The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: little blue on May 23, 2010, 09:01:42 pm
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I've been abit concerned today, as Margo particularly has chosen to lie in the full sun.
as I've mentioned before, she's been quite poorly and I wa worried she might get too hot & dehydrated and/or sunburnt (she's a white Sanaan)
I made her shift and took her to the water (you know the old adage about leading a horse to water... !!)
she seemed to pant a little sometimes, but otherwise ate etc as normal
what should we be watching for, if they get too hot?
Cesar is a very hairy beast, though he did stay more in the shade, and the toggie is (hopefully) about 4 months in kid
:goat: :goat: :goat:
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I am afraid goats being goats, do what they want, and if they want to lie there in the sun, they will do!!! I worry about my white goats (and my white cats) the sun burns their noses and ears. Although with this really hot weather, most of the goats are sensible and go in the shelter.
Today, I noticed the big billy panting, and also the kids and Jasmine. I know you will give Margo plenty of water, thats the important thing.
Dogs pant when they are hot, don't they. So, I assume goats doing the same, is their way of coping. I have seen plenty of my goats panting in the heat over the years, but thats it, not caused them any other symtoms. I suppose if they did get very hot, they could get sun stroke like a human. Their coats do protect them some way I suppose.l
If Margo was that hot, she could get up and go indoors - I am sure you give her the choice. You could always fan her with a large rhubarb leaf or something?
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I was wondering about this too Little Blue, having a white goat that seems to think she should recline in the sun - all that's missing is the shades!
yesterday I did what we used to do when we bred dogs and cooled them off with a wet head each but I was also wondering if I need to put sun cream on udders/noses etc?
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My BT was panting quite a bit, the GGs with their long coats seem not to be bothered.... but I just brought them in over lunch anyway, so they were out of the sun. If they have the choice, they will go into the shade I think.
The sheep are panting too, but most of them still have their fleeces on...
Cooler here today (thankfully, can't cope with all this heat anymore...)
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they have choice of shade, I even constructed a big blanket-tent to cast a shadow (we do for the rabbits too !)
Thankyou for reassuring me that its not just margo that does this! we worry about her, she doesn't seem the full shilling anymore ;( but happy enough I hope...
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Oh, poor Margo. Are you saying she appears a bit senile? I suppose she is happy in her own little way though, and will have enjoyed the sunshine we have had.
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Oh, poor Margo. Are you saying she appears a bit senile? I suppose she is happy in her own little way though, and will have enjoyed the sunshine we have had.
yes, I suppose thats one word for it. she seemed to have like mini seizures when she was really poorly, tiny head shakes and lip trembling and unresponsive to being called. touch wood, this has stopped but there are times she is really really vacant.
occassionally she puts her head to eat or drink, but can't seem to get her lips to work. then she'll wander off, come back and is fine again ?!
but yes, she is happy enough. still enjoying her walks and the nice fresh spring plants & branches.
bless her, she's such a lovely girl...
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They pant when they get too hot, and sponging them down with some cold water can help. Other than that, nothing else that you can do aside from what you already do.
Regarding udders- it is an idea to put a bit of sunscreen on- they can get sunburnt udders!
Beth
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please dont mention udders!!!!!!!!!!
one problem with them is enough for me ;D
hope all is well beth ;) :goat: