Help!! New goat mommy in CT.

[Dogma]

Hello friends. I just got fecal back from lab. Strongyle eggs 4+ the breeder gave them ivomec on Sunday. Any suggestion I'm looking for a vet in my area... Thank you.

 

[Southern by choice]

I would ask what the 4+ means.

they may be using a scale as in 1,2,3,4+ the 4+ being top range but not giving you much info.

If they were doing and EPG count it wouldn't say 4+

Ask what kind of load is a 4+

You may want to repaet Ivomec in 10-14 days.
What dose did the breeder give?

 

[Latestarter]

Hey Lady... just to clarify, there are NO wrong questions... EVERY question, especially for you right now, is a valid one and most will simply lead to more questions. Goatie kindergarten so to speak All the Q's everyone is asking you back isn't to make you feel like you did something wrong... It's to help you learn more And not all Q's have a yes/no right/wrong answer... The answer just is what it is.

You're doing great and your goats are just fine from what I can see! Keep learning!

 

[manybirds]

Goats are easy! I had some really hard times with my goats when I started and I learned a lot of things from it, nothing difficult goes into keeping them healthy but the little things make a difference. For one keep you hay/grain off the ground. hay on the ground breeds worms and parasites and causes problems. same goes for grain. As far as minerals, get a goat one not a goat/sheep one because goat ones have copper and goat/sheep ones don't. Clean fresh water, they need to have a spot to get away from wet and drafty areas. Worm only when they look like they need it (I do it when their kids are like 2 weeks old also so that the kids get it through the milk just to be certain). I live in a selenium low area so I provide a selenium block also (or shots of BoSe work). Sorry if I repeated anything I didn't read through all the comments before I posted.

 

[Dogma]

I would ask what the 4+ means.

they may be using a scale as in 1,2,3,4+ the 4+ being top range but not giving you much info.

If they were doing and EPG count it wouldn't say 4+

Ask what kind of load is a 4+

You may want to repaet Ivomec in 10-14 days.
What dose did the breeder give?

4+ means greater than 50 eggs or parasites. I think he gave 1 ml of ivomec.

 

[Dogma]

Hey Lady... just to clarify, there are NO wrong questions... EVERY question, especially for you right now, is a valid one and most will simply lead to more questions. Goatie kindergarten so to speak All the Q's everyone is asking you back isn't to make you feel like you did something wrong... It's to help you learn more And not all Q's have a yes/no right/wrong answer... The answer just is what it is.

You're doing great and your goats are just fine from what I can see! Keep learning!

Thank you so much. I am definitely learning and appreciate the help and questions. I guess I just feel like I should have asked the breeder more questions at pick up since he's not answering my emails now. Thank you for the kind words. I'm just so nervous about not doing right by them. I love them so much.

 

[Dogma]

 

[Southern by choice]

Ok 50+ eggs still isn't an EPG Count which you won't have because they didn't do a McMasters Method but it sounds like the wormer was necessary.
Honestly she looks heavier than 33lbs - In this pic she is "hunched" up. Was she cold? stressed?

Because you just got them in I would say having a vet out for a general exam is in your and their best interest. Make sure the vet is a GOAT vet! Goats are not sheep and not cows. grrr If you have a hrad time finding one than see if the livestock vet is willing to work with you in the goat venture. Some vets will flat out tell you I am a cattle vet or equine vet... but I will do the best I can.

There are great people on this forum that can't be your vet but can help walk you through your new great experience, give recommendations based on experience as well as knowledge and all around support your new found goat addiction. ooops- I meant addition.

 

[babsbag]

@Southern by choice ...you know darn well that you meant addiction.

And @Dogma, as a new goat owner it is the breeders' job to answer the questions you didn't ask. Many of us have been where you are so you are among friends, ask away.

My vet is a goat vet but I have to take my goats to her clinic for most things. While that can be a pain, it is much cheaper than a farm call.

 

[Southern by choice]

@Southern by choice ...you know darn well that you meant addiction.

Babs SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!