New Home Anxiety

[RBauscher]

We are first time diary goat owners and brought home two does this past Saturday. One is a 2 year old milker and the other is a bottle fed doe who is 6 weeks old. It is going great with the little one, she has a voracious appetite and seems to have settled in fine, affectionate, active and generally happy. But the older doe has barely eaten since bringing her home. I brought home the feed she was used to but she barely nibbles it, she has plenty of good hay and fresh water. We even have a fenced area with access to honeysuckle and other "good" greens. She nibbles a few leaves and that's it. We kept her routine the same in terms of time and feeding her on the milking stand. She might take one nibble or two from our hand, but no more. She bleats mournfully, but does appear to be bonding with my husband who gives her extra attention. We expected that her milk production can drop from the anxiety of the move, but with her not eating we are afraid she is going to dry off. She's alert, active and doesn't appear sick in any way, she just doesn't eat. We'd appreciate suggestions from all you goat pro's!!!!

 

[ksalvagno]

Just keep spending time with her. She is lonely for her herd. It is going to take her a while to get used to her new surroundings.

 

[20kidsonhill]

this is normal for goats, They have such strong herd instincts. I would give her probiotics to help her stomach, but pretty much time will help her adjust to you all.