Purchasing bred does, questions

[dwbonfire]

I'm in the process of purchasing two bred alpine does. They are supposed to be due around April. They are about 2.5 hours away, so I am nervous about the transport taking a toll on them and causing problems. Is there anything I should do to be sure they don't get too stressed or sick from the long drive and stress of moving to a new home? I had a ram years ago that died a few weeks after bringing him home, and when I had a necropsy done it showed pneumonia, probably came on after the stress of transport. He never showed me any signs other than a single cough one time, that's all I remember he did. I am really worried about this, and unsure what I can give pregnant does. Thanks in advance for any advice and tips!!

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Prepare a place for them that is quiet and away from other animals (first, for quarantine practice but second, it will reduce stress). Have it ready for them before they get there so they can go right in and then give them a few days of limited contact with you to just let them settle in.

During the travel, stop once an hour to let them stand steady and pee during the travel.

Take their temp the day they arrive, then every day after for 5 days to catch signs of fever or low body temp.

For the first week, listen and watch for coughing, sneezing, wheezy breath, runny nose, crusty eyes.

 

[babsbag]

Everything @Pearce Pastures said but also find out what they are being fed and try to duplicate that on your farm; buy some from the current owner if needed and bring it home. Any changes in feed do gradually.

 

[Southern by choice]

I agree with @Pearce Pastures except the stopping every hour. That will induce more stress. Once the animal lays down or relaxes a 2.5 hour trip is nothing. Stopping, walking, getting the goat in/out will be more stressful.
Keep vehicle cool.
We have transported many goats far longer than 2.5 hours.
Provide water during transport and hay.

best to keep area only as large as you need it in transport. We have found goats that have too much room stand, pace, stress instead of lay down and chew their cud.

We have had many of our goats leave our farm and travel 3..5- 4 hours away and no issues but all follow our transport conditions...
cage/crate etc.

 

[OneFineAcre]

I transported bred does Nigerians 8 hours in dog carriers
No issues

 

[Latestarter]

Congrats of your soon to be acquired bred does! Hope you'll share some pics when you get them home... Good luck on the transport, shouldn't be a major issue. Just because you lost the buck doesn't mean it was because of the trip or that it's going to happen again. Just keep them out of the wind and confined so they'll relax and stay put, and drive like the wind! Ummmm no... kidding... drive SAFE & SANE! Have a good trip!

 

[dwbonfire]

Thanks everyone!! I am waiting to hear back about the feed they are on. And I will be sure to check temps daily. Only thing is, my only way to transport them is in the bed of my truck in wire dog cages. I can put tarps over them to block wind. Should that be ok?

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I've taken many trips with goats that were 8 hour plus. We stopped when human bladders said stop, lol. One of the biggest issues I had when moving goats - either showing or purchasing was to get the animals to drink adequately. My goats are on well water at home and refused to drink chlorinated water that was at most shows.

So, I brought water from home to every show I went to and I never had a goat go off their water. There are other ways to get the goat to drink besides carrying water from home. You could ask the seller to start spiking their water with flavored Gatorade or Koolaid so they get accustomed to that flavor and continue to use it when you get them home for a few days.

Going overboard - maybe...but it's better to do a little extra up front than to deal with a problem when you get home.

Hope it works out well for you and congrats!

 

[Hens and Roos]

when we purchased our 3 bred does, it was Feb and winter here. The trip was 3 hours. DH built a set of sides to fit on top of our pick up truck box and covered it with a heavy duty tarp. We bedded the back of the truck with straw and they rode great that way.

Good luck and share some pictures of your new additions!

 

[Southern by choice]

My goats are on well water at home and refused to drink chlorinated water that was at most shows.

Funny you should say that! @Goat Whisperer and I did a class last month- it was a regional event... we took 2 of her does and 2 of mine- first time going off the farm. We did not bring our water and used water at the Ag center....

THEY WOULDN"T TOUCH IT! I was kickin' myself because I knew that was going to happen and I simply forgot to bring our own.

Poor girls went a long time without drinking any water. They just refused. And they won't drink Molasses water so we couldn't even spike it.