How to shear a goat for the summer: the May zoo

With the onset of warm May days, owners of a small livestock of goats should take the time to cut and bathe their horned pets. A goat hairdresser can help identify animal HEALTH issues as well as going to the vet

Grooming allows you to evaluate the health of a goat after wintering, and at the same time improve communication.

Start by combing and cutting out tangles. Combing removes dandruff and matted hairballs that some goats develop after winter. All sorts of ectoparasites often find their refuge in these tangles, so you should do your best to contribute to the molting process. Usually, goats begin shedding in late spring or early summer, shedding their undercoat to keep them warm in winter.

Use a hard-bristled grooming brush available at any pet store or livestock supply catalog.

Once you've rid your goat of hairballs, take a soft brush and continue brushing. This will distribute the fat throughout the coat. When combing, try to feel the skin and look for bumps or cuts, and at the same time for mites.

If you find strange neoplasms, then invite a veterinarian.

Also inspect the goat for signs of scabies and other skin conditions, including flaking, dry skin, and hair loss.

Comb always along the coat, from the neck, then along the back and sides. Separately clean the neck, chest, legs and abdomen.

Treat animals gently and offer treats. Most goats will surely love your barbershop.

Do I need to bathe a goat

Bathing the goats is optional, but desirable in warm weather. This helps remove lice, makes cutting easier and keeps clipper blades sharp longer.

Goats, of course, prefer to bathe in warm water, but they will also survive cold water from a hose when it is already hot enough outside and the sun is warming. Any shampoo for animals is suitable for washing a goat.

Bathing a goat is more convenient for two to fix the animal. If there is no assistant, put a collar on the animal and attach it to the fence. Then, without turning on too powerful pressure, wet the coat and rinse with shampoo. In conclusion, you can wipe the animal with a clean burlap or rag.

A haircut

Annual shearing is a good idea for all goats. Especially in spring, when mosquitoes, horseflies and midges are still inactive.

Short hair helps goats stay cool and allows sunlight to reach the skin, which keeps parasites away. As in the case of washing, an assistant will greatly facilitate the task, because goats like to cut their hair much less than comb their hair.

In goats, you need to cut the following parts of the body: the belly, the tail area (leave a short tassel_), the areas around the vulva and the inner upper part of the hind legs, around the udder.

Removing hair from the belly facilitates cleaning of the udder before milking and prevents hairs from entering the MILK .

Remember that a healthy coat starts from the inside.

If a goat is deficient in important vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper, and vitamin A, its coat will look dull or fall out. Feeding your goats a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will ensure they grow healthy coats that are soft to the touch. However, if diet alone doesn't work, ask your veterinarian for advice on vitamin supplements.