worming goats

[princess1952]

My friend has 4 WILD goats, can not get close to them and they never have been wormed as far as we know. They were bought at an auction, then he bought them off of the person who got them from the auction. Is there any way to worm them successfully with anything?? They are eating sweet feed and some hay are grazing of what they can find. But they just are not gaining weight. But we can't catch them at all. Any ideas?? I read about the worming pellets, can that be used???? Will it work for cocci????

 

[ksalvagno]

The problem with the pellets is that they have to eat the proper amount at one time. Plus if you don't know what the parasite is, you may be treating for the wrong thing.

What is the shed/barn setup like? Can your friend feed them in a stall or something where a door could be closed if needed? Then you could feed them in that stall and let them get used to it. Then you are in a smaller space to catch them.

 

[princess1952]

They are in a shed but only one will come in the shed while feeding time. The other 3 stay their distance till he is gone from the barn/stall area.
They drink a lot of water, is there anything that you can add to their water????
Or do we just wait it out and maybe they will get tame enough to catch?? He has had them already for 4 months.

 

[helmstead]

They're gonna have to be wrangled, bottom line. They need their feet done, dewormed, vaccinated, etc. Wild or not, they've gotta be caught and wrangled.

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

I agree totally with wrangled them or however!! He must be able to contain them to tend to them...Its a must if he is gonna care for these guys. They will need care. And I would do a fecal and see whats brewing. You may not be treating for the right worm. If your treating coccidia and its not...well thats useless. I worm according to the worm they are carrying. Thats important.

I suggest he find a way to contain them. They cannot just run amuk. They wont do well for him. They can get very sick if not cared for!!

Good luck...I had a wild guy I bought...he was sooo timid...but now after 5 mos working him...he jumps in the air and runs circles when he see's me coming!!! So its gonna take alot of time and effort in his part to get these guys tame!!!

What we would do is get him in a small area and corner him tighter and tighter till we were able to catch him. And I would sit on him. Watch out were you hold them...they will pull and pull so dont wrap your arms around there throats..go lower on the chest so not to choke. Then once you caught them...I would recomend a face harness...it makes it easier to hold once you get em. Collars will choke...cuz they are strong...

Lots of work for him! But well worth it..in my expirence!! Best of luck!

 

[julieq]

They're gonna have to be wrangled, bottom line. They need their feet done, dewormed, vaccinated, etc. Wild or not, they've gotta be caught and wrangled.

Yep, gotta agree here!

 

[elevan]

 

[jodief100]

I have a few wild ones. When I first got them it took all three of us to chase from the main pen into the smaller barn pen and then into the stalls. Then we cornered them in the stall and held on tight.

After a few months of getting grain every night, they now follow me. They still do not like me touching them but I can catch them with too much chasing now.

My stepson calls it "goat wrastlin' " . Sometimes that is what you have to do.