Taking Care of HOMESTEAD ANIMALS - Hoof Care for SHEEP
We have to give our animals a pedicure usually about every 6 months to a year. It just depends on when you should perform this task based on the type of terrain that your animals live on.
Overall, hoof care isn't a big deal. It's just a chore that has to be done to ensure that you have a healthy herd. It's an easy task that doesn't really take a lot of effort. If you ignore this chore, then it can become a big deal. The best way to learn about proper hoof care is to join up with a goat or sheep owner and let them teach you. It won't take long to learn proper hoof care.
This past week for the feast, we had a couple visit from Kentucky ( @themyrrhmaid ) and they offered to teach a class for our campers on hoof care. We gratefully agreed since it had been a while since our sheep's hooves had been trimmed. So the first thing to do is round up the sheep!
Josh and Melissa Almas from Kentucky have their own homestead ( @themyrrhmaid ) and have done this task before. Melissa instructs the class while her husband gets down and dirty with the sheep.
Interested students crowd around to learn the proper way to clean and trim the hooves of the sheep. The sheep don't really like the process and tend to fight a bit. Crazy huh? They don't realize the big bucks people pay for the same treatment! HA!
Here is a close up of Joshua trimming a piece of nail that is overlapping the bottom of the pad. It's these pieces of nails that need to be trimmed off before they can become problems later.
Another important task is to make sure to clean out some of the grooves of the hooves from the dirt and poop that may have collected there. By doing so, you can identify any infected areas that need treatment. There are a number of commercial or natural antibiotic ointments that you can apply to these areas. @themyrrhmaid makes her own ointments and salves to apply to these areas.
You can find them here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMyrrhMaid
It seems like all the students had a great time and enjoyed the class. Plus the sheep got a well deserved pedicure in the process and looking as healthy as ever.
Again, the best way to learn how to properly care for your goat or sheep hooves is to learn by doing. Find a local farmer with sheep or goats and offer to help. It will only take one session for you to learn. LEARN BY DOIN!
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THANKS!
Great photos.
Many farmers are using copper sulfate (blue crystals) to fight foot infections. It works, but when they dispose of the bath water down the drain or in their fields or ponds it causes some major problems because of it's toxicity.
We've been looking into a probiotic/water foot bath for domestic animals to help fight infection. No poisons or heavy metals, just beneficial bacteria and water. @ironshield
I use a black walnut anti-fungal salve that I make and it works wonders. Non-toxic and easy to apply. :)
@themyrrhmaid, is there any way we can get your recipe? Thank you.
Kenny
@pfeilerfam5 I don't share the recipe, unfortunately, as that is how I make a living. You're welcome to purchase some from my etsy store (www.themyrrhmaid.com). If you're familiar with salve-making you can use the ingredient list to try to recreate it though.
Oh, well that is different. So yeah I can understand why you would not give out the recipe. I have never made salves before. I make my own beard balm, that is about it.
I will check your etsy site out. Thank you.
Interesting. Black walnut salve. A natural anti-fungal salve. @ironshield
@ironshield I sell it in my Etsy store if you're interested (www.themyrrhmaid.com). However, you're welcome to try to make something similar yourself if you're familiar with salve making. :)
Great Article!
Thanks for the shout-out! We really enjoyed our time on your homestead! Shalom!
Great post. Now I really wish I could have paid you a visit. Maybe next year if you do it again. When we get our goats I was planning on getting advice from a vet or Farrier being that I have not reached out or met anyone in my area yet.
Kenny
@pfeilerfam5 Whereabouts do you live? We are in Central Kentucky and would gladly help if you're nearby. It's SO easy!
I am in Missouri, south of Kansas City.
Bummer that you're so far from us. I am sure you can find someone nearby to show you. Honestly, I learned via YouTube videos! :)
Hi guys thats wonderful keep it up.
No Worries and Peace Out.
I can't wait to get sheep but need the fence first.
Horse high and water tight right? Haha
Whatever will keep the yotes out.