I just aquired a 4 week old alpine/nubian kid (Approx Age). She needs to be disbudded however, I've never waited this long, is it still safe and effective to use an iron or should they be removed surgically. The buds/horns are approx 1/2" Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

-- Kelley (twobit329@aol.com), January 21, 2002

Answers

Do you have a disbudding iron?? I have done them that late before and had it work, but must say I really hated it. You have to take some nippers and cut off the tip.......be sure your iron is hot because it will probably bleed and you need to cauterize right away. I have the big Rineharts that can do calves or goats, depending on the tip. You might have to use the calf tip to get down to the base of the horn, but probably not yet.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), January 21, 2002.

Kelley, I have used a disbudding iron to do this and admit I had to go back in a week and reburn but the horn buds were removed and she does not even have a scur. Good luck

-- Karen Mauk (kansashobbit@yahoo.com), January 21, 2002.

I do the same as Diane, excpet we saw the little horn off if it sticks up too high for the iron to go over it. Then burn, and burn well. If the horn bud is still short, burn over and around it really well. Then pry the horn bud off, it will come off like a little cap. If it doesn't come off easil, burn around it's base more. After it's off, reburn the area really well.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), January 22, 2002.

Thanks for the responses all went well

-- Kelley (twobit329@aol.com), January 25, 2002.