Goat care: Handy Equipment for your Goat barn
Shearing ,Trimming & Fluffing
For electric shearing, we use the Lister clipper by Wahl with A2F blade. The Lister clipper is exactly 2” wide and works great for taking the 2” square samples needed to accompany your PBA permanent registration application. We have our electric clipper blades sharpened annually at Primier1 Supplies. We sharpen the hand clippers ourselves.
Using Hand Clippers
Dematting Fleece, Trimming Hooves
Dematting Fleece, Trimming Hooves
For hand shearing, we use No. 10 Producer’s Pride Double Bow sheep shears then touch the goats up with the Lister electric clipper for aesthetic purposes. The hand shears are super sharp and are great for cutting sample locks or for cutting those Type A crafting curls.
Dematting Fleece, Trimming Hooves
Dematting Fleece, Trimming Hooves
Dematting Fleece, Trimming Hooves
We have found that the Safari dematting comb for dogs works great for stubborn mats in goat fleece but is very sharp and should be used with care. We often wear leather gloves when dematting fleece or trimming hooves.
For routine hoof trimming, we use Saboten 1210 hoof trimmers.
**National Pygmy Goat Association:
Fluffing Fleece
Dematting Fleece, Trimming Hooves
Fluffing Fleece
One can never have too many picks for cleaning, fluffing, and plucking fiber. We purchase our picks at Sally Beauty Supply. When a nice bath and/or a quick dematting or fluffing does not tease out the mats, it is time to shear and start over on the fleece growth.
A Good Stanchion is a Much Needed Piece of Equipment
We have 3 stanchions, 2 in the girls' barn and 1 in the boys' barn. Our newest stanchions have a base that measures 32"Wx40"Lx30"H with a single, bottom hinge-point for the neck adjustment. We do our hoof trimming, regular health checks, and shearing from the stanchion. Most stanchions for sale in caprine catalogs are milking stanchions and are not high enough for fiber goat work. I prefer to skirt fleece on one stanchion while the goat is being sheared on the other stanchion. Skirting can be back-breaking work if your stanchion is too low.
Our first homemade stanchion had double side-mounted hinge points. We use a step for enabling our older goats better access to the stanchion. Our 12 year old wether, Michigan still hops right up on the stanchion for his nightly mealtime, which guarantees the does a chance to eat in peace without worrying about the food hog taking over their feed dishes.