The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: westcoastcroft on November 28, 2019, 08:16:21 pm
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Got a british tog and having trouble finding a billy just now.. have offer of one in Jan but cant remember how late she cycled until last year. We are on Skye...
When do folks goats usually come in heat for the last time each spring?
Thanks
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I ran through one of my BT's last winter (very mild) and the last time she was (audibly) in season was mid- January. I know because I got a new BT billy late January and would have mated her, but no she stopped.
But it all depends, my BT billy was born middle of July, so go figure...
January should still be safe, however she may go into cloudburst before that. If you are having a billy staying with you, you could always inject to bring her into season - your vet should know.
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This last year has had all sorts of late kids, my last (boer) were born July 4th. I've heard of kids in August.
But it may throw their system out for next year, my late May kidder hasnt been in season yet.
If she is milking can you keep milking her?
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She isn't milking at the moment.
I am also expanding and have 2 options for what to buy..
option 1 is an in kid doeling.
option 2 is 2 not in kid and then to put all 3 to the billy in Jan.
Prefence is option 2 but feels a bit risky.
What about sponging all 3 (pretty sure I have 3 left from the sheep). Assumes they are cycling but then does make sure to get a cycle in mid Jan which is when the billy is free...I'm sure out of 3 at least 1 will hold. I could remove sponges a day apart to not overwhelm the billy?
Any thoughts appreciated.
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With sponging goats I believe you use 2 per goat replacing them about At 7/8 days?
Considering how many times our loan billy wanted the female in one day, dont think there would be a problem :D .
But best on the safe side I suppose