - embrace taking part in this ancient shepherd tradition.