Getting our babies tomorrow!!! [PICS ADDED!!!]

[aggieterpkatie]

Thanks, everyone! We do love these little guys! They spent their first night out in the barn last night, and seemed to do quite well, although they were very happy to see me and the girls this morning with their warm bottles. My MIL came over last night for dinner and injections. Went, ok, but not great. What size needles does everyone use for the C/D-T? We were recommended the 18ga by a goat-owner/employee of TSC ... mmmmm, not a good idea!

I generally use 20 ga., but will use 18 if that's all I have on hand.

 

[cmjust0]

I use a 22ga for C/D-T and other watery stuff. A 20ga works for most everything else.

The only thing I usually recommend giving w/ an 18ga needle is PenG, since it's usually a suspension with fairly large particles.


You're right though -- an 18ga is like a sharpened stovepipe.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

You're right though -- an 18ga is like a sharpened stovepipe.

When I had my gallbladder out the IV hurt like hell. I asked the nurse if it was an 18 ga. and she said yes. I told her that's what we used for cow IV's. She laughed. I still have a scar.

 

[BJnMe]

My MIL will be using a smaller needle next time for sure! Compared to the 16ga the employee was showing me, the 18ga looked more reasonable, and I went with the advice that's what she uses for her goats. I had my list with me, but had neglected to write down a needle size (I think I was planning on getting back on here before we left for errands and forgot!). Well, I guess I will have 18's on hand if we ever need it for the PenG!

On another note - the guys are doing great this morning, no noticeable tenderness at the injection site, and are enjoying their new digs!

 

[aggieterpkatie]

My MIL will be using a smaller needle next time for sure! Compared to the 16ga the employee was showing me, the 18ga looked more reasonable, and I went with the advice that's what she uses for her goats. I had my list with me, but had neglected to write down a needle size (I think I was planning on getting back on here before we left for errands and forgot!). Well, I guess I will have 18's on hand if we ever need it for the PenG!

On another note - the guys are doing great this morning, no noticeable tenderness at the injection site, and are enjoying their new digs!

A 16?! I wonder who would ever need one of those?!

 

[BJnMe]

Toby and Nigel have been doing great in the barn! Well, ok, so it's only been 36 hours. I will be heading out with their morning bottles in about half an hour. Yesterday, they each sucked down 20 ounces at each of their three feedings, so I think being in a larger area, and outside where it is cooler has improved their appetites. They have also kinda play-nibbled at their pellets, hay, and minerals. We were hoping that providing the minerals would convince Toby that he doesn't need to eat dirt, but he still does. This is not going to hurt him, right? The only to keep him from doing that is putting a muzzle on him!

 

[freemotion]

As horrifying as it is to us, they ALL eat dirt!

 

[jodief100]

A 16?! I wonder who would ever need one of those?!

That is what they use for dialysis.

 

[Roll farms]

If you sort of pound on their chest a little (a good, firm pat) after they finish their bottles, it helps to clear the bit of milk they've sucked down their pipes out....they'll cough a bit right then but in my experienced it's greatly reduced the wheezing / hacking that happens for a while after bottles are taken, if you leave it for them to clear out on their own.

I don't worry much if kids don't finish 1 bottle...if they refuse 2, I go on alert....if they won't take a 3rd, I start treatment (usually it's e coli in younger kids or cocci in older ones, but there are so many things it could be....best to get a temp taken and call your vet.)

We use 20 ga needled for nearly everything....18 are reserved for Nuflor (antibiotic I don't use often) and other thick stuff.

Congrats for getting some nice looking boys.

 

[BJnMe]

Thanks for all the great information! The boys are doing great. They are still sucking down 20-ounce bottles three times a day, but aren't really interested in their hay or feed (we have maybe a half-cup in their feeder and offer it to them every time we are in there with them. Nigel will mouth the food, but neither really eat any of it at this point.

Now, here's the new thing. We may be getting a doe or two, but are still waiting to hear what the situation is. If we do get a doe or two, they will be older than our boys. Will it be ok to house all of them together?