How would YOU handle this scenario? Herd intros

[want less]

So let's assume you're past quarantining, everyone is healthy, etc. It's now time to introduce some goats.

Here's what you have goat-wise:

A small LaMancha yearling doe (weighs ~70 lbs) and her 6 wk old doeling (weighs ~25 lbs). She came from a herd of yearlings but for the last 6 weeks has been by herself with baby. Very mild mannered.

and

A large Nubian/Apline 4yr old doe (weighs ~ a lot) who is very pregnant and about 2 weeks away from kidding. She has spent the last 4 years in a large herd and is quiet but tends to be "in charge" of the herd.


Here's what you have facility-wise:

3 horse stalls that are goat safe, but have solid walls between them (so no "meeting through the wall" opportunities there). One stall is a double foaling stall (12' x 24').

1 riding arena that has been converted into a very large goat pen with goat-safe fencing.

Horse pastures surrounding goat pen with fencing that will not contain goats.


-- So in this situation, there is no way for the does to meet through fencing in neighboring pens unless one is on a lead being walked.


Would you put the two does together and let them figure it out while keeping the 6 wk old baby separate? And if so, at what point would you introduce baby? There are no other goats on the property, only horses who care nothing about being goat companions.

Any and all thoughts, suggestions, ideas welcome.

Additional question... how do you get your husband to put his dirty clothes in the hamper and not on the floor? Or is this a losing battle?

 

[aggieterpkatie]

I'd just put them together and let them work it out. Maybe make 2 feeding areas so they can both eat if they don't get along (so one doesn't bully the other). At this age, the kid is big enough to get out of the way if the other doe doesn't like her.

ETA: Sorry, can't help with the husband issue. Goats are easier to deal with.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

x2 put them together and they will rank themselves. Might see some bickering but it won't be long before they have order. As far as the 6 week old though, I might keep her separate but close for a few more weeks until she is a bit thicker and can take getting knocked down (because she will get knocked down). It depends on your assessment of her though since I mostly deal with tiny Nigerian babies. The only reason I say wait for her is that while the big girls are working it out, they will be looking to butt their way into a high ranking position and baby might not be strong enough for that many hits. Once the big girls work it out, baby will still get popped a few times but mostly by the low ranking does who just want to hold their position.

Can you make a sort of creep feed set up so she can escape if she needs to?

And hubs? Put his dirty clothes in the front seat of his truck every time he leave them on the floor. He will get mad but just innocently tell him you thought that was where they went and let him TRY to tell you about the hamper

 

[want less]

x2 put them together and they will rank themselves. Might see some bickering but it won't be long before they have order. As far as the 6 week old though, I might keep her separate but close for a few more weeks until she is a bit thicker and can take getting knocked down (because she will get knocked down). It depends on your assessment of her though since I mostly deal with tiny Nigerian babies. The only reason I say wait for her is that while the big girls are working it out, they will be looking to butt their way into a high ranking position and baby might not be strong enough for that many hits. Once the big girls work it out, baby will still get popped a few times but mostly by the low ranking does who just want to hold their position.

Can you make a sort of creep feed set up so she can escape if she needs to?

What about if baby is still nursing during the day? (mom & baby are separated at night) And baby is built like a bulldog, she's going to be bigger than mama no doubt. But I'm learning here so I didnt know if it was inappropriate for the baby to be in with adults in addition to mama.

And hubs? Put his dirty clothes in the front seat of his truck every time he leave them on the floor. He will get mad but just innocently tell him you thought that was where they went and let him TRY to tell you about the hamper

good idea! Hmm... especially once it starts warming up good. Those gross sweaty clothes will ferment in there like nobody's business. :bun

 

[want less]

ETA: Sorry, can't help with the husband issue. Goats are easier to deal with.

True.... very true... lol!

 

[promiseacres]

X2 on advice on the goats....

As for the dh only wash what's in the hamper let the rest stay where it lays....Or suck it up a keep picking it up and kindly remind him about the hamper...

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Oh, if she is nursing, mom will be a great help in making sure she doesn't get too banged up and if baby is pretty thick, then yes go ahead and put them all together.