Last week one of my two 10 week old bottle babies was attacked by dogs and died. Her sister was left alone. She missed her sister and was crying non-stop. Lonely-girl :-( ... so I brought home two 6 month old sisters to keep her company. I clearly did not research this enough- I am new to goats. The sisters tolerate the baby, but they keep their distance, and she is just an outsider. Overall they leave her alone, but they have butted her near the food dish. We are careful to give her time to eat while we keep the others away and she is still on the bottle twice a day. Will my baby always be an outsider? Should I get a wether or doeling around the same age/size so she has a buddy? If I did- how would I introduce them to allow for bonding? It is just heartbreaking to watch.
Will my 10 week old doeling ever be accepted?
- Thread starter animaniac
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freemotion
Self Sufficient Queen
Aww....poor baby girl. Poor you! 
What a hard start you are having. Go hug that little one and don't resent the six month old twins. They are acting in a way that is natural to goats.
I'd try to get another goat, doeling or wether, that is not only the same age but the same size and if possible, color of her sibling. Although color is the least important factor, animals do favor certain colors or at least a dark color or a light color. The older twins are bonded to each other and will likely stay that way.
What a hard start you are having. Go hug that little one and don't resent the six month old twins. They are acting in a way that is natural to goats.I'd try to get another goat, doeling or wether, that is not only the same age but the same size and if possible, color of her sibling. Although color is the least important factor, animals do favor certain colors or at least a dark color or a light color. The older twins are bonded to each other and will likely stay that way.
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Thank you for the hugs and the gentle advice! It has been a difficult start. I have learned a lot- the HARD wayfreemotion said:Aww....poor baby girl. Poor you!
I'd try to get another goat, doeling or wether, that is not only the same age but the same size and if possible, color of her sibling. Although color is the least important factor, animals do favor certain colors or at least a dark color or a light color. The older twins are bonded to each other and will likely stay that way.
. I really like the twins- I just feel like a putz for thinking it was a good idea to add 2 bonded sisters. If I do add a similar size/age baby would it encourage the littles to bond if I separate them from the older twins at night and at feedings for a period of time?
RareBreedFancier
Ridin' The Range
Yes, I would. Defiantly for feeding, at night is a good idea at least till you know how they are all interacting.
I'm sorry your both going through this.
I'm sorry your both going through this.
20kidsonhill
True BYH Addict
It sounds like you have a good understanding of the problem and a good plan for a solution. Having one kid her age/size for her to be with will help alot. The other two wont accept her for a very long time and if they remain bigger than her, she will continue to be bossed around.
So sorry for the frustrations. This is a constant issue with goats.
So sorry for the frustrations. This is a constant issue with goats.
Roll farms
Spot Master
Can't add anything, you sound like you're spot on w/ your understanding of the issue.
I still have to add new goats in groups so they have 'buddies' when the big girls start being jerks to them. Goats can be like mean children at times.
I still have to add new goats in groups so they have 'buddies' when the big girls start being jerks to them. Goats can be like mean children at times.
Chaty
Overrun with beasties
I agree ...sorry for your loss. When this happens you want to get just 1 that way it will bond with the single. You got 2 sisters that have always been together and they dont want her around. Singles are more accepting and if you keep them together it works faster. Been tehre and done that before too.
