Handling "Shy" goats

[AimsChickies]

Hey All! I am new to the forum(very first post) but really need help with an issue!

I recently got my first two Nigerian Does (last weekend). They are Shy, and mostly run from me. If I am on the outside of the fence one will let me pet her head, and actually really enjoys it. The other will periodically take treats from my hand, but does not want to be touched at all. I knew they were shy going into it, but i was wondering if anyone has some pointers on how to get them more comfortable being around me. I plan to milk these does (that was the major point behind getting them) but would like to get them a little more comfortable with me before they kid and I attempt to milk them.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

Welcome!!

And Congrats on your new goaties.

In answer to your question. It takes time. They need time to trust you and get to know you. I had gotten a buck this summer and he was not handled much at all by people. I would spend alot of time with him..just hanging out reading a book or something..and now were like old friends. He is still a bit timid...but nothing like when we first got him home. Routine is important for them...and when they realise your the lady with the food daily, they will be your best friend soon enough.

I also found raisins or a favorite snack worked really well to. Cuz as he was eating the snack I would touch the side of his face and pat his sides..he learned I was'nt that bad and was nothing to fear. Time and patience..thats all...spend time with them..and they will become familar with you.

Goats cant see well behind and above thier heads...so they really dont like to be patted there unless they know you well and trust you. Thats my expirence anyway. My girls I can pat on thier heads...but no one else can..they pull away...so I tell people to touch thier necks or sides so they see what your doing.

Good luck...have a blast...goaties are the best!!! Be patient and they will be your best friends soon enough!!

 

[glenolam]

Emmetts said it all - I'll sum it up by saying TIME TIME and MORE TIME.

 

[AimsChickies]

Thanks I've been sitting with them in the mornings and when i get home from work in the evenings. Over the weekends I'll try to spend a few hours out there just hanging out. Maybe get a tan (living in florida and all, haha). They are on a regular routine, ive been letting them out and feeding them all at the same times each day so they should be getting used to that.

 

[warthog]

What your doing sounds good, again just time.

Mine were really shy when I first got them, didn't take too long. Now they fight each other out of the way to see who can get to me first.

 

[savingdogs]

Food is the way to their heart....we have a shy one too, but she came around because she is a piglet. Actually, she is a goat, but you know what I mean.

 

[bettybohemian]

Im also new to goats and rhos forum (my goodness I love these goats). I got mine around a month ago (2 pygora does, a ND buck, and a ND cross wether). After about a week, one doe will do back flips for me if she sees me with the magic blue pale....not really but you know what I mean. The other doe is stil
Very suspicious of me. I keep their halter in a bag of sweetfeed. Then slip it over their noses after t he yve been mumching awhile. They are definately teaching me patience. Zen and the art of goat raising-lol

 

[chandasue]

Yep. It just takes time and dedication. But you will be rewarded if you can stick it out. I had one that was very skittish of me for about 4 months before she decided I wasn't so bad after all. Really feeding her by hand is what finally gained her trust. After about 3 months of just hanging out with her, standing next to her while she ate and trying to coax her with treats, I decided the only way she was going to get grain was from my hand and that sped up the process considerably. If you can, try to get to the point of getting her up on the stand and getting her used to you handling her udder too. When you are first milking don't be afraid to use a hobble. It helps keep them from kicking a lot until they get used to being milked. After a week or two you won't need it anymore. Nothing more frustrating that dumping milk that they've stuck their dirty feet in.

 

[glenolam]

Maybe get a tan (living in florida and all, haha).

*says sarcastically* HA HA HA....

 

[AimsChickies]

Thank you all for the advice! I appreciate it!