Why We Are Disbudding Our Goat Kids

Today we are disbudding our goats.
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[@loucee222]

I can see the reasoning behind it. The babies look fine now. God gave man dominion over the animals, do do what is best for them.

[@MyThaifighter]

I have a ton of respect for you both and I appreciate your in depth explanation of why you chose to disbud your animals. Like you said it is a personal decision about how you plan to raise your animals and what your philosophies are. For some people it is the right choice, other people may not feel the need. Your kids look really healthy and I am happy for you!

[@TheCarolbrummett]

You have one of the most informative / educational channels on the Internet. You do not profess to be all-knowing and you read & do your research. I admire you very much. For the Nay Sayers... Ignore them. I'm sure they do not have a true understanding of Farm Life.

[@deusvitae69]

I like this channel because I feel a lot of camaraderie with the viewers :) the Rhodes were my first subscription, but the community of this channel became my new fave :) Im 26 and have lots more to learn about homesteading, keep 'em coming !

[@CleoCastonguay47]

Right decision you guys made on disbudding your kid goats. You take good care of your animals so they don't need to have horns to defend themselves from predators. I agree fully with you. Your children will also be a lot safer around your animals. Keep up the good work!

[@ChickaWoofRanch]

100% behind your decision to disbud. We also believe it's not for every goat in every situation. Thank you for tackling such a very controversial topic.

[@futureimperfect2826]

tough decision but I get the sense that you all don't make any decisions about your homestead lightly. much respect.

[@GaryHardin]

I grew up on a farm, I completely understand this. It is not cruel, it is fact the opposite. People such as yourself that will live with and care for animals for the long haul, know that things are done for the welfare of the animals. It may seem to outsiders that this is cruel, but they can't make a valid disapproval if they do not or never will live on a farm. You did the right thing for your goats.

[@jaxenholman9538]

I completely agree with your decision I have about 450 goats and all have horns but a few that I bought without horns personally I think it's easier to catch them but when u have pet goats such as yours and small children around them I wouldn't want to take the chance of them hurting your kids

[@1994abbygirl]

Discussing, always an excellent thing to do when children are around. Goats are unpredictable, as much as we love them.. it's best! Blessings!

[@mark-nt5pg]

I had no idea how this was done. Another great video. It is so evident that you respect your animals by all the research you do.

[@rachellegreen9799]

Great explanation as to your reasoning behind this decision. My herd has all of thier horns but for that reason any goat I raise up or get needs to have horns because I wouldn't want any disbudded goat to get picked on. However when we sell babies we will have to make a similar decision. Not many people want milking goats with horns so for a sale it's necessary in my opinion. I respect your choice. It's your farm and your family always do what's in yours and your animals best interest.

[@amandaskitchengarden1238]

It is an incredibly difficult decision with good arguments for and against. One thing you didn't mention that I have come across in my research, (you probably already know), but intact horns can get broken and are very painful and difficult to treat. We don't have our goats yet and are undecided which way we will go, I think you were brave to air this on video and I applaud your honesty.

[@SevenSproutsFarmstead]

I love the amount of thought and research you all put into making decisions on your homestead. I know this was a difficult one. I've been on both sides. I raised some goats w the horns intact and then tried them without. I will tell you they will constantly have wounds and injuries from fighting each other when you leave them intact. Which is actually cruel to watch and treat them all the time. Disbudding is definitely the way to go. 👍🏼🌱❤️

[@patricklawson7533]

You are correct. Goats need disbudding. We have raised goats for over 22 years and always disbud. I built a box e put them in with there head sticking out one end. Bakes disbudding a lot easier.

[@sarabbeydiane]

Remember people this is their decision! We all make decisions that fit our needs they have young children and I think they made the right choice, no one has to agree with it. If you watch their videos you know they are a very caring family and research extensively. The babies look fine, I guess they just have to watch for infections and that's that. When I was a child i was butted by 2 goats at once with horns, I never forgot it.

[@celtgunn9775]

Glad you disbudded the goats, many people won't purchase goats with horns because of the risks of having horns. Plus the safety factors for the goats themselves and your children. Lovely scenery at the end of the video Art, Thanks for sharing this with is❣🐐

[@offthehook4u]

Wise decision. My sister's male goat was aggressive. It proved to be his downfall when he jumped up in his stall, got his horns caught in the crossbeam and hung himself over night. Truly sad.

[@lbsmith83]

I think you made a very educated and informed decision. We live on a 100 acre homestead and it's no different than castrating a bull or stallion. They can be dangerous if left intact. You and Bri made a wonderful decision for YOUR kids and for the kid goats. There are emotionally difficult decisions that have to be made on a farm and you just have to do what you feel is right for you and you family/farm. In this case you did.

[@noneofbizorjuliejt6466]

This is my favorite video! The opening was beautiful! The water, the clouds, your son collecting eggs, the MUSIC you put with it! Just incredible! I totally support disbudding goats by the way we had some goats we tried banding and it didn't work then they butted a child in the face she got a scratch and her parents were pretty upset so disbudding is the way to go in my humble opinion. The sunset at the end and the music was also wonderful. So absolutely my favorite video of them all!

[@michelestaples5547]

Sweethearts, I know what difficult choices we make for our animals. I have personally seen dead animals caught in underbrush, trees and fencing because of their horn/antlers.. It's alot more heartbreaking when it could have been prevented. I applaud you in you decision process.

[@HollerGramma]

I thought that you explained everything just right! Thanks.

[@Hatarue]

Lots of good reasons to disbud.

[@hollyturner4202]

Appreciate how you explained the procedure & presented your reasons. You did what you needed for your farmstead. Isn't that what good husbandry is about? Be at peace :).

[@viralvideoaddict]

I don't like the idea, but I have watched enough of your videos to know that you know what you are talking about and you are only doing what is best for the goats! I'm glad you didn't show the procedure..

[@philhershberger5359]

Sir Art, The issue at hand to disbud or NOT to disbud is your prerogative, I do not think it is in my place to offer criticism or advice in your decision. Having grown up on a dairy and beef farm we all know that castration, dehorning, birthing, laying eggs etc. are not with out pain. We must use common sense and proper judgment when dealing with such issues and we need to be careful in not getting caught up emotionally. One should never abuse or mistreat an animal. . . . in the wilds and world of nature where man does not exist, there is also pain and suffering and often a slow death ensues in many situations that no one sees. Kindness with wisdom. . . Good job in explaining how you made your decision! S. Carolina

[@homesteadinthewoods5001]

Our goats weren’t disbuded when we got them, so they have them. I can completely see why you’d do it. I like how much you explain why you’re doing it

[@MrsSoapPeddlersHomestead]

I totally agree...it is a safety issue. Your children are small...those horns can put an eye out. I hate it I really do but it is necessary on our farm. We like to give them their CT&T first and finish with an antiseptic spray...the purple stuff :) Looks like you did a really good job of it too! I like the snow idea!

[@amyenriquez45]

I believe you are doing the right thing, I recently saw on another channel Weedem and reap dated 12-31-16 (another wonderful family with great info on there animals) about all the pros doing this for there goats, they knew someone that had a goat that still had the horns, and it got hung up on a fence of some kind and died, it could have been avoided. So I really think there is certain things that don't seem pleasant, or mean, that is just the best for them in the long run. Afterwards they were jumping around & playing like they were a few minutes before it got done.... I think it shows you care more to do it! ❤

[@cleverkimscurios3783]

If we get goats, we plan on disbudding for about the same reasons you gave. I'm not doing it though, I'll pay a vet to do it with anesthesia or at least anesthetic. I also don't plan on slaughtering any myself (but I will take them to a processing plant). Who knows... maybe all my views on this stuff may change by the time we actually have goats. I agree with you right now though.

[@pincheguarito591]

I've said this before and I'll say it again. Your intro's and bumpers are beautiful.

[@jennapicard6892]

Although it hurts them but if you don't do it they can hurt people, goats, and get stuck then die after.

[@DaybirdAviaries]

You made a very wise decision to do this.

[@dawnkatz8452]

I have read that the horns actually help the goats regulate body temperature. Is it really necessary?

[@rujoby]

Missed you today Bri, hope u are feeling well. Love ur farm/homestead & vlog.

[@liamwallace9872]

Goats have a bad habit of dying, while under anesthesia. You did a good job of disbudding and I wholeheartedly agree with your decision to do so. We always disbud ours as well. The uniformed don't realize how dangerous a grown goat with horns can be, to its owners and itself as well.

[@dc0145a]

I've raised Nigerians for 10+ years. I have all my goats disbudded. I have an excellent vet that sedates them, does the disbudding and they're back to bouncing around within a short time. It's too dangerous to leave the horns intact.

[@ClayBransom]

Its not cruel to disbud a goat. They get their heads cught in fences, as well as possibly using them on other goats or small children

[@jennapicard6892]

I brought my baby to the vet so they put her under so she doesn't feel anything.

[@meikoblock]

I would definitely do this option.

[@RandySoWavvy]

If you have pet goat sure but that is not a good option for farms and homesteads who have multiple kids at a time

[@HansQuistorff]

Hey I never had snow at the right time to cool the head down. My father made a box with a latching lid to hold them still. under the notch for the neck was a head rest so all you had to do was hold the nose and apply the iron.

[@pamelabratton2501]

I agree with your decision.

[@jaynedavis3388]

I disagree with disbudding however it’s not my animals or my family on the line. You’re making the decision you believe is best. People on the internet need to learn to disagree peacefully without assuming the person on the other side of the issue is evil. I hope you give your hornless goats & all the kids a wonderful life. I’ll be watching what you choose to share

[@Gemini4218]

Nice Video Ty very much for not only explaining what the process is but why you chose this for your goats and I think its a justifiable reason why you did it. I love Rose's colors do you know if you are going to keep these females for future milking or are you going to sell them?

[@smokeyangelav]

Your camera quality is gorgeous for nature shots. I'm going to have to see if that's the Canon we have and use it more often if it is. I do know it's really slow for photos so I use my Canon Rebel but we used it once for video when we first got it and it seemed pretty good. I wish I had one good for both but I'm just glad we have them.

[@futureimperfect2826]

Wow. People have lots of opinions on disbudding but this is the first time i've seen the post become so uncivil with people saying others are disqualified to give an opinion or don't know what they're talking about or making fun of people's names. Chill out folks.

[@kimp6551]

Tough but well thought out decision. ☝

[@dragonflygrandma]

Very pretty ending, morning doves take flight.

[@OldesouthFarm]

You did a great job of presenting the dehorning. Babies heads look good. Great Job! I will produce a video with the actual dehorning. I have the buck, show buck portion done, but did not like how the doe dehorn turned out. Since 7 does have kidded, I think we will have a few chances of getting the video right. I agree with you on the focus. I don't talk while I dehorn. I just get it done.

[@Brifromscratch]

Thanks.

[@Wendybil1]

I completely agree with disbudding kids, but I've watched a woman with older goats with large horns put rubber bands around their horns to get rid of them. It takes forever for the horns to fall off, and it's very painful for them. I wish the people had disbudded when they were babies, it's much more humane.

[@erism.4800]

You're brave to do it yourself I can't even bring myself to tattoo my rabbits yet out of fear I'll do it wrong! but those baby goats are so cute!!

[@dwohio6398]

Very nice closing segment, too.

[@nancymweasel6561]

You must protect yourselves and the goats from the damage that horns can do. I know people who were gored. I have seen goats that barely survived having a horn ripped of due to the goats fault.

[@Jlind9335]

Have any of you people fighting over this issue, been attacked by a goat. I was before I was even I school. I still remember it. I am glad that the goat was disbudded. So sometimes opinions are based on what you have already faced. You say it is cruel, But how would you feel if you 3 year old got attacked. They soon forget all about it. and then life goes on. Try looking at it from a different angle. Ask yourself what if?

[@kathyhism]

thank you for the explanation. I personally think it cruel butyou have good reason and thoughtbehind your decision. looks like you have real love for your goats!😃 thanks for the education

[@dwohio6398]

Very nice closing segment.

[@sherrybrock9178]

Just lost me as a subscriber. What a shame! Now they have no Defense against animals that might try to attack them. I have raised goats for years and never had any get hung up in a fence or hurt me or another of their pasture mates.

[@RandySoWavvy]

Sherry Brock what defense? You really think horns are going to stop a mountain lion or a bear or coyotes or bob cats? Sorry the answer is NO they're not going to do a damn thing against those predators.

[@transferred2light]

Looks like you did a good job. In my experience, they are more upset by being held still than the actual disbudding. They knock heads SO hard that my teeth rattle just watching them. Surely they dont feel anything on their heads.

[@AtomicEy]

Relaxing intro , nice music choice

[@downonredgatefarm9349]

We have dairy goats and they are always gonna be disbudded . You explained everything really well. Thanks and God Bless.

[@angelabryant6141]

Love the hi def !!!!

[@kotomszczanka]

We disbudd all of our goats. Yes it is hard and I hate doing it, but I will not have goats with horns. We have Nubians , Kinders and Pygmy. 160 lb goat with horns can do a LOT of damage without trying. Ours are very playful, they rub up against us asking for a scratch, try to get a treat out of my pockets. If they had horns they would hurt me, it's that simple. They can hurt each other during displays of dominance and introductions of new stock. But beyond that , they can get stuck in so many places, like children, you can not goat-proof the world. That is why ALL my goats are hornless. Disbudding takes a minute, they are fine in a minute and is saves them and you lifetime of possible problems. Having said that, I understand some people do not disbudd, their goats, their decision. Please don’t judge us. We love and take care of our animals just as you do. Let's agree on that :)

[@bahromhushorov3882]

You're very smart👍😎

[@onedazinn998]

Nice video on a most upsetting subject for goat lovers. I still haven't decided when my time comes to do this. I have seen videos of farms who leave the horns (mostly meat goat farms) and the children learn that holding the horns is an excellent way to control the goat. On horns in the fencing...I have spent a ton of money on no climb 2x4 that won't be an issue for horns getting caught.... That said, if I had small children wanting to love on goats...I'd probably have the vet disbud...because I have seen so many ads for goats for sale where the goats had horns regrowing improperly...sometimes the horn regrowing right into the skull. That's a horrible thought. I have to say that I think God gave these animals horns for defense and natural cooling processes. There are valid reasons on both sides whether to disbud...I think you said it right that if you are going to be selling kids with papers for people to show or 4H projects...they have to be disbudded. :( I still don't know what I'm going to do...but I love how you showed us how they behaved afterwards. I know I couldn't do that to any animal...including ear tags...I'm just a softy. (I'll use collars with tags). I respect the claws on my cat, the claws on my chickens & their beaks, the fangs on dogs & their considerable strength... we have to respect how animals react with their defense system and adjust our handling procedures accordingly.

[@Brifromscratch]

Good thoughts. Thanks.

[@qutie424]

Oneda Zinn I

[@VillageTV]

awesome video sad process

[@andrewpryor8301]

How does the goat milk taste compared to cow milk?

[@MrManic52001]

This is the exact same argument for declawing cats....... If you understand the risks.... there is nothing wrong with leaving horns or removing them. Each farm is different. I will disbud until my children get old enough then i will go full natural.

[@hillbillyhomestead7235]

Mine r not disbudded but if I had children I would most definitely disbud.

[@TheTexasBoys]

Ok Art & Bri, we are big fans! "Homesteading with Dutch" just put out a "spoof video challenge" on how to open a can without a can opener. Go check it out, then we want to see you make a video like this! Heres our vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3bGn4CriNuFrs0

[@Brifromscratch]

Watched the video. What fun! Keep it up.

[@brittanycarrender5673]

I have boer goats and dairy goats any goat can have horns in the show.

[@Jonathan-tr9tx]

I would not have done this, I would have a vet do it

[@umairfarrukh5637]

i understand why u do it but its so hard to do. This is why I want to get a homozygous polled buck which I can breed, and not have to worry about dusbudding and just have naturally hornless goats.

[@jaynedavis3388]

A polled/hornless Buck only has a 50% chance of having polled kids, I’d try to get polled goats of both sexes for your herd to reduce the possibility of horn growth. You can always send the horned kids to a family who doesn’t care about horns or can do the disbudding themselves. I’ve heard & seen on KZbin that new goat owners or people who are distracted during disbudding don’t burn the buds fully. The goats can have partial horn regrowth but it’s never a good, useable horn. I don’t like disbudding & I’m hoping it will become as unpopular as declawing a cat (actually it’s not declawing, it’s an amputation of the cat’s toes to the first knuckle). That said I’m not mad at this guy or any goat owner who does the research & makes their own decision from there

[@karlagrecar4317]

It will be safer for your children also, good choice.

[@sandraakins8998]

Well, I have two views on this: On the one hand, if you know what you are doing, okay, otherwise you could heat them too much and cause permanent brain damage, so, is it worth the risk? Would you do this to your children (you know, if people had horns) to keep them safe or would you use a different type of fencing, like people use the proper size crib nowadays so babies heads don't get stuck between the rails? Goats are also very easily trained to behave and walk on leads, come when called and not be aggressive to people, mine were just as good as an obedient dog, but it does take time working with them. On the other hand, it keeps them from getting their heads stuck in certain types of fences. However, my neighbor has goats and one of the billy's had beautiful long curling horns, about 3 ft long (he was stolen, for his horns we think), but I have gone over many times ( he was in the hospital) and gotten goats that were hung in the fence loose. If I didn't do that in time, they would die or a coyote would get them. So, I guess it depends on the type of fence you are using and if it is worth the risk of brain damage as to what to do. I used hog wire fencing with 3 strands of hot wire inside the fence to keep the goats safe from predators (we have lots of coyotes here) and it kept them from trying to get out of the fence since they would get shocked if they tried. It also worked for my pot bellied pig. Your goats do look healthy and you are obviously taking good care of them so I respect your decision to do this. I enjoy watching your videos, you seem to be such nice people. :)

[@ucantseeme33]

why didn't you go to a vet so they can get pain medication or gone under?

[@ClayBransom]

it only takes a few seconds, plus shortly after they are out playing

[@ucantseeme33]

Clay Bransom that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. you shouldn't cause pain to any living creature and if you HAVE to you should do it responsible and have it sedated. if you had a procedure like say pull a tooth out yes you could do it with pliers but would you, even though you got up afterwards and played?

[@ClayBransom]

Goats sometimes dont do well with anestheics cause they are rumenants (spell check) yes you can sedate them, but its harder on them unlike a dog or cat

[@ucantseeme33]

Clay Bransom , there is a certain cocktail of anesthetic techniques extensively used to perform surgical procedures in small ruminants. You can also give them a local epidural for this procedure. Just like humans animals feel. How about you try that debudding hot iron tool on yourself. Do it on your thumbnails you don't really need them, besides you might scratch and injury someone with those nails in the future so just in case you better debudded them.

[@ClayBransom]

Pamela M we spay and neuter dogs and cats, yes they are under when done, but whats the difference? I had an abcess on my lower leg drained and even with local anesthetic I felt it. The disbudding doesnt phase them, they are playing and bouncing around not 2 minutes after they are finished

[@leahhitz7183]

💖

[@umairfarrukh8513]

It makes em look kinda ugly coz they have these large round circles where their horns would have been or does that go away

[@eadecamp]

Skin and hair grow over them.

[@brittanycarrender5673]

show goats can have horns I like showing goats with horns because it helps to keep the collar on the goat

[@rachellegreen9799]

Brittany Carrender I didn't know that you could show goats with horns! What breed do you have?

[@brittanycarrender5673]

I have boer goats and dairy goats any breed of goat can have horns in show.

[@tomasjosefvela1]

The least cruel is to not. I feel that if that's an issue then those people should not have that animal..... I'm really disappointed about this....

[@hashglass]

agree 100%

[@noneofbizorjuliejt6466]

Very well said Wendy Vroom thankyou!

[@MyThaifighter]

their heads caught in fencing due to horns. It is a majorly unfortunate occurrence, but having goats disbudded can really protect them from that outcome. It really can keep them safe. As a parent do you have your son circumcised? Is that a kind practice? Not really, but it is what a parent thinks is what is best for a child.

[@tomasjosefvela1]

Wendy Vroom or you could teach your children the dangers and show them how to respect nature.... This is like pig farmers cropping tails so they can overcrowd pens... Not for the animals it's for the greed of man so WE will feel better and safer around the animals WE chose to have... Again if you have to alter the animal to fit your needs you are doing it wrong... By the way it's not a vaccination it's disfiguring for our needs not the animals.

[@tomasjosefvela1]

Peter Falciani no no and get a better PROPER fence system.

[@rsoubiea]

Its similar to the age old dilemma, should circumsize my son or not? lots of pros, cons and agonizing over causing them un necessary pain because you love them. its a very personal decision that varies person to person.

[@rhaman10]

I thought the chicken are not suppose to see u guys take the eggs. Like to a reasonable extend

[@mikealmere70]

its cruel. please dont..

[@juniorgloria1255]

no it's not u probably don't know what u are talking about sorry bid

[@mikealmere70]

Junior Gloria I do Junior, I studied agriculture, and I have worked an farms. Why do you think you know what you are talking about?

[@juniorgloria1255]

+mikealmere70 dude for real I live in Texas ok the nation of cowboys and I don't work on farms I own a ranch here in Bowie Texas so yeah and I'm the health inspector at the cattle and horse and goat sales I also raise game fowl and I'm very educated on livestock I went to Texas tech to studies livestock so yeah bud what makes u think u know what you are talking about

[@jennapicard6892]

It's a opinion so no one should be getting yelled at it for your opinion.

[@mikealmere70]

The way you react disquallified you as a serious person to talk to. And the fact that youre Texan doesnt help either. I live in Europe, we have about 2000 years more experiance in holding cattle. Bye troll.

[@artboydchickenboyd]

wrong we need to try it on you first lost another one

[@aidengoode393]

first

[@offthehook4u]

Wise decision. My sister's male goat was aggressive. It proved to be his downfall when he jumped up in his stall, got his horns caught in the crossbeam and hung himself over night. Truly sad.

[@norahbradley5138]

offthehook4u that's awful. The poor thing.

[@dwohio6398]

Very nice closing segment, too.

[@dwohio6398]

Very nice closing segment, too.

[@dwohio6398]

Very nice closing segment, too.