The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: The Woodsiders on May 18, 2011, 08:55:09 am

Title: Question
Post by: The Woodsiders on May 18, 2011, 08:55:09 am

Hi, I am just about to sit the exam for the Animal movement certificate, I have been sent a sample test paper, one question I am puzzling over regarding goats I would appreciate help with.
They are all multiple choice answers (multiple guess in my case)!!!!!!!! question as follows.

Which of the following charecteristics would you NOT associate with goats.

a. Being Alert
b. Being inquisitive
c. Being sociable in cramped conditions
d. Being aggressive.

I am torn between c and d not having had a lot to do with goats, can they be aggressive? I imagine they might not be happy in cramped conditions, help please.

Thanks

Title: Re: Question
Post by: fifixx on May 18, 2011, 09:11:50 am

c - without a doubt!

Title: Re: Question
Post by: plumseverywhere on May 18, 2011, 09:21:04 am

Quote from: fifixx on May 18, 2011, 09:11:50 am

c - without a doubt!

totally agree with Fifi (based on my own goats that is) x 

good luck with the exam!

Title: Re: Question
Post by: wytsend on May 18, 2011, 09:26:41 am

Now I would have gone for 'd'.    Reasons:  if the animal is inquisitive & alert, then it is likely to be sociable.

Title: Re: Question
Post by: Anke on May 18, 2011, 09:37:01 am

I would also go with d. Goats can be quite happy in cramped conditions if they know each other and get on, I have seen people's set-up with quite a few goats in fairy small pens (family groups). As long as there is no serious bullying it works. However a goat should never be aggressive, it means it probably has been mistreated in the past or is in pain or similar.

Title: Re: Question
Post by: princesspiggy on May 18, 2011, 01:11:31 pm

 iv got 4 in a stable at night and one nanny does but the other quite hard but mainly over feed issues. i know ur supposed to keep horned and unhorned sep. presumably as one has a "weapon" and the other doesnt.
iv never kept a billy, are they aggressive?
my nannies would rather run away. so id go for d.

Title: Re: Question
Post by: fifixx on May 18, 2011, 01:20:28 pm

My 3 oldest are re-defining the pecking order and are so mean to the one they are dominating - butt, push, run at - you name it!  the yearlings are the same when feeding.  Aggressive - or just natural behaviour?

Title: Re: Question
Post by: Anke on May 18, 2011, 01:25:35 pm

My goatlings are really bad right now, attacking the two GG's all the time. So they can only be outside with their own dam, or one goatling at a time with the whole herd, as she is then thrown a bit and has no back-up. Other goatling has to be inside with someone else, but still shouts all the time.... teenagers hey....

Title: Re: Question
Post by: The Woodsiders on May 18, 2011, 02:20:05 pm

Hi All

Thanks for your replies, might just leave that one blank!! will let you know what  :goat: :wave: answer LANTRA are expecting but any further advice would be most welcome.

Thanks again

Title: Re: Question
Post by: plumseverywhere on May 18, 2011, 04:52:55 pm

Mine used to be shut in at night, there was 4 at that point and then 3 and throughout this time there was much butting and bullying but during the day when they were free to roam, they chose to be close together and quite peaceable.
much better now as they 'live out' with the option of a shed if it rains etc  :)

Title: Re: Question
Post by: jinglejoys on May 18, 2011, 05:30:24 pm

Do you have to take exams for the bl***y things now! ::)
Stupid things multiple questions!You should be able to write your answer and give reasons!
Sorry of coarse the answer is because they don't know the answer either ;D