Get out of the sun!?

[norcal]

What do I do to get the KIDS out of the sun? They want to lay right next to the gate in the sun, it's 93 degrees outside (low humidity). I've tried to lead them under the oak tree, but they will NOT stay there. They know when the gate opens, they get fed. They certainly don't want to be in their shelter (less breeze there anyhow).

I read a bit about goat heat stroke, not really helpful. I don't know why they won't stay under the tree. Even the chickens know to stay out of the sun.

Help.

 

[lupinfarm]

Well..."You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink"

 

[spotnapp]

Maybe put up a small lean too near the gate for shade. Then again they may not go under it either.

 

[freemotion]

Can you feed them under the oak tree, to change the association?

93 with low humidity isn't too hot when one is loafing, though, is it?

 

[norcal]

There is grass there, but I put some straw down for bedding (though I think they prefer the dirt). Then put some hay/alfalfa there, they stood & ate for a while. Then right back to the gate.

Maybe a little lean-to is in order. My only worry was that they wouldn't know they are getting heat stroke, or that the shade is cooler. ha
Anyhow, it's supposed to be in the triple digits by the end of next week. Was a nice cool couple first weeks in June, while it lasted.

 

[norcal]

Is there anything to do for goats, like frozen water bottles for chickens/rabbits?? I know they are susceptible to pneumonia, so is it bad to spray them down when it's roasting hot? Do they like/hate that?

Humor the newbie......

 

[Farmer Kitty]

For a quick shade at the gate, you could hang a canvass/tarp.

I have no clue on spraying them down but, good luck.

 

[mully]

when goats are uncomfortable in the sun they will move ...goats do not like to be uncomfortable. Misting water on them even if they would stand for it would not cool then for more than 5-10 minutes. I guess the question I would have is how long are they tanning?

 

[norcal]

When they are not grazing/playing, they are laying by the gate. Most of the day. ??

The gate opens to the East. I have figured I will get some shade cloth or a tarp and attach it to the gate, that will keep the late afternoon/evening sun off of them (coming from the West). The only problem with covering the top, is - the gate needs to open, not sure how I could rig that up.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

Most of the day. ??

yep... thats what they do. i guess we should ask what breed? i think the big concern is with the alpines what get over heated, sunburned etc.... but the heat-loving breeds are just doin' their do and sittin' in the sun.