Humane Euthanasia for Goats

Using A Captive Bolt Stunner for Humane Euthansia

Whether you are processing your own goats or have an emergency situation that requires humane euthanasia, this is a great tool to have - Penetrating Captive Bolt Stunner. This tool works for all classes of livestock (see below).

I do own firearms, but admittedly, I'm not really comfortable with them, I'm not a great shot, and I only want to use them if it is an unavoidable self defense situation.

Some people don't know this, but you are not supposed to hold the barrel of a gun right to the goat's head. It can cause blowback and injury to the operator. So for someone who isn't a great shot to begin with, euthanasia using a gun is really tricky, and possibly dangerous. Not to mention how loud they are and the intense kick back most firearms have which can also be a real problem for the operator.

With the penetrating captive bolt stunner, you can hold it directly against their skull (in fact you are absolutely supposed to). It has almost no kickback and is quiet enough that you don't even really need hearing protection while using it (although it is recommended in the manual).

Sound wise... I would compare it to dropping a large heavy hardback book onto a concrete floor from about 6 ft up. I used it without hearing protection and it didn't make my ears ring at all. It didn't spook the goats who were about 20 ft away separated only by the metal barn wall (so no, they didn't see).

Kickback, practically none. I'd be confident that a child 10 and up could safely operate it - although of course only adults should operate it, just saying, it has very little kickback.

Effect - I have only used it once so far, but the goat dropped like a rock. Didn't even have the reflex movements in the legs like I've seen before. That goat was OUT, immediately. You DO HAVE to then cut their jugular within 30 seconds to be sure they do not regain consciousness.

This was BY FAR the calmest, most humane euthanasia I've ever seen. The goat never saw it coming, had zero idea what was happening. Was happily eating grain on the stand, and then it was out like a like light instantly.

I found it cheapest on the FarmerboyAg website. At the time of writing this post, July 2025 - it is $401. Click here for a direct link to it.

It does NOT come with the cartridges you need for goats though. You can get those on the QCSupply website. You need the yellow ones for goats over 1 year old, and the green ones for goats under 1 year old. They are $30 for a 50 pack. Do not use the heavy charges that come with the stunner on goats, it will damage your tool. Click here for a link to the cartridges. If you have other classes of livestock, you need the appropriate charge. It comes with the blue and red charges. Here is the chart:

Cartridge Charge colors

Make sure your angle is good no matter what tool you are using. Right behind the poll, angled towards the muzzle. I've never witnessed such a clean, fast knockout as I did with this tool. I'm very impressed, so thought I would share with you all. Click here to view the diagram below full sized.

Bullet or Bolt placement for Goats

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I live on the side of a mountain with 65 goats and 4 dogs. I make 100% of my living from my homestead. My purpose is to "Inspire, Encourage & Empower".
Read more about my story here....

Humane Euthanasia for Goats

Using A Captive Bolt Stunner for Humane Euthansia

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