Help--Goat laying down in the stanchion

[ChksontheRun]

When we got them 3 weeks ago, they had already been together for the last 9 months so we know we may have pregnant does. We have the vet coming out next week to find out for sure. the 9 month old doe is the only one we are totally concerned about. We will get his opinion on the situation. We currently don't have a way to separate them and figure another week really won't change much. We hope to have a home for the buck by then, or he will be castrated by then.

When we got these goats, they had been fed well, but otherwise had been really neglected due to a very difficult personal situation on the part of their previous owner. They would have nothing to do with people in general, and the adults hoofs are in pretty bad shape. We have our work cut out, but it is a good learning experience and we really feel like we have given them a better life.

 

[glenolam]

Good for you to give them a better life! I'm glad to hear that you at least know what's going on and have a plan to fix it.

I got off the phone earlier with someone trying to sell a buck and a doe and she said the doe's possibly pregnant - just gave birth 5 months ago but the buck has been allowed to stay with her and the 2 doelings and that person didn't think there was anything wrong with it. Actually sounded happy that she might be bred again. I tried my hardest to sound pleasant, but I think she might have gotten my point when I said "And you think it's OK to leave him with the doe and doelings?"

 

[ChksontheRun]

We are new to goats, but did do quite a bit of research before getting them. We planned on getting goats next spring, but an add in a local paper advertised a herd of 7 being sold for a very good price due to her personal difficulty. We thought it would be a good way for us to learn before we spend quite a bit more on a few very good goats. I am very glad we are doing this. I feel good about giving them a good home as we really love our animals, and it is giving us a much better idea of how to care for these wonderful animals. And, we are getting a little milk to make the whole deal even sweeter.

We are learning so much and loving every minute of it. I just wish I did not have to work too as it would be so much more fun to stay home, play with goats, dogs, and chickens, and make yogurt, or cheese and quilt. Alas, the hobbies do take some income to support

 

[glenolam]

You're in the same dilemma as me, my friend! The only thing I think about at work is what I could be doing at home instead!

Unfortunately, we make our own beds and for now I have to work so we can keep the life we're used to. If I didn't work we'd have to give up things like the 2nd car and electricty (before the goats, cows and chickens, of course!). Maybe some day.....

 

[ChksontheRun]

OK, more frustration. We had a relatively good few days, and now it seems that Ms. Kicks a lot found out that kicking didn't do her any favors so she decided to start the laying down thing. So her name is Ms. Kicks a little AND Lays a lot. We have made a sling with a tow webbing about 1 inch wide that we put around her when she starts to lay down during milking. She looks so uncomfortable. I dont want to hurt her but I do want to convince her that laying down is just not acceptable. Please tell me this will not hurt her. I have to believe that if it was causing her pain she would not do it.

On to a bit of success..... We were able to get hoofs of the 3 girls trimmed a bit today. It looks like they have not been trimmed for a long long time. The older two goats have splayed hoofs so we have a lot to do to get them in better condition. We will keep doing a little every few days till we get them down in better condition. What does hoof rot look like?

I know they are glad we are out of their barn now. I think it wore them out.....Not to mention me.

 

[henrymilker]

I had a goat who would lay down at milking time. I was able to use a small stool that fit under her perfectly, if she laid down the stool would hold her up. It worked OK. What worked better was selling her.

 

[ChksontheRun]

Exactly. That is what I threatened her with tonight. You should have seen us. I had her folded up legs and back end on my knee while husband milked away. No kicking, no butting, just orneryness!!!! I wonder when she will get the message that we will not accept laying down.

 

[glenolam]

Just keep at it! As frustrating as it is, you can either get rid of her or just keep trying and hope that eventually she'll get it.