Hi all, I know this thread probably appears somewhere on this forum, but I thought I would post my concerns afresh. I took ownership of 2 rescued goats (I think they are Saanen) earlier this year. They looked emaciated and were housed in a brick building 10'x10'. Their tags in their ears were causing them pain and discomfort, and the sores around the ears were disgusting, and very infected. We were told that the hooves had been clipped, they had been wormed and everything was fine.
We brought them home and let them free in the pasture (1 acre, all to themselves - well 3 sheep too). They were like 2 spring lambs. Since they came to us, we have had to remove both their tags and treat the wounds, their hooves were in a terrible state, so I bought a pair of hoof shears and gradually bit by bit (mm by mm) started to take the hooves down. The hard outer shell had all grown under and was in a bad way.
Today they look like different animals, they have loads of nettles, brambles, thistles and hedgerows to munch on. Their coats look better, they have put on loads of weight (maybe too much), and they really seem happy.
Although a few days ago, I noticed Billy (yes I know very original), starting to go down on his knees to eat the grass, something I haven't seen him do before. On closer inspection of his from hooves, within the last few days, they seem to have become very bad. It seems like the spongy centre of the hoof is disintegrating. I don't think I have cut the hooves down to far, as the height of them is still about 2.5".
Can someone please give me some guidance or advice? He is still eating well, and walking around, although he may have a slight limp.
I would appreciate any help on how high the hooves should be?