A Note on Banding Horns, Goat Owners Please Read

[helmstead]

I had great concerns about posting my dehorning photos of Becky...the only reason being that I DO NOT want to make horn banding appear to be a simple procedure.

You will find text and photos regarding horn banding on the web. They make it sound so simple, so carefree.

It is not that straightforward. Especially given that most of us are dealing with pet goats - not production goats off in a field who are only seen a couple times a month.

For those of you contemplating it, please call around to find someone who has experience with banding before you even consider attempting it. There is blood, there is pain you'll want to manage with Rx drugs. There can be serious complications.

DO NOT COUNT ON IT GOING AS EASILY AS THE WEBSITES YOU FIND SHOW IT BEING.

As I've mentioned in my original post regarding Becky - so far I do feel this method is far better than surgical dehorning (and I don't feel horn sawing should even be contemplated). Still, it is not without risk - and even when it goes right it can be messy and hard to deal with.

Stepping off my soapbox...

 

[ametauss]

I would not even consider dehorning.... my little ones all have their horns.... They have very sweet temperments and not at all agressive towards people or each other... yes, they tip their heads at each other to get the other one out of the food dish but not mean....

If I ever have one that is mean, I'd either get rid of it or epoxy rubber balls on the tips or even use the ole dremmel to grind them down a bit....

That's my 2 cents worth....

Now on to castration.... a whole different task...

 

[reallemons1]

Agreed. I once talked to my vet about dehorning my adult saanan wether who had big scurs from not being properly burned (from an experienced breeder even). He said it was too dangerous because it opens up the sinus cavities. Too much risk of infection and painful. I just left them alone. Had to watch him though, he would put his head through the stock wire fence and couldn't get it back out. If you want dehorned goats get one already dehorned or have them burned while very young by someone who knows how to do it properly.

 

[MrsCountryChick]

Dehorning little ones doesn't have to be painful. Here's a product that is for calves, sheep or goats under 2months old.

http://www.jefferslivestock.com/ssc...6MACDWTFAUU156UAC&pf_id=16159&cmkw=horn paste

 

[monarc23]

I never would do the band method on a goat, if it was that mean with other goats I'd find it a home without other goats, and if it was mean to people too well....it wouldnt stay that's all i'll say about that.

I'd only ever consider dehorning on a baby, with the burn method, as it seems to be the quickest method....and heals a lot faster than banding takes to work. Even then i don't see the reason to dehorn...but that's also because i dont see the reason to declaw cats either, or detooth exotic animals.

 

[kinnip]

That paste is an acid that burns the growth cells. It's very painful! It also poses a threat to the eyes of the animal should it try to wipe the stuff off. I just got my Rhinehart X50-A. I'm doing it as soon as the buds can be felt. The poor little booger with hurt pretty badly for a minute or so. In a day, they likely won't remember anything being amiss.

 

[monarc23]

Quote:
yep I agree, we've gotten kids before that were just burned that way and within a day or two it didn't even phase them they stopped shaking their heads and it healed extreemly fast.

 

[helmstead]

I've run the whole way around on the horns/no horns issue. When I first started breeding goats for sales...I stood firmly on NOT disbudding my kids.

Still, the market and the show ring are who really run the goat world - and when you're trying to sell something you generally have to conform to offering what the public is looking for.

It's all pretty barbaric, but electric disbudding isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

Every situation is different. At least we have options. Becky is a good girl. She's getting more and more people oriented. She doesn't deserve to go to market, nor does she deserve to be segregated from other goats - she'd be miserable. This is the best option for her.

I was SO pleased with my September kids when one of my customers actually requested horned goats because, "they're how nature intended them, and they're beautiful." I couldn't agree more. Times, they are a-changing.

And, again...please don't use the paste.

 

[PotterWatch]

As a person who is new to goats, I really appreciate seeing your pictures and hearing an accurate account of how banding really works. I am glad you are telling it like it is rather than trying to make it sound easier than it is. I hope to never have to dehorn a goat, though I do plan on disbudding (not by myself the first couple times though). Thanks for you information.

 

[Akane]

I haven't read a knowledgeable website aimed toward the pet or small herd goat owner that suggested any type of dehorning once the horns grow. They all say it's cruel and painful. It should only be done if absolutely necessary. I have seen a few ways of debudding young goats that I might do if I knew the horns would be problems in the future.