[Roxy]

Thats one of the  white goatlings.  She is not well because it is self inflicted.  Yesterday, while I was dealing with the new arrivals  "someone" saw the opportunity to break into the feed shed.  The majority of the feed is in lidded barrels, but "someone" managed to remove the lids of a couple, and that same someone bit into a bag of the ponies quick beet, and also a full bag of shavings which was scattered over the floor, the same with the chick crumbs.

What a mess, to tidy up!!  As far as I can see, she had eaten some dairy nuts, some pig nuts, some alfa a, the chick crumbs, and quick beet.  By the time I got back up the field, she had been joined by Poppy, and Barnie, oh, and the llama was helping as well.  So, all in all, she had not eaten any substantial amounts, but enough to give her the squits, and she still looking miserable this morning.

I have no sympathy for her, and told her "greedy girls get tummy ache!"  Needless to say, she has had no nuts this morning

[faith0504]

oh bless her there is nowt like a bit of variety 

[wytsend]

Oh dear !!! Bit of an opportunist.... large locks on the feed shed from now on.

[Roxy]

Unfortunately, Primrose must have eaten more than the others - just gave them hay for breakfast which she was eating.  Squits only mild, so thought she had been lucky ....sadly not.  At lunchtime I heard a wail from the goat stable, rushed over, to find Poppy and Barnie looking at Primrose in alarm.  She was staggering.  As I watched she keeled over.  I rushed for the veg oil, and managed to get a pint down her, and massaged her stomach.  It was not bloated or tight though.  Got some froth up, but no substantial amount, nor a burp.

I rang the vets, which thankfully is in the next village, so no more than ten minutes away. Vet came right away, but while waiting, I thought Primrose had gone, and so did the vet when she arrived.  We put a stomach tube down, poured water and washing up liquid down (always the risk the shock will finish them off!) and managed to get some vile liquid up.  Vet squeezed Primrose's sides while I held the tube, and we got more up, but not enough.  Repeated the procedure, but still no different.

Stopped for a think what to do next - i.e.  stomach powder and injection.  But by this time, Primrose looked worse, and twice I thought she had gone.  Another discussion, and the prognosis was not good - obviously sugar poisoning, so I had her PTS.  I am gutted, as she was my favourite.

[Roxy]

Vet said to keep an  eye on Poppy and Primrose, but she thought they would be ok.  They are grazing down the field.  Llama seem fine too.

Like the vet said, goats are goats, and do these things.  The door has a bolt on, not locked during the day, as I am in and out.  They had plenty of grazing in the field, and hay in their stable.  Thank goodness none of the other goats have access to that field, or it could have been worse.

[plumseverywhere]

Really sad news Roxy, very sorry for you x

[faith0504]

Im so so so sorry 

[little blue]

Poor Primrose, so sorry to hear she didnt recover.
 Hope the others are ok, greedy little monkeys.

best wishes
R

[Brucklay]

So sorry Roxy - what a lose - I away's read about your goats and in my head know them - I know how easy goats get in places - 3 in the hay store tonight as I got through the door the other way with a bundle of hay!!!

[jaykay]

I'm so sorry 

[Roxy]

Thank you, everyone, for your kind words.

I left Primrose in the stable, and let Poppy and Barnie in - they were already standing at the door while the vet was there trying to see what was happening.  Both of them sniffed Primrose all over.  I left them together all afternoon, before removing Primrose.  Man cannot collect until tomorrow.  I do feel it helped, I always do this with my animals.  Poppy bleated a bit tonight, but settled down and ate her tea with Barnie.  Thank goodness I had put Barnie with the two girls and she has a friend.

I am gutted, as these were the daughters of Jasmine and Paddy, and were just about ready to breed from.  But, we do still have Poppy, and hopefully she will get in kid.

[wytsend]

Oh I am so sorry to read this.... computer declined to work last evening.

Even tho' you are around in the day time, put a spring clip .. like a lead rope one .. on the door bolt so it can't be worked open.   I have had this all happen too but it was the poultry food that killed... makes you wonder whats in it.

Take a deep breath, make sure all the others only get a fibre diet for a couple of days so any excess works through their systems and all will be well.

[NormandyMary]

This is so sad RIP Primrose. It is a lesson to us all to be vigilent. I will certainly watch my boys more carefully especially if they wander into the barn. Although I dont have any chooks at the moment (after a visit by Mr Fox) I still have bins full of food. Ill make sure that they are out of reach first thing tomorrow.

I am so very sorry for your tragic loss.

Mary.

[Sandy]

Sorry to hear that, we sometimes need a horror story to become more aware, sad news though

[jameslindsay]

Sorry to hear of your loss Roxy. My lot kept escaping in to Nickys chickens and stole the layers pellets. Luckily only ever had the runs for a day, 2 at the most but we have re done the fence that seperates them. R.I.P. Primrose