How to Remove Goat Horns with Bands

Horns may be natural on a goat, but they are not always appreciated by other goats or owners. Goats with horns are more prone to getting their heads hung in fences, sometimes resulting in death. They also have the potential to seriously injure one another as well as humans; as well, if you plan on showing your goats, most associations do not allow horned goats to participate. The most cost-effective and least-stressful methods to remove horns involves using bands.

Things You'll Need

  • Stanchion
  • Electric clippers
  • Metal file
  • Iodine
  • Banding castration tool
  • Castration bands
  • Electrical tape
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Instructions

    • 1
      Removing horns will keep goats from getting their heads hung in fences.

      Secure the goat's head on the stanchion. Clip the hair around the horn base.

    • 2

      File a notch around the horn as close to the head as possible. Wash the area with iodine to kill any germs and decrease the chance of infection.

    • 3

      Place a band on the castration tool and slide it over the horn into the notch.

    • 4

      Wrap and secure electrical tape around the band to keep it from sliding off the horn.

    • 5

      Check the horns regularly and replace bands as needed.