Do you know that sheep and the goats need hooves-grooming or ‘pedicure’ as we do?
Trimming hooves was a pass-time for the shepherds in the ancient days while using the best hoof trimmers for goats and sheep of their time.
It is a traditional that has endured many years and still practiced among careful flock keepers.
But, modernization has evolved the shearing tool to come up with better and easy to use trimmers.
It is essential to give your flock proper hooves care by trimming them to prevent foot rot, arthritis and other bacterial foot diseases. Such diseases can tremendously affect their health and production.
The flocks which are susceptible to hooves diseases are those that are mainly in rainfall areas and graze on moisture sticky soil content that end up sticking in their hooves. Also those that are contained in one area should have a closer care as moist dung can also stick between their hooves risking foot rot disease.
If you have a large flock, then you will need to have the best hoof trimmers for goats and sheep and restraining equipment to get you through the exercise.
But how can you tell the effective hoof trimmers from among the many different types in the market?
Follow the conversation to find out.
Top 6 Hoof Trimmers for Goats and Sheep
|
Product Name |
Length (Inches) |
Blade Edge |
Editor’s Ratings |
|
Zenport Q140DX |
7 |
Serrated |
4.5* |
|
Zenport Q91 |
7.5 |
Serrated |
4.3* |
|
Zenport Z116 |
7.5 |
Not Serrated |
4.3* |
|
Neogen IEAL 320812 |
7.5 |
Serrated |
4.5* |
|
Premier ExoTrim |
2 |
Serrated |
4.5* |
|
ARS 140DXR Smooth Blade Trimmer |
2 |
Not Serrated |
4.1* |
#1 (Editor’s Choice)Zenport Q140DX
The Zenport Q140DX is of a high carbon heat treated steel blades. The hard chrome coating provides rust resistance and easy wipe-to-clean blades.
The handle is made of ergonomic PVC and steel core for firm non-slip grip to endure any tough trimming.
Overall length of this trimmer is 7 inches but in a light weight of 5 oz for comfortable use. The ivory handle color is complemented by the shiny blades completing the stunning look of this hooves trimmer.
The hoof trimmer has sturdy steel blades for high trimming performance. The tip of blades is gently rounded to avoid injury to both the user and the animal especially when cleaning the inside of the hooves.
The trimmers are versatile to use in your garden for pruning your hedges or your rose bushes. You can also use it on cutting through chicken bones when splitting your chicken.
PROS
- Tough heat-treated steel blades
- Hard chrome coating for rust resistance and easy wipe
- Ergonomic PVC and steel core handle for firm grip
- Light weight
- Versatile for many other uses
- Rounded tip for safety
CONS
- Thick-bladed for finer finishing
#2 Zenport Q91
Zenport Q91 is 7.5 inches hooves trimming shears which also can trim twigs, thick flower branches and hedges.
The trimming shear is spring loaded to open automatically performing multiple cuts quickly.
Zenport Q91 trimmers have smooth blades due to non-stick coating which prevents jamming when trimming.
Another good thing with Zenport Q91 is its sharpness which is at par with efficiency when trimming the toughest hooves. No more struggles or getting fatigued when working with this trimming shears.
The softest hands can trim the toughest hooves thanks to Zenport Q91 and its effective features.
The trimmer is versatile to use in other activities on your rose bush or your hedges. You can also use them to keep your hedges manicured always.
PROS
- Spring loaded to open easily
- Non-stick coating for smooth operation
- Sharp trimmers to handle tough hooves
- Versatile to use on other gardening tasks
CONS
- Sometimes it jams to spring back
#3 Zenport Z116
Zenport Z116 is a twin-blade action which provides an effective hoof cutting no matter which side you are holding. A left-handed user can also use this trimmer comfortably.
The 7.5-inches trimmer weights 7 ounces.
Zenport Z116 has non-stick coated blades that can’t get stuck or jam when in operation. Also, the coating prevents the blades from rusting. The handle is made from PVC material for firm non-slip grip even with sweaty hands.
These trimmer’s features perfect goats and sheep hooves trimming with ease. It is also ideal for trimming alpaca nails.
Besides that, you can still use the same trimmer for your garden pruning. Zenport Z116 is versatile to put in multiple uses without going for another tool. You can also use it in the kitchen to cut through the chicken when slicing it to neat pieces.
The automatic spring loaded opening does quick hooves trimming without causing fatigue.
No matter how overgrown or tough the hooves of your flocks are, this trimmer is tough and sturdy to endure all the gruesome tasks and still remain unscathed.
The thin yet sturdy blades will trim the hooves to precision and finer finishing for better results.
For budget conscious users, this is the best budget hoof trimmers for goats and sheep.
PROS
- Affordable
- Non-stick coating preventing rusting and jamming
- Non-slip firm hold PVC handle
- Multiple uses
- Automatic spring loading for quick and easy opening
- Sturdy thin blades for finer finishing
CONS
- They get dull quickly
#4 Neogen IEAL 320812
Neogen IEAL 320812 is ideal high carbon-steel blades that are rust-free since they are non-stick coated.
The trimmer has Teflon-coated blades that protect it from getting rusty. The blades have the right size for a hoof trimmer. It has a locking mechanism that locks for safety when not in use.
It has an ergonomic rubber-coated handle that provides firm non-slip hold even after working for a long time and getting sweaty hands. With the wrist-strap you dangle it around when taking a break from trimming to resume later.
The Neogen IEAL 320812 combines quality with low price and therefore making it the best hoof trimmer for goats and sheep on budget.
The trimmer has a good length of 11 inches and weighing 6.5 ounces with the blade length of 7.5 inches. With this kind of length, all sizes of the hands can handle it comfortably. Your hooves trimming will be made easier even while trimming the tiny hooves.
Neogen IEAL 320812 is a sharp trimmer and retains its sharpness even after many trimmings and longer use. It is sturdy and durable to last you many years.
PROS
- Affordability
- High carbon steel blades
- Teflon coated blades for non-rust
- Ergonomic rubber coated for firm grip
- Wrist-strap making it easy to carry around
- Sharp and retains sharpness after long use
CONS
- They are not serrated to hold the edge or the hoof
#5 Premier ExoTrim
Some hooves can be tough to trim. Besides using more force when trimming such hooves, they can also be time consuming. But, when using Premier Exo Trim you will not have to go through such trying experience.
The trimmer has one of its blades serrated to firmly grip on the hoof edge to prevent slipping when applying force. The other blade which is ultra smooth will cut the hoof smoothly and effectively.
Premier Exo Trim which is 8.5 inches long has strong ergonomic handle for firm grip. It is also made of 2 inches Japanese high carbon steel sturdy blades to trim the toughest hooves effectively.
The steel blades have rounded blade tips specifically designed to remove manure and prying off other sticking substances from the hoof. You can use the same rounded tips for ear tags when branding for identification.
The sturdiness and the robust materials that have designed these trimmers make it one of the best hoof trimmers for sheep and goats with durability.
PROS
- Serrated for firmer edge grip
- Ultra-smooth blade
- Japanese high carbon steel sturdy blades
- Ergonomic handle for firmer grip
- Round blade tips for specifically for prying off stuck objects in the hooves
CONS
- Not tough for dry hooves
#6 ARS 140DXR Smooth Blade Trimmer
ARS 140DXR is our next choice of the best hoof trimmers for goats and sheep. It is a 2 inch straight edged trimmer with a smooth tip.
The sturdy high carbon steel blades are excellent performers with good size to give you the best result when maneuvering for finer angle finishing.
The solid blades are sharp and hold on edge. They are also easy to sharpen once they start getting dull to renew their high performance. Since the blades are not serrated, the lefties can comfortably use this shears as well.
The rust-free chrome plated of the blades increase their durability to endure cutting many tough hooves effectively.
The handle of this trimmer is made of metal but coated with ergonomic covering for firm grip to ensure they don’t slip when in operation.
ARS 140DXR is versatile to perform other duties such as pruning your hedge or floral bushes.
PROS
- High carbon steel blades for sturdiness
- Easy to sharpen when they get dull
- Smooth and yet solid blades
- Metal handle with ergonomic covering
- Sharp blades that hold on edge
- 2inch blade for easy maneuvering when trimming
- Versatile for other uses
CONS
- Latch constantly closing when working
Step by Step Guide on Trimming Goats or Sheep Hooves
Step 1
The initial process is to trim at the edges of the hoof. Trim the hoof until you notice all callus is gone and there is pinkish or lighter color.
Step 2
Move to the underside of the hoof and trim the excessive growth. You will continue slicing off the growth or the pad until smooth and clean with light color.
Step 3
Clean the inside of the hoof while removing any small molds that form inside the hoof to prevent formation of bacteria. Be careful as this area is soft and sensitive and can easily get injured.
Step 4
This is the ‘pedicure’ step. Trim off the nail-like tip to smoothen it until you flush off all callus leaving a light in colored hoof. Be careful not to overdo it as you might cause injury.
Repeat the whole process on the other hoof and for the rest of the flock. Be careful when you are using a very sharp shear to avoid injuring yourself or the animal.
What to Consider While Buying a Goats and Sheep Trimmer
#1 Blade
The blade is the main feature of the trimmer. This part is what will determine the efficiency of the whole trimming process. What to look for in the blade?
- Sharpness
- Hardness
- Good edge holder
- Rust-free blade
- High carbon steel
- Preferably serrated blade
- Handle
A firm-hold handle will aid in precision trimming. If your get a handle that keeps on slipping, then you might accidentally cause injury to either the animal or even to yourself. Also, there cannot be much accomplishment if the grip of the handle is loose.
A good metal handle with an ergonomic cover of non-slip material will provide a firm grip for easy and fast cutting.
#2 Spring
A strong spring will aid the trimmer in opening whenever you need it or after each trimming. When the spring is strong enough, you will spend less time on a hoof than when the spring is loose.
With a strong spring aiding you to open, you will lessen the wrist fatigue especially if you have plenty of hooves to trim.
#3 Wrist Strap
This additional feature might sound unnecessary but, when you have quite a number of hooves you have to trim, it becomes necessary. Unless you have a pocket to slip your trimmer when taking a rest, you need to have a wrist strap to give your hand a break as well.
#4 Safety Latch
One with a safety latch would be better than one without. Safety is of outmost importance and especially if you are working near children.
After trimming, it will be better to lock the blades using the safety latch before putting it away.
#5 Price
After checking all the mentioned features, you would like to know the price of the trimmer. Go for trimmers that are affordable and have excellent features.
Don’t be shy to ask the price of the trimmer if you can’t see the price tag.
The Final Verdict
All the trimmers in this review are the best hoof trimmers for goats and sheep in the market. However, the top one of these chosen trimmers is Zenport Q140DX. This trimmer has the best features, customers’ better reviews and higher ratings compared to others.
Also, Zenport Q140DX is the best budget trimmers for goats and sheep among the best trimmers in the market.
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