[NormandyMary]

From around day 3 of keeping our little men, Toby has loved being petted and stroked, even picked up and cuddled. However, Billy who I consider to be MY little boy, has been very hesitant and timid. He would eat from my hand but as soon as I attempted to pet him, he ran away.
I went to put the boys to bed tonight, their pellets bowl was empty. I put their food in and both boys ran into their house to attack the bowl. I went to stroke Billy and he let me scratch his neck, stroke his back and tickle him under the chin. A few times he backed away, but the lure of the food was too much for him.
I managed to pet him 3 times, but didnt want to push my luck. Im really hoping that this will be the start of him letting me handle him on a regular basis so that both boys can get the cuddles they deserve.
(Mind you, neither of them will be talking to Mummy after next week, they're off to the vets for the chop!)

[little blue]

aww!   

[plumseverywhere]

  great news! the cuddles that is, not the chop LOL. my boys took a while but now Reggie thinks he is my pet labrador and climbs all over me, savannah see's herself as even more superior than that and doesn't understand why she can't sleep in my bed I think! it all comes in time, you are still getting to know and trust one another but a fantastic start xxx

[jaykay]

Excellent
I have a goatling who goes through shy patches. Someone once told me that goats have two 'sweet spots' 1. they like having their chests scritched and 2. the angle of their jawbone.
Well these two spots certainly helped me get Rowan into being stroked - we started here and now she'll have her back and neck stroked too

[jinglejoys]

And the bit between the horns that they can't reach themselves but don't touch the horns as thats their defense so they are highly protective of them.Ratherthan try and touch him why not just spend undermanding time with him and let him touch you

[NormandyMary]

And the bit between the horns that they can't reach themselves but don't touch the horns as thats their defense so they are highly protective of them.Ratherthan try and touch him why not just spend undermanding time with him and let him touch you

Most of the time, I just call him to me and put my hand out to him. Nine times out of 10 he will come straight up to me, he even nibbled my finger this morning bless him! I think its just frustrating as Toby is so very tame already but Billy isnt. Im sure it will all come right very soon, but I do need to be able to pick them up to get them into the car for the vets. They will also have to have their collars and leads on so that I can get them in the surgery itself.
I do think though that getting our little lads has been one of the best things Ive ever done. They bring us so much pleasure and joy already. Its even made me get out of bed earlier in the mornings to let them out. The best bit is putting them to bed at night though. I dont read them a story, but I do just stand there and talk to them for ages. (Mad or what?!!)

[plumseverywhere]

No, not mad - just proof that you are happy    the more you do that, talking to them calmly but confidently, I'm sure they will gain trust in you before you know it.
If I'm having a bad day, I often go and sit on the milking stand and the goats will come and sit by me and listen while I talk rubbish! I've even had tears licked off my cheeks before (bleugh!!) lol. they are lovely intelligent animals and Id not be without mine now (well, I can't my business depends on me having goats LOL    )

[NormandyMary]

Im smiling from ear to ear tonight. We went to put the boys to bed and to put their collars on. Toby's, we were able to do very easily, but Billy wouldnt put his head through the fencing for us to do it. We went into their run, fed them their pellets, and I was then able to pick Billy up. His collar went on easily, then Mummy had a very long cuddle with her boy. It was soooo lovely to be able to do it at last. He really has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of days. Now that they have their collars, I will be able to take them for walks around our top field which is approx an acre. Its full of lovely bushes and brambles, plus I get some exercise. I intend to walk them every day as part of my keep fit campaign. Im sure the boys wont mind.

Ive just realised that Im probably boring you silly with all of this, but its so new to me and I dont really have anyone else to tell who would understand what Im feeling.

[plumseverywhere]

Its not boring at all! I think we can all appreciate your excitement! one of the wondeful things about TAS is being able to share your enthusiasm about our animals with each other    once those boys eye the brambles though they won't be doing much walking, you will be stood there watching them eat LOL!

[little blue]

  once those boys eye the brambles though they won't be doing much walking, you will be stood there watching them eat!

thats just what I was thinking!  remembering Margo, I spent more time stood with her than walking!!

NormandyMary  - we are having a similar process with our two kids, now 5 weeks old. Willow will come to be stroked, Meg shys away... unless she can see a way to jump on your back! 
Their Dad is quite shy, he'll have a tickle but through the fence, or at arm's length.  Their mum loves having her head stroked... but will not have a collar on at any price!

[princesspiggy]

Ive just realised that Im probably boring you silly with all of this, but its so new to me and I dont really have anyone else to tell who would understand what Im feeling.

not boring at all, our bagot ate out of my sons hand for the first time this week, we were so pleased, might be boring to some but a major milestone to us!! wel done. keep it up,