How to Trim Stand Plans

Get the whole family involved in animal husbandry.

Hoofed farm animals like goats require routine trimming to the hoof growth to ensure healthy feet. Trimming the hoofs is difficult enough without having an unruly and wild animal pitching around. A trimming stand keeps the sheep or goat in a position where access to the feet is easy, but the animal cannot move. Because the animal is already stressed, the trim stand should allow the animal a comfortable restraint to help ease the stress.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 2-by-4 timber
• Power saw
• Brackets
• Nuts, bolts and washers
• Wide nylon mesh
• Cutting tool
• Hammer
• Nails

Instructions

1. Measure out two 6-feet sections of the 2-by-4 timbers and saw them down. Measure and cut two 2-feet sections and two 5-feet sections.

2. Assemble the cut pieces to make two 6-feet rails on a slope. Use the 2-feet sections for the bottom legs and the 5-feet sections for the top. Connect the rails with the brackets.

3. Drill the rails into a fence or solid wall so the slope faces out and down from the secure wall or fence. Keep the rails 4-feet apart.

4. Stretch the mesh fabric over the rails and let it sag down about 3 feet. Wrap the rails with the mesh so it goes all the way around the timber. Nail the mesh to the rails so it is fully supported and will remain on the wood under weight.

5. Trim any excess mesh after the wraps are secure on the rails. When ready to trim a goat or sheep's hoofs, pick the animal up and place it on its back into the mesh net. The animal sags into the mesh with its four legs upright, yet cannot escape out of the net.

References

• Fias Co Farm; Hoof Trimming; Molly Nolte
• Sheep 201; A Beginner's Guide to Raising Sheep; Susan Shoenian