Black Goat Kid turning orange

[SDGsoap&dairy]

Your doe with horns is the healthiest looking in terms of body condition. It's basically impossible to overfeed alfalfa when it comes to a 4 month old kid- she needs the extra protein and calcium while she's growing. Our kids get free choice alfalfa. I understand your reticence to overfeed grain- but growing kids need the extra nutrition. As long as you maintain the proper cah ratios and work her up gradually there shouldn't be an issue. At our farm alfalfa is really the cornerstone of our feeding program- everyone gets plenty of it. The amount of grain we feed depends on the individual's needs.

And no- the rough hair coat isn't a breed thing. While her coat may always be different that the others it should still be healthy looking. The easiest way to judge body condition is to clip her and to get your hands on her.

 

[SuburbanFarmChic]

The long coat is a genetic thing but the rough coat isn't. The golden one looks better, but in the photo I can see the hip bone outlines of the black and white one.

Remember you can't judge goat fatness by their stomach. A skinny goat can have a "fat" stomach.


They are both super cute though and I think you'll be able to get them turned around pretty quickly. Do get a fecal done though to make sure you aren't dealing with worms or cocci.

 

[Reptigirl]

Well now I feel bad. I didn't think they looked so sickly.

The black one has always been a little thin in the hip on one side. I kind of contributed that to her not using her leg fully and the chronic limp she has always had. (lack of muscle) I was told the mom steps on her back leg right after birth.

I knew the coat color change had to be something. Although at first I was sure it was from the peroxide..until it started spreading.

I just assumed that the goat kids were going through a "lanky" growing stage that the drought wasn't helping.

I already called to have the house call vet come out at his unreasonable fee . I could freakin fix my car problems for the fee he is charging us :/. I just don't think it's fair to crate up the kids and drive them over 4+ hours in our 100+ degree weather. Plus this way I can get everyone looked at.

I'm not entirely sure what everyone is calling "rough coat"? Her coat is actually soft and fluffy. Especially after a bath she is super fluffy. Her coat is just so "thick" all the dirt & dust sticks in it. Everything is so dusty here even my dogs look dull after 5 minutes running outside.

I guess I have a lot to learn. Where can I learn more about body conditioning/scoring?

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

Notice how the hairs look crimped and overall the coat is dull? That's what is meant by a rough coat.

Why not just take the fecal to the vet? They shouldn't charge more than $20 at the MOST to run a fecal and then you'll know exactly where you stand on her parasite burden. The dewormers and cocci meds are over the counter.

Owning goats is a learning experience whether you've have them for 10 days or 10 years. Don't feel bad- just learn from your mistakes, correct them, and then onward and upward.

 

[Reptigirl]

Hum.. I can see the dullness mainly because of the strange color change..... The wavy hair has always been there. When she is wet she looks like a poodle. Has always seemed like her coat type. It drizzled a little this morning and she got damp. That made the waves come out. Would feel better about a livestock specific vet looking at them. I must be overlooking something and I can't risk losing these kids. My son is really attached to them. He would be devastated!!!!!

When I posted I thought it might be something simple...like additional minerals. I really didn't think it could be something serious. I definitely didn't realize all my goats were in bad shape. I thought I was doing well with them.

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

From a body condition stand point your older, horned doe does look like she's in good health. Her coat looks normal- no scruffiness. I wouldn't say she's in bad shape. The younger gold doe isn't in what I would consider bad shape either, but she could use a little weight. Kids need more in terms of nutrition and parasite management, so that may be why you're seeing more of an issue with your two younger does than the adult. Any management issues you have are going to be magnified in the kids because they are far more at risk of parasite burdens and because they need a lot of calories to fuel growth. Again, just a learning experience for you. Hopefully your livestock vet can give you some good advice!