I, like many goat keepers had my young mini goat disbudded at ten days. However, the horns began to grow in again. What I tried was taking a pruning shears and cutting back the growth. It was fast, easy and painless. Yes, the scurs are still there, but undetectable. I do this every few weeks and so far, it's working. I have to stress, you must get after it when the scurs are still small. But the shears do the trick and my little guy doesn't mind much. Hope this might help some of you. Oh, to have naturally polled goats!

-- Lynn Black (moonspinner@bluefrognet.net), October 09, 2001

Answers

Response to Possible alternative for recurring scurs

It takes a while to get the hang of disbudding. Using a vet isn't a very good idea when you figure they see very few goats a year to even learn the skill themselves! Find yourself a breeder to do this for you or to teach you how yourself. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), October 09, 2001.

Response to Possible alternative for recurring scurs

Even people who are experienced at disbudding can end up with scurs. I bought a new disbudder this year that is quite different than what I was accustomed to. I'm not sure how all my kids turned out, but I do know that at least one has a scur. I was a bit too tentative last year. I won't be next year!

-- Sheryl in Me (radams@sacoriver.net), October 09, 2001.