Spring Challenges:

Spring Hoof Care: Tackling Wet Weather Challenges for Goats & She

5 March 2025

 Springtime brings longer days, lush green pastures, and… a whole lot of mud. I always joke in springtime saying that our farm is a super productive "MUD FARM"! I'm sure many of you can agree... there is no lack of mushy, slippery, never ending mud when you live on a farm, homestead or just a busy household!

While your goats and sheep may enjoy the fresh growth of small bits of spring pasture, wet conditions create the perfect storm for hoof problems. Whether you have energetic young kids or seasoned nannies, Billy goats, and wethers, maintaining their hooves is a year-round responsibility, and spring is one of the most critical seasons for care.

Why Wet Weather Is Tough on Hooves

Excess moisture and muddy ground can cause a range of hoof issues, including but certainly not limited to:

• Impacted Stones & Mud Buildup: Wet ground can pack mud, small stones, and debris into hooves, causing bruising, infections, and discomfort in every step. 

• Overgrown & Softened Hooves: Constant exposure to moisture softens hooves, making them prone to overgrowth and imbalance, leading to joint strain and difficulty walking.

• Hoof Rot: A painful bacterial infection that thrives in wet, muddy conditions, leading to lameness and swelling and deteriorating soles of the hoof. 

• Foot Scald: A milder but still painful condition that causes raw, irritated skin between the toes - interdigital. 

Remember: When animals find it painful to move their productivity, feeding and mothering skills decrease! 

Preventative Care: Keeping Hooves & Pastures Healthy

While regular trims are key to maintaining hoof health, managing your farm’s environment is just as important. Here are some ways to keep your pastures and shelters drier, reducing the risk of hoof problems:

1. Improve Drainage in Pastures

• Gravel Paths & High-Traffic Areas: Adding gravel to high-traffic zones like gates, feeding areas, and water troughs prevents deep mud from forming.

• French Drains & Trenches: Installing shallow trenches filled with gravel or perforated pipes can help direct water away from low-lying areas.

• Rotational Grazing: Moving animals between different pastures allows overused areas to dry out and recover, reducing excessive mud buildup.

2. Keep Stalls & Bedding Areas Dry

• Regular Cleaning: Wet bedding quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and hoof issues. Clean out soiled bedding daily and add fresh, dry bedding.

• Proper Ventilation: Good airflow helps keep stalls drier, reducing overall moisture buildup.

• Raised Platforms & Mats: Using wooden pallets, rubber mats, or gravel-based flooring in high-use areas like loafing sheds can help keep hooves drier.

Year-Round Hoof Care for Healthier Herds and Flocks

Even with the best management practices, regular hoof maintenance remains crucial. Every goat and sheep in your herd—whether it’s a fast-growing lamb or an older billy—benefits from routine trims to prevent overgrowth, misalignment, and infections.

Book Your Spring Holistic Hoof Care Check & Trim Today!

Don’t wait for lameness to set in—stay ahead of hoof problems with a professional trim! At Homestead Helpers PA, we specialize in small ruminant hoof care, helping your herd stay comfortable no matter the season.

📅 Schedule your appointment now at HomesteadHelpersPA.com

Spring should be about fresh grass and happy hooves—not sore feet and infections. Let us help you keep your herd healthy and thriving!