sick of this dang goat...thoughts/advice please

[theawesomefowl]

I have two Katahdin ewes and one Nubian-cross wether (disbudded). They're all around a year old now.
My goat has taken to following me around and butting me! I spent some time with them today (20 minutes or so) and he literally shadowed me the whole time, jumping and shoving. I'm thinking that since I haven't spent much time with them last winter, he thinks I'm part of the herd (where he's the boss) and is trying to show me where I am in the pecking order. (does that make sense?)

I am really liking the sheep. But the goat is mounting them and I'm afraid that he might cause abortion if they are indeed pregnant (they had a ram in with them several months ago) No clue why he's doing this.

I'm thinking about just selling him. He should really be with other goats, and I just don't want to get another goat---I want to raise sheep.

Any thoughts on this behavior, and does anyone want a pet goat?!?!

 

[Queen Mum]

Mounting is a dominance behavior. He's needing another goat.

 

[theawesomefowl]

Mounting is a dominance behavior. He's needing another goat.

Thanks a lot! Poor guy--I guess sheep are really boring companions (ya think).
I guess I'm going to have to find Billy a new home then because he is going to hurt the ewes.

 

[Queen Mum]

As a wether, he can't 'breed' them. He can only mount them. He does sound bored though, so I would isolate him and then either find another companion for him or sell him.

 

[theawesomefowl]

I don't think I can isolate him.....he would just be screaming day and night! :/ I just meant I was afraid he would bash them against the wall, which would be very bad for potential offspring.

 

[ksalvagno]

It does sound like he is bored and needs a buddy. Probably best to find him a new home.

 

[20kidsonhill]

You could put some climbing toys in the pen, it might keep him busy and distract him.

 

[elevan]

It sounds to me that you really would prefer to rehome him...and that's what I'd do in your situation.

 

[theawesomefowl]

I put an ad on craiglist, here, and on the local homeschooling group email. I already got two replies from craigslist; I'll give them a call tonight but I was to be careful.
*sigh* I'll miss Billy, but he needs to go. I'll feel so much better about the ewes without him bossing them around.
Thanks everyone for your helpful input!