The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: devonlad on October 31, 2015, 12:31:58 pm

Title: Trimming horn
Post by: devonlad on October 31, 2015, 12:31:58 pm

Hi all. I hope someone's about on this lovely sunny day. One of our wilts horn ewes has had a deformed horn since breaking it off as a lamb. Its never been a problem other than she looks a bit lopsided. However it has now got to the point where it needs trimming as it's beginning to interfere with her lowering her head to graze. We've got a hacksaw and some sandpaper ready. How much can I take off safely and any tips. Thanks

Title: Re: Trimming horn
Post by: Fleecewife on October 31, 2015, 01:04:13 pm

If you take hold of the horn with your hand, you will feel that the end closer to the sheep's head is warm, whereas the tip is cool.  The warm part is where there is a blood supply - it's an artery so will bleed profusely.  Make any cut above that point, so you are cutting only into horn beyond the blood supply.  Don't forget to protect her eye from horn dust.
If the horn is not too thick, you can also use loppers or bolt croppers.

Title: Re: Trimming horn
Post by: devonlad on October 31, 2015, 02:45:37 pm

Cheers FW. Job done  :)