Disbudding kids is one job goat owners don't relish, but it needs to be done to protect the herdsman from some nasty butting. Disbudding will also protect the goat, as horns can easily get stuck on wire, cattle panels or other fencing, when they simply must taste the forage on the other side of the fence.
Disbudding box |
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One of the easier ways to restrain your kid for disbudding is to use a holding box, which is easier on you and the young goat. A kid holding box can be used for tattooing, or any other time you need to restrain it without a second pair of hands. This particular holding box is designed for kids less than one month old. Buck kids should be disbudded within the first week of life. If tattooing at an older age, you will have to increase the overall size of the holding box. The metal carrying handle could also be replaced with a leather strap if you find the handle gets in the way when sitting on the box to hold it down. The chin rest can be altered-simply change the shape of the gusset under it.
When placing a kid in the box, wrap a towel or small blanket around its mid section to serve as a sling. This will protect its belly from the rough wood chest block and also help to lower and raise the kid in and out of the box.
Material list
- 2-16" x 24" x 1/4" plywood (for the sides)
- 2-1"x 6"x 16" pine board (front and back)
- 1-1" x 6" x 22-1/2" pine board (for the bottom)
- 1-1'x 8" x 24" pine board (ripped down to 6" for the lid)
Disbudding box schematic |
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- 1-2" x 4" x 5-1/2" pine board (chest block)
- 1-4" x 4" x 1/4" plywood (one end rounded for chin rest)
- 1-3/4" x 3" x 3" pine board (cut gusset at desired angel for chin rest support)
- 2-4" hinges (for the lid)
- 1-Hasp (to hold lid down)
- 1-pull handle (for carrying the box)
- 30-1" screws (to attach plywood to pine boards)
- 8-1-5/8" screws (to attach pine boards together)
- Paint or stain if desired
If you aren't feeling particularly handy, you can order a kid holding box from Hoegger Goat Supply, www.hoeggergoatsupply.com, 800-221-4628; or Caprine Supply, www.caprinesupply.com, 1-800-646-7736. Both companies supply catalogs.
