Trimming Hooves

Trim hooves several times a year. To do it, use a sharp knife (pocket knife, utility knife, etc.) or shears. Tie the goat firmly to a post or secure in a milking stand; pick up the foot. Clean dirt out of the hoof with the point of the tool. Cut back the soft inner part to shape the hoof, just a slice at a time. Stop when the hoof bottom looks pink. You can use a hoof plane to flatten and finish the hoof. Look at a newborn kid's hoof to see what your goat's hoof should look like. Hooves are much easier to trim when they are wet. Try trimming hooves after the goat has been walking in snow, mud, or morning dew.