The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Cinderhills on March 11, 2011, 08:48:10 am

Title: Goats acting loopy
Post by: Cinderhills on March 11, 2011, 08:48:10 am

This morning I went to feed my goats and for the first time ever they didn't want their food buckets.  Instead they ran outside and cavorted in the field.  I took the bowl to them and they had a nibble then just ran around again like idiots!  One then calmed down when I stroke her and they ate more food.  They ran some more.

I know they are not in heat as when they are their tails wiggle like mad and they bleat like crazy and show their bums to Alfie the ram through the electric fence.

Any ideas as to this odd behaviour?

Title: Re: Goats acting loopy
Post by: robert waddell on March 11, 2011, 09:51:35 am

just happy :wave:well fed and contented :wave:

Title: Re: Goats acting loopy
Post by: princesspiggy on March 11, 2011, 12:45:07 pm

springs in the air, my sheep still bounce like lambs sometimes, funny  ;D :wave:. my bagots escaped yesterday as high winds pushed the yard door open. i thot id never catch but i just herded em up and they ran as fast as they cud back to their stable to get their feed bucket. thats was a relief!! just about to make a new field for them. would a garden shed 7'x5' (or maybe bigger) be a suitable shelter, and survive the winds? i expect theyl be in stable during really bad winter weather.

Title: Re: Goats acting loopy
Post by: Anke on March 11, 2011, 02:47:23 pm

Spring is in the air!

My goatlings today skipped and chased each other in the field and really got in the way of the older - expectant and freshly kidded - nannies, who were more interested in the serious business of food! But they eventually calmed down and ate as well....

Title: Re: Goats acting loopy
Post by: plumseverywhere on March 11, 2011, 05:26:33 pm

Glad I saw this because mine have been acting really oddly!! apart from the errr, wee wee incident in front of animal health lady other day, they have been playing like kids! they are so funny to watch  ;D

Title: Re: Goats acting loopy
Post by: Cinderhills on March 11, 2011, 06:49:00 pm

Thank you everyone.  Glad it's just the spring factor.  :)

Just another question - can goats catch a cold?  I ask because today they either jumped the electric fence, which they've never done but today is a first for things, or the farmer who moved our two large circular hay bales for me when I was out put them in the to not get in the way, and when I got home it was raining a lot and they couldn't get to their house and got quite wet.  Not soaked to the skin but almost.

Title: Re: Goats acting loopy
Post by: little blue on March 11, 2011, 07:02:10 pm

I dont imagine a little rain will do too much harm, if they were soon back inside & dried off.
Our billy is a real outdoor lad & gets abit damp sometimes, and he's always been ok....

Spring is definiely in the air - your goats must be just glad to be alive Cinderhills!
our littl'un "acts the goat" quite regularly, and sometimes "plays" with his dad - they chase round and Max leaps up & kicks the shed & fencing....  ::)

Title: Re: Goats acting loopy
Post by: Anke on March 11, 2011, 08:21:07 pm

A good rub down with a towel, and watch them for shivering, if yes a coat and/or heatlamp would be good. Also some warm water with a bit of molasses will help them along.

If they got really wet I would be a bit worried and just watch them closely for the next day or so. they certainly can get pneumonia.

Title: Re: Goats acting loopy
Post by: Cinderhills on March 11, 2011, 08:48:10 pm

Thanks.  I tried to rub them down but they were having none of it!