buck question?/

[Arabiansnob]

Is it a problem to leave a buck in with doe's to long?? Like if they are pregnant will he make them loose the babies??? or they wont get pregnant ?

 

[lilhill]

Personally, I don't leave bucks in with does unless they are breeding. They can chase the does and pester them unmercifully and hurt the kids when they are born. Some folks do it. I just prefer not to.

 

[helmstead]

Our bucks live with a harem of does. We remove the does to a 'wet pen' once their udder starts developing and keep them obviously separated until they're ready to be bred again.

While I agree that bucks have no place around goatlings, and also agree that there's a danger of bucks causing miscarriage in late gestation (which is why we remove @ udder development)...they really won't pester their ladies when the lady isn't in heat.

In my experience a buck with a group of does is happier and calmer. They're also much less destructive.

 

[julieq]

Personally, I don't leave bucks in with does unless they are breeding. They can chase the does and pester them unmercifully and hurt the kids when they are born. Some folks do it. I just prefer not to.

I agree. Although I will leave a mellow buck in a doe pen longer (weeks here, I'm not talking full time), so I guess it depends on the buck. I've actually had to get a younger, inexperienced buck OUT of the doe pen due to an over aggressive herd queen.

 

[helmstead]

I think you guys are only seeing this behavior because your bucks and does aren't accustomed to being together, and hormones wreck havoc...

But, to each his own If it works for you, perfect!

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

I leave my buck with my girls, as well and separate upon udder development. I noticed he is much calmer around them. I totally agree.

Works for us.

 

[20kidsonhill]

Not a big problem, if the buck isn't chasing them around all the time. My buck right now is so calm he is still in with his girls even though they are due in a week, I am planning on taking him out, because I don't want him breeding any one in a couple months, since we breed in August for a december or january kidding. but if you don't care when they get breed back. It wouldn't really matter as long as the buck is being gentle.

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

Our buck is super sweet with the ladies. They did get separated for the last trimester, but I've never see him harass a doe that wasn't cycling.

He's the ONLY goat our herd queen is interested in being friends with and the only one she can't boss around. I've seen her try at the manger- he just looks at her like, "what's your problem?" and goes on eating undeterred. Then she throws a toddler-style hissy fit before giving up. He's clearly in charge without ever making an effort- I love it!

 

[KellyHM]

My buck has lived with my does for the past 2 years without any problems. The girls are separated at kidding and go back in with the buck when the babies are weaned. This year I will have more than 1 buck though, so am in the process of building them a separate area.

 

[AlaskanShepherdess]

Doesn't the buck being in with the girls make your milk bucky? I paraded my bucks in front of my girls (never even touched them) when they got a new pen and that evenings milk tasted bucky. Tasted fine the next morning. :/