When to worry, AKA I'm a nervous newbie

[curly_kate]

I've been a goat-owner for about 6 weeks now, and I'm worried that I'm worrying too much. I've got a 12 week old doe & wether, and things were going swimmingly until about 2 weeks ago when Lucky (wether) started with UC. He's good now, and we've adjusted the feeding regime - about 1/4 c grain to get him to take some a/c, then browse (mix of grass, clover, & various weeds). I went out a little bit ago, and it seemed like they were looking a little bloated (I think. I spent a little while staring at them, trying to decide) even though they're obviously in no distress. I offered some baking soda, which Clover had a couple of mouthfuls of while Lucky wasn't interested.

So my question is, if a goat is acting fine, should I be worried? I feel like I've been spending an awful lot of time lately staring at them, wondering about every little sneeze, scratch or bleat.

 

[norseofcourse]

I have sheep, not goats, so I can't answer your specific question, but I wanted to let you know you're not alone with the 'nervous newbie' feeling. I've had my sheep for about a year and a half, and I've gone through the exact same thing. Usually if they are acting normal, there's nothing to worry about - but it's good to have experienced goat owners to ask questions of and get answers and learn from.

And spending a lot of time watching your animals is good too! Not only do you get to enjoy them a lot, but you also get to know what behaviors are 'normal' for them, and behavior being a bit 'off' can be an early sign something is wrong.

And welcome to BYH!

 

[OneFineAcre]

Sometimes goats just pack their rumen full of grass or hay. If they are acting fine and chewing cud, they are most likely fine.
If they are sticking out on the left side, take your finger and poke it. A rumen full of food almost feels like you are poking play dough.

 

[curly_kate]

Thanks all! This is really helping to ease my mind.

 

[MsDeb]

We're new and learned the hard way to keep an eye out for worms. Now I catch David checking gums and eyelids almost every day. I give him a hard time about it while I pretend I'm petting them... but am really doing a body check. Yep, you're not the only nervous newbie.

 

[goatgurl]

think of it as being a new mama, because you are. every burp, fart and sneeze will worry you for a while but you will eventually get over it. I'm like MsDeb, i forever do a check whenever I'm around them just because you can catch someone that is a little off easily that way and I've been doing this for way to many years. it will get to where the checking will just come naturally. sounds to me that they went out and stuffed their little tummys . usually if they act fine they are. and normally a goat won't make themselves sick on browse. and welcome to BYH by the way

 

[nanne16]

Welcome c-Kate! I love this forum and I'm pretty sure you will, too!