[Jacob-list] trimming horns

[Kelley Rambo]

I do only trim horns when they are either growing too close to the animal
or when they are possible danger to me or other animals (as in the
occasional unicorn).  And, I do check for warmth but have found that to
not be 100% accurate.  I got the feeling, Mary, that you were envisioning
me topping off the whole horn, which I don't do (gosh, just the inch or so
I take off RARELY wears me out!!).  I also keep my wethers as I love their
personalities and they have very nice fleeces.  I don't eat meat, so I
have no reason to have one for the table nor do I have a desire to market
meat sheep.  Just my preferences.

Take care,
Kelley

Mary Hansson <buffgeese at yahoo.com> writes:
>Why would anybody trim or cut off Jacob horns?  That is part of the
>distinction of the Jacob.  If the animal has horns growing into their
>face......maybe they are better off on the table?  This being said from
>somebody who has trimmed the occasional horn...and from somebody who has
>also noted that when side horns on ewes  get knocked off, they often grow
>back a completely different direction the next time----all leading back
>to the beginning of this circular argument whether to or whether not to
>trim horns and for what reasons......
> 
>If you are going to think about trimming horns, take the time to feel the
>horn.  The area where the blood is circulating is often warm, versus the
>end where no blood is to be found will be cold or "air temperature". 
>Don't trim close to the warm area and you don't have to worry about blood
>stop powder or any other medicinals be they homeopathic or manufactured.
> 
>Mary Ellen
>
>Kelley Rambo <Kelley_Rambo at antiochne.edu> wrote:
>
>
>Someone asked about training or trimming horns. I have not tried training,
>but have heard that sometimes weights are used to train cow horns. I use
>saw wire (in the gynecological sections of the livestock catalogues) to
>trim the horns and have cotton balls, vet wrap, yarrow, homeopathic arnica
>& hypericum on hand. I usually give them the hypericum and arnica before
>I start (1 dose of 200c each). If they bleed (which I try to avoid if I
>can), I will cover with fresh yarrow (if available) and pack with cotton
>balls and cover with vet wrap. 
>
>My vet mentioned and I also read just the other day that some horns can
>just be banded and then they fall off. Does anyone have experience with
>that on Jacob horns?
>
>Kelley
>
>
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>
>Mary Ellen Hansson, MEd, RD, LDN
>ISeeSpots Farm
>Jacob Sheep: Lambs, adults, wool
>www.iseespots.com