Hoof trimming

[kozzy]

Looks like I need to address the issue of hoof trimming sooner than later. You can hear the tips of her "toes" click together at times now and it isn't going to get better on it's own.

In doing research, most of the information I find isn't oriented to general nail clipping--it's all rough dairy type stuff and dealing with horrible foot problems. Can anyone point to some better information/video to help?

Ranchers around here just laugh at the idea because they hardly look at their stock, let alone care about things like hooves. There is no mobile vet to call on, and the farriers around here aren't into cattle.

I see a trimming tool mentioned in another hoof-related post but no feedback on it (http://www.leaderproducts.com.au/products/heavy-duty-long-handled-hoof-trimmer). Not sure if it would be any better than the standard large nippers I already have.

Anything you can pass on is more than I know now.

Will try and get a photo later.

[dexterfarm]

I think the long handles would just be harder to use. Trim after a rainy day the nail will be softer when wet. Most dont put up much of a fight on the fronts but the rears are another story if you have to do them. In most cases all you need to do is clip off a little of the front.

[kansasdexters]

kozzy,

Here is a link to some resources: www.hooftrimmers.net/

Hoof Trimmers Association: www.hooftrimmers.org/aboutus/index.html

A professional hoof trimmer is a valuable partner to enhance the health of your herd. It's worth taking some time and locating a pro to work with.

Patti

[thecatzpajamas]

I agree with Patti! they're not that expensive, look up the trimmers near you and start calling to see if they'll come out. well maintained hooves are so important.

[littlecowfl]

I just posted on the General Board about my drama finding a trimmer. I feel your pain. If you decide to trim them yourself, please let us know how it goes. I haven't tried it yet.

[kansasdexters]

In order for a person to make a living as a professional hoof trimmer, they have to have enough animals to trim at one location, to make their travel to a site worthwhile. So, there is nearly always a minimum fee charged, then an additional "per animal" fee charged. What we have done in the past is to find out where our hoof trimmer is already scheduled to set-up and work, and then get permission to trailer in with one of our animals that needs trimming. We try to get there early, so that we are the first one done and we don't have to wait for 25+ animals to be trimmed before it's our turn.

The other place where a hoof trimmer is usually available is at the State Fair. Here again, the minimum charge has already been paid (by the State Fair) and hoof trims are available on a per animal basis (usually costs around $30 per animal).

We had a calf born several years ago and his hind feet were severely frostbitten at birth. The damage caused his rear hooves to grow out like elf shoes, and he had to be trimmed about every 6 months so that he could walk properly. Each time that he needed a trim, we were able to make an appointment (ahead of time) with our hoof trimmer and take Frostbitten Fintan over to where the hoof trimmer was working nearby. Because this was a corrective trim, and it affected how this animal could comfortably walk, we did not try to do it ourselves. A bad trim can cause lameness and pain to the animal. It can lead to infection and other complications. In other words, it's well worth $30 to have a professional do the job right.

Patti

[kansasdexters]

kozzy,

Here's a list of hoof trimmers in the Northwest area that was on the Highland Cattle website:

If you have not used a hoof trimmer in the past, here is a short list of trimmers (it is not an "all inclusive" list). This list is for your convenience, there are no recommendations or guarantees.


Montana: 1. Ron Kummerfeldt, 406-726-3337
2. Ron covers western MT, northern ID, and eastern WA

Oregon:
1. Travis Bartelds, 503-949-4106. Travis has a tilt chute, customized to handle large horns
2. John Esplin, 503-368-5020
3. Chris Perkins, 503-392-4663. Covers the Tillamook area only
4. Walter Schwarz, 541-942-4390

Washington: 1. George Bates, 360-829-2252
2. Ken Haarsma, 509-837-5455
3. Nathan Hoffman, 360-266-0559. Nathan works in SE WA, mainly south of Yelm
4. Mike Nichols, 360-638-1477. Mike works in the Puget Sound, Kitsap, and Olympic Peninsula areas
5. Toby Richner, 360-510-7671. Toby works in Whatcom county only
6. Skagit Hooftrimming: Four trimmers (Peter Stephens, his two sons Peter Jr. and Gates, and Vince Miller) can be contacted at Bovi-Motion, 425-821-7309. Or, you can contact them separately at:
Peter Stephens Sr., 360-757-2504 (Western WA)
Peter Stephens Jr., 360-708-6308 (Western WA)
Gates Stephens, 425-821-7309 (Western WA)



Patti