Setting Up for Sheep Foot Inspection and Trimming

By Dr. Richard Brzozowski, PhD, Small Ruminant Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

trimming a goat hoof; photo by Edwin RemsbergBefore beginning to assemble all tools and equipment to inspect or trim the feet of sheep, you may want to first consider the benefits of a handling system that can be used for more than hoof trimming.

In order to inspect or trim the feet of sheep, you need to flip each animal for a good view of the hoof. Your set-up to accomplish these tasks depends on the number of animals to be handled. However even for a small number of animals, a handling system makes these tasks easier, more organized, less of a strain on the handler, and likely less stress on the animals. Read more…