Hello Everybody,
I have recently (2 weeks ago) become a goat owner and have two milking does. Primrose is a lovely little 11 month old Anglo Nubian x British Alpine and she is an absolute treasure, I look forward to milking her when she kids. Our other doe, Holly, is a very large 4 year old Anglo Nubian x Black Saanen maiden milker. Holly is wonderful to milk and is currently producing 1.4 litres of milk daily and increasing yield steadily (once a day milking) and her milk has just now begun to taste lovely and sweet and creamy. She had never been milked (except twice in two years by a vet) before we bought her but has been really easy to train. I really think she likes being milked and is very well behaved for it. The issue with her is that everyday or so she will challenge us and charge or head butt us. She landed my mum rather painfully on the ground a few days ago, so it is no laughing matter! I might add that she has pretty impressive horns too!!
I believe the issue is that her previous owners were very deferential to her and if she wanted something regardless of what it was she got it. She was definitely the leader with them. I'm sure they meant well but it will not work for us. We expect our animals (Horses, cows, sheep, dogs) to be respectful of us and gentle.
When Holly starts to beeline for me I have been making myself look big and tall and have had to slap my sides, stomp and growl (I know, I sound like a cave-woman) to prevent the collision. Sometimes that has not worked and I've had to heave her away constantly prevent impact. She will even rear up and try to slam down on us. She is much taller than me when she does that too! Mum doesn't feel safe to go into the paddock alone to milk Holly now.
So HELP!!! Has anyone had this issue before? What is the best way to correct her? Is she just trying to become the leader again? Any success stories?
Thanks so much!!