Debudding the kids
At 2.30am on Friday 14 July, our Australian Miniature goat Gretel gave birth to two little boys - we have named them Alfie and Archie.
Part of owning a pet goat is the big question of whether to de-bud your goat or not. Although many people have mixed opinions on the topic, it’s important to understand the process. De-budding is the process of removing and preventing the growth of animal horns.
Removing the horns early will provide the least amount of stress to the animal. As Alfie and Archie are in a school environment, we made the decision that de-budding them is the safest option. On Tuesday, Niel Quaggin (a goat specialist) came in to de-bud and castrate (desex) the boys.
Firstly, Neil checked that the boys were ready to be castrated and then he began. The process is simple; using an elastrator, he places a ring around the scrotum and testes, close to the body ensuring that both the testes are below the ring.
After that came the dreaded de-budding. Neil began by preheating the de-budding iron for 20 or so minutes. The boys then took it in turns and were placed in the kid holding box. He then clipped the hair around their horns to prevent it burning.
The hot iron is then placed on the horns for 8 seconds and ice is applied immediately after. After both horns are completed, an antiseptic spray is applied to prevent infection. The process was very emotional and traumatic for both us and the goats, but the pain was soon over.
Sofie Smith and Lily Barwick - Year 10 students
A Catholic School in the Salesian Tradition
