Newbie owner with Nigerian Does that have scours...

[thegriffiths]

Yesterday morning I noticed that one of my Nigerian does had diarrhea. She is 2 years old and we just got them about 3 weeks ago. Today, my wife found that the other one also now has the same issue (she didnt yesterday). We have a 9 week old doeling that is running with them (got her 1 week ago) but she hasnt showed any signs of the same problem.

Other than the scours, I dont see any other problems. These does are just now warming up to us and its still hard to check them over since they are extremely skittish.

This is my first experience with an ill goat. What should I check for? Treatment? Do I need to separate the doeling from them to keep her from having the same issue?

Thanks in advance.

Matt

 

[purplequeenvt]

Have they had any changes in their diet lately? More grain, richer hay, fresh grass or greens?

 

[thegriffiths]

I have been feeding them clean fresh water, good quality hay (no change since they came to us), TSC goat feed with some sweet feed mixed in (about 1 cup a day each).

Since they have been so skittish - my wife has been enticing them to come to her with raisins and then also some scrap foods. Apple peals, celery stalk leaves and such.

I did notice also that they have been gnawing at the wood on their shed. Maybe this has caused them some issues?

 

[Suburbanfarmer]

While it could be a serious problem, my first response to any digestive problem with any of my animals (goats, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, etc) is a good probiotic. I usually use Probios paste in the syringe (easy to find at most feed stores). It's a good first step before looking at more serious issues.

Just the move in general could stress their system and cause tummy upset.

Good luck!
-K

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Ditch the sweet feed.

Stress from moving can cause digestive upset, and can cause an immune system to not act as efficiently as it should. I would take in a sample (from both goats) to a vet and ask them to check for coccidia and worms, then treat as they direct (both because they are scouring and because it is just a good practice when getting a new animals---wise to have them looked at and to make a relationship with a vet). In the meantime, probios, water, and hay. Check for a temperature as well.


As far as separating them, I would normally say yes, to keep any possibly sick goat away from ones who are not but do they only have each other as companions?

 

[thegriffiths]

Thanks for all the help everyone. Both of the does are now back to normal. I basically just waited it out - I think it was stress and change in feed from the original owners to mine.