To shave or not to shave?

[Amaggio]

Hi everyone, I am new to goats and am wondering if i should shave my two NDs a little to help them beat the heat. I realize their hair protects from the sun and flies but i live in Missouri and right now the temps are rising above 100 degrees. They shed their under coat this May but i didn't know if they would need the extra help since they are disbudded.

 

[Genipher]

Did you end up shaving them?

I'm thinking of shaving ours but all we have are human hair clippers. What kind of clippers did you use or were thinking of using?

 

[B&B Happy goats]

No need to shave them, the hair. / fur helps insulate them from the heat...same as dogs...

 

[Amaggio]

I didnt end up shaving them because we suddenly had some nights in the 50s. I was aware that hair insulates them but I know someone in AZ who will shave their goats a little at the peak of their summer because it's just that hot. Not a full shave but a trim. @Genipher I have heard you can use human trimmers on your goats but if you have more than one or two it will over heat. There are pet trimmers that will let you do more and of course special trimmers for fiber goats. If you only have a few minis though you should be good. I know you also have to trim if you show but that's way shorter than I was planning on going.

 

[Jesusfreak101]

I live in south texas we get in hundreds+ as well along with humid and down right nasty weather. But i never shaved my goats they did fine just make sure they have plenty of shade and water to drink. And if you want to spoil them watermelon normally a hit along with a fan. But youd be surprised on how well they do with a coat of fur/hair.

 

[Amaggio]

I live in south texas we get in hundreds+ as well along with humid and down right nasty weather. But i never shaved my goats they did fine just make sure they have plenty of shade and water to drink. And if you want to spoil them watermelon normally a hit along with a fan. But youd be surprised on how well they do with a coat of fur/hair.

Do you give salt, not a salt block but pure salt grains? I've heard some do that so their goats drink more. I don't do that at this time but what are your thoughts?

 

[Genipher]

I didnt end up shaving them because we suddenly had some nights in the 50s. I was aware that hair insulates them but I know someone in AZ who will shave their goats a little at the peak of their summer because it's just that hot. Not a full shave but a trim. @Genipher I have heard you can use human trimmers on your goats but if you have more than one or two it will over heat. There are pet trimmers that will let you do more and of course special trimmers for fiber goats. If you only have a few minis though you should be good. I know you also have to trim if you show but that's way shorter than I was planning on going.

I'm only thinking of shaving them because they currently have lice and I read it can help to keep their fur shorter while dealing with the infestation. We only have 2 does so far.

 

[Jesusfreak101]

No i just had loose minerals for them.