Goat suddenly crying all night long

[Kindred farm]

Hi Everyone,

I hope someone can give me some insight...

I have a doe that a week ago suddenly start crying at night for no apparent reason. At first I thought she might be going into heat, but we are going on 8 days of this behavior (too long for a heat cycle, right?). Nothing has changed in her environment; i.e. diet, location, no vac's or worming since behavior change started.

I am at a loss, and losing lots of sleep! I go out to make sure she is okay and there are no predators sneaking around, she quiets down when I go out, but then continues to scream for hours when I go back in (12 AM--4 AM). I have had her over a year and she has never done this before. She didn't even cry when I weaned her kid last year. Any ideas?

 

[mully]

Is she alone and lonely? Sometimes animals can just feel alone and cry for company.

 

[Kindred farm]

No, she isn't alone. I have 2 does, these girls have been together since they were babies. I just didn't mention the other doe because she isn't screaming all night.

 

[kimmyh]

Can you leave a little light on all night?

 

[kimmyh]

Sometimes the light will shut them up. I have a few does who scream for a week before they start to cycle.

 

[Kindred farm]

I have a security light I can leave on for them. I will try it. I got both does last year already bred, so this would be my first cycle with them. I was pretty sure she was coming in heat--but wasn't sure due to the length of time it "seemed" to be lasting. I'll let you know how she does tonight with a night light. Thanks.

 

[kimmyh]

If you have power in the barn, and can leave a dim light on (you don't want a bright light that might affect their cycles, you might be better off. I use a single CFL, cheap to run, and enough to calm the night time issues.