Please help I am a new mom to a baby goat

[kinder]

All I can say is what I've heard, and that is ...Goats are a herd animal and is generally kept by 2 or more. They usually have a bunk mate, another doe, or a weathered male. Other animals don't count. With that said. I'm not saying she wont survive. But she will get lonely, and even get noisy;ie. crying for attention. She comes to you because she sees you as her herd, and will most likely ride your shirt tail for the rest of her time. So if she makes a lot of noise when your not around ... this is most likely why.!!! I have heard they can dye of loneliness;. But not sure how true that is . Just be prepared to gain a shadow.

 

[Creativity01]

Well she does cry for just a few minutes and then she is jumping around outside. When I go outside she comes running to me and follows me everywhere. At night she goes into her bed and falls asleep, each night I notice her cries get shorter and shorter. Last night was the first night she didn't cry. She looked so cute sleeping. Her shelter is right under my bedroom Window.

 

[kinder]

Oh so sweet. . I'm no expert but she sounds like she'll be fine. Do you think she can hear you or censes you are near.???

 

[rebelINny]

It is always best to have two goat together for companionship but I have seen single goats that are with their owner's 80% of the time that do VERY well and are very much like dogs. I'd say as long as you spend alot of time with her she should be fine.

 

[Creativity01]

Oh yes she can definitely hear me or sense me. When I pull into the driveway she is already calling out to me, wagging her tail and standing on top of my chair where she naps with me in the afternoons. I love her so much! she acts just like a puppy and I swear every time she calls out to me it sounds like zhe is saying maaamaaa(mama) or is that just me?

 

[Creativity01]

I guess since she sleeps under my bedroom window she knows I am right by her side!

 

[kinder]

That's wonderful . I'm happy for the both of you. As far as you feeling like she's saying momma. I am a believer of human and animal communication.!! And as long as you feel that she is saying momma, than perhaps she is. Your in for a long and binding partnership. ( life willing ). Sure hope you'll let us Goaties share in the growth of your relationship.

 

[Creativity01]

I sure will everyone has blessed me so much thank you

 

[MerriweatherJoy]

Hi, I'm a brand new-bie and am in a similar situation. I just got 2 precious week-old pygmy nannies from a local breeder. I have been reading for hours on the web to learn about them. A lot of what he said has been incorrect according to many goat owners; like use milk replacers. He also said to "keep them inside a pen in the barn until its 80* out or so.." They have never seen daylight! The barn was dark, with many crowded into small pens.

Okay, I need help from you all! I don't know where you are Creativity01, but I'm in SE Penn. and we're just getting mild weather. When can they go outside? Can I take them out for a short time with me in the sun at certain temperatures?
They have been nursing from their moms; will they have stomach problems these first few days on whole cow's milk? (I learned about the right ones.) Do I need a heat source near them at night? Is straw enough or do they need old blankets to lay on?

Thanks so much!!! I am so happy and grateful to have this amazing experience, I have wanted to have goats since I was 16! Blessings to all~

 

[Pearce Pastures]

She looks to me to be at least part Nigerian and I would guess her to be around 6 months old, but if you had a weight, might adjust that guess.

First, given you are new at this, I recommend taking in a fecal sample to a vet before deciding to treat her for internal parasites. Eyelid checks are good for seeing if she has barberpole worms, which do need treating if she is loaded with them, but have a vet help you. Fecal testing is usually pretty cheap and gets your relationship with a vet started in case you need help down the road.

Second, get another goat. Even with lots of companionship from you, goats are herd animals and no human or other animal can bring the security and happiniess that another goat will. Plus they are a hoot to watch together. Now is a great time to find another goat too.

Third, the lice can be easily treat with dust from your local farm supply store. Be careful not to breathe it in yourself, and avoid the goats getting it in their lungs or eyes (my DH holds a hankie over their face while I dust them). Mark on a calendar to retreat her in 2 weeks to catch any rehatch.