Dehorning male pygmy goats?

[KaylorFarms]

I was wondering, Should I dehorn my male pygmy goat? He is 3 months old and I have kids. Also, Should I neuter him?

 

[KaylorFarms]

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[cassie]

Answer to both questions is yes.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Castration - definitely. Dehorning is more of a personal decision. I don't think it is always necessary and is definitely a trickier procedure the older they get with a higher risk of scur growth (just because it's more difficult to get enough skin around the horn the older the animal gets). Some people have had luck with banding larger horns. At three months, your goats horns may not be as large as some of the other breeds and so you may have more options. I definitely recommend using nerve blocks and pain meds for horn removal though and usually that means having a vet out to do it for you.

I guess the short version of that story is talk to your vet and have them remove the horns at the same time they castrate if that's what you decide to do.

 

[KaylorFarms]

Ok, thanks everyone!

 

[tastyacres]

Okay, I am officaily confused...you said earlier you are going to be breeding them so what is the truth...breeding or pet?

Dehorning is a personal decision you will have to make....since you have children i would! He is three months so you will need to have the vet do it....it is almost spring (depending on where you live) so I would wait till fall after the fly season.

 

[KaylorFarms]

I got my goats today, I'm not going to dehorn or neuter him. My female is so sweet! She follows you like a mother!

 

[KaylorFarms]

 

[tastyacres]

LOVE THAT LITTLE FACE!!!!!

Hope you have much fun and enjoyment from them!

 

[KaylorFarms]

Thank you!