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Author Topic: New goats  (Read 1835 times)

benkt

  • Joined Apr 2010
  • Cambridgeshire
    • Hempsals Community Farm
New goats
« on: September 03, 2012, 03:07:04 pm »

Ellie, our lovely local goat keeper, very sadly died at the weekend. She was always our first port of call and had been a huge help in getting us started with goats this year. She loved her goats and was really keen to help anyone else who had an interest in them - and she produced the best goats cheese I've ever tasted! Her husband is struggling with looking after all her goats and so, yesterday I bought two of her British Saanen milkers up to our place to reduce his workload.

Our current 'herd' just consists of a Cyndi, a British Tog, and her kid. The BTs share a stable as do the two newcomers with a half-height wall between them.


Do I need to keep the new goats indoors for a while for them to settle? If I let them out, would it be best to let them all out together? I could walk our BTs down to another paddock to let the others explore on their own in peace before introducing the two lots to each other properly.


Many thanks,


Ben

Roxy

  • Joined May 2009
  • Peak District
    • festivalcarriages.co.uk
Re: New goats
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2012, 03:38:36 pm »
What a shame their owner has died,but luckygoats to have you!!
This is what I do with newbies ......I house them for a while, to get them used to new surroundings, new handler, and also it minimises the risk of them carrying something in to my goats (not that its likely, but you never know).  I need to be satisfied that when they are turned out, they are catchable .....nothing worse than a new goat deciding it does not know you, and shooting off.  This way they get to know me before being let out.  It also gives me a chance to worm them, trim their hooves in necessary etc.
They are then let out with the others, usually put hay or leaves in the field, so there is some distraction.  Yes, there will be a bit of confrontation, but once they sort who is boss, they get on fine.  Obviously, with kids involved, you do have to keep a close eye, but I am sure Mum will make sure no one touches the little one.
 
 

Anke

  • Joined Dec 2009
  • St Boswells, Scottish Borders
Re: New goats
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2012, 09:48:57 pm »
Yes I would keep the new arrivals inisde for a few days, worm them and lambivac them (2 doses 2ml each 4 weeks apart, unless you know for certain that they are only requiring a booster). If you have a big enough field I would let them out under supervision and be there to act fast if they fight hard - but some butting will be normal. The BT mum will look after her kid.

tizaala

  • Joined Mar 2011
  • Dolau, Llandrindod Wells,Powys
Re: New goats
« Reply #3 on: September 04, 2012, 06:49:51 am »
Agree with keeping them in for a while until they recognise you as food source , and for a quarantine period , they will have to get to know their new status within the flock, but we find our B.Saanens, B.Togg, and pure Toggs all mingle and socialise at milking time , then gather into same breed  white , brown and hairy groups for brousing and sleeping.

 

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