[fifixx]

What do I do about the feet?  I have one that looks as if she needs a trim but all the others look fine - they are fed on concrete and otherwise are in a paddock.

They are not really used to being handled, so what is the best way to do it?

[jameslindsay]

Let the fun begin. If you get them tame that will certainly help you out, although saying that all my lot are as tame can be and most of them still fight when it comes to cutting their feet. You will have to catch and try to gain their confidence and then find out what way suits best. Hope you manage with great ease. Talk calmy to them the whole time and let them see that you are not there to hurt them. Every time you get close to them just keep stroking their legs so they get used to it and even after clipping feet feed them so they know there is a treat at the end.

[Roxy]

Our two big Anglo Nubian boys hated having their feet trimmed when they arrived, and they were nervous anyway, so it was a nightmare.  Plus their hooves seem to grow long very quick, which made things worse. But they have improved with time.

I would suggest you need help the first time, to see how the goats are. One to hold, one to trim. No matter how tame, some object strongly to feet trimming, and will be quite difficult to hold still. Any which are not easy to trim, we push up against a wall, gate, or something solid, and pin them against it, until we have a foot in the air.  Try to be as quick as you can, as they will not want to stand long.  Ignore any yelling and keep going - stop if you draw blood, as you have cut too much.  We always spray the hooves after they have been  clipped - purple spray, footmaster.

Good luck!!

[plumseverywhere]

I read lots of books and watched youtube clips before I went near my (then) 4 with my hoof clipping equipment - I was really worried!
the nanny goes into the milking stand and will quite happily let me do hers for a while, we do then get a 3 legged tantrum when she's had enough.  the kids, I do as Roxy says make sure there's a fence or wall one side and me the other! they are gettin gmore used to it now.
I've made a point of grooming them most evenings so that they are getting quite used to lots of physical attention