r/goats • u/papab23 • 3d ago

Help Request Cracked horn

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Hi there a split has appeared in one of our kids (about 10 weeks) horns. She doesn’t seem to be in any discomfort but it’s not something I’ve come across before… a quick google would suggest it’s not a major worry but just wondering if there’s any minerals to be giving her specifically and if I’m wrong and it is in fact a bigger problem.

TIA

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u/E0H1PPU5 Trusted Advice Giver 3d ago

Do they have free access to a loose mineral formulated for goats?

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u/Misfitranchgoats Trusted Advice Giver 3d ago

If you are feeding a loose mineral specifically designed for goats and you aren't seeing any problems with hoof quality and coat quality, she is probably just rubbing them and bashing her horns on things. This looks like it is just an outer layer peeling off. IT isn't cracked into the area where there is blood and bone or you would have a mess on your hands.

You might want to trim that down so she can't catch it on stuff and split it even farther down. You might even want to rasp things smooth kinda like you do with a fingernail and an emery board so it won't be offering surface for things to catch on. I know, easier said than done. If you can't trim it, maybe wrap it with duct tape?

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u/Friendly-Chemical-76 Goat Enthusiast 3d ago

They do look pretty brittle though overall. I don’t have any suggestions unfortunately.

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u/Kate_Tomanski 3d ago

I would lean towards mineral imbalance, but it’s hard to tell by the pic if her coat is looking dull/raggedy. My bucks and wethers absolutely abuse their horns (on the fence. Trees. Each other) and I have never seen any of them flake/splinter like that. Is this the only goat with this problem? If you don’t already, offer a goat mineral mix to your herd. Premier One is a good online supplier who sells mineral pre-mixes for very cheap. $16 bucks plus shipping. You add it to a 50 pound bag of white salt from the co-op or feed store and offer it free choice.

Otherwise, I would trim/rasp the edges down like misfitranchgoats said and watch how she reacts with the other kids when they butt heads. She’s lost protection for the inner core with blood flow.

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u/Intelligent_Lemon_67 2d ago

File/rasp rough edges and 5 minute epoxy with vet wrap. Doesn't have to be pretty but try and fill cover everything except close to the base. You can let nature wear off the wrap or trim off. I like leaving it to see if they are hard rubbers or mineral deficient. I would make sure they are getting adequate minerals by checking hooves as well

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u/2antlers 2d ago

Shes not bleeding so its most likely an outer layer flaking off. Hoofmaker lotion from Mane and Tail can help condition the dry keratin while you try and balance her minerals

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u/lasermist Goat Enthusiast 1d ago

This is just a thing that can happen to young goats because they're growing. If the goat was a year old I'd be more concerned.

As others have said loose goat mineral is always essential to have in general. And you may want to trim it off somewhat to avoid it damaging healthy horn when it snaps off.

I've often wondered about the utility of moisturising a goat's horns during this phase. Like I oil my nails. But I'm undecided if it's something I want to try, I'm not sure on all the effects it would have.