The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: clydesdaleclopper on June 26, 2012, 06:08:36 pm

Title: Can goats get sweet itch?
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on June 26, 2012, 06:08:36 pm

Over the past 2 days my girl has started looking bald along the top of her back. I have checked her over for lice and no sign though I have dusted her anyway as a precaution. This weekend was absolutely awful for midges and I was wondering if goats can suffer from sweet itch like horses can.

Title: Re: Can goats get sweet itch?
Post by: wytsend on June 26, 2012, 06:18:19 pm

Not really.........what breed are your girls ?
Some goats have changed their coats very late this year  ..........winter coat dropping out make them look very 'threadbare' !!
If you can get hold of some fly spray for horses based on citronella,   that will beof benefit.
BA's can get a skin condition where their coat drops off and leaves them bald on top.

Title: Re: Can goats get sweet itch?
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on June 26, 2012, 10:37:35 pm

She is a Saanen. I guess it could be late loss of her winter coat as the rest of her is still pretty fluffly.

Title: Re: Can goats get sweet itch?
Post by: wytsend on June 27, 2012, 06:41:13 am

Are you feeding thePremium Goat Feed Balancer ......... mineral deficiency can also be a contributory factor in poor coat condition.     

Title: Re: Can goats get sweet itch?
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on June 27, 2012, 06:02:59 pm

She is getting the balancer.