How do I introduce new goats to my hersd?

[catholder]

I currently have 2 very sweet babied Nubian/Bore cross 1yr old hornless does...they might be pregnant. We are getting new goats tomorrow not sure of the breed - a doe with 3 babies - not sure of horns or age of the doe. She is a well behaved and has milked before.
How is the best way to introduce the whole bunch to each other?

Thanks

 

[zatsenoughcritters4me]

most people keep them near each other in different pens, so they can meet by the fenceline. If the doe is with her 3 babies she will protect them and try to keep the others away if you put them together.
most people keep them separate also for a while to make sure they are not sick to not infect the herd.
you must post pic's when you get them!!

 

[Chirpy]

If you have the ability it's always wisest to quarantine any new farm animal you bring onto your place for several weeks or a month.

When I have introduced new goats I've tried both putting them in the pen with the others at night so they are all bedding down together and putting them in first thing in the morning so I can watch them all day to make sure things go relatively smoothly. It's worked both ways for me but I've always felt better putting them in together in the morning so I could keep an eye on them.

Goats will be goats and will head butt and side butt each other to establish dominance. A momma goat can be quite protective so she may be quite "mean" to the other goats. I have not brought a momma and kids into my herd where the momma wasn't part of the herd before having kids. I always wait until my kids are two weeks old and getting around really well before putting them and momma with the herd so that they babies can get out of the way of the other goats. Also, make sure you have plenty of space for everybody to get out of the way as they establish dominance.

Someone with your situation will hopefully chime in and give personal experience.

 

[pattyjean73]

I'm just now into goats so I don't have any experience. But it seems to me that letting them run in a pen side by side for a week or two (after quarentine) will give them a chance to see one another and smell one another. I know my goats don't get distracted very easily during feeding time. I feed them first thing in the morning and then late in the evening just as it's getting dark and they start bedding down. I would think the evening feeding time would be a great time to pull the new goats in with the established herd. Just make sure there is plenty of room at the feeder for them all.

This method will only work if you're doing a community style feeding. If you feeding them all seperately (which I'm trying to get set up to do) I'm not sure it would be as effective. I'd love to hear some feedback on this idea. As I look to buy a couple more boers and a few more milking goats soon. Thanks