[kelly58]

My goats are 13 yrs old, one of them seems to be feeling the cold so l have bought them some goat coats, padded and waterproof. They have a shed, plenty of bedding they come and go as they please. Would  the coat make them itch and have bald patches, seen that happen with a friends little pony ? Any thoughts

[fiestyredhead331]

  I used coats last year but no need this winter as its been much milder unless we have had any who haven't been well. When we used coats last year we didn't have any problems but then they weren't wearing them constantly. Maybe start with just coats at night

[Lesley Silvester]

I only put coats on mine if it's very cold and only at night. Not needed them this winter.

[wytsend]

Un less they have 'hitch hikers' already it is not likely to make them itchy.   Your friends pony may have rain scald as well.   Ponies are also moulting now which also contributes to the itch factor.

[sokel]

We have never had a goat itch or get rug rub (bald patches) when they have coats on , As for the pony they can get bald patches where the rug rubs if it is badly fitted  or the owner does not check the rug and straighten it up if it moves

[kelly58]

Many thanks ! 

[goosepimple]

We use them too for our older more fragile ladies but haven't done it this year.  Your girls are pretty old though I should think they would appreciate them at night time.  We also put one on one of our ewes who had lost condition and we expected her to die and she hasn't so she's had one on for about 2 months. Took it off a couple of days back, her fleece is fine, will put it back on if it gets cold and wet at the same time.


It's nice to know people take good care of their animals.

[kelly58]

They decided themselves, found them in the middle of the paddock.
Guess that answers my question

[fiestyredhead331]

They are pretty good at taking them off and leaving them in strange places which is why I sew on clip fasteners like they use on life jackets!