Baby Goat Care & Maintenance

[SmithsCoop41]

It sounds like you’re doing a great job so far with your new baby buckling! Here are some tips and answers to your questions to help you raise a healthy goat:

Feeding​

1. Milk: At 8 weeks old, a buckling should ideally be consuming about 1 to 2 ounces of milk per feeding, several times a day. Since he's used to drinking from his mother, he may take some time to adjust to the bottle. If he seems uninterested, try offering milk at a slightly warmer temperature or using a different nipple that he might prefer.
2. Hay: It's great that you know he can start eating hay. Bermuda hay is a good choice. You can introduce small amounts of hay gradually, and he should be eating it alongside milk.
3. Grains: You can start introducing a small amount of goat feed or grain formulated for young goats as he gets older, typically around 3 months.

Vaccinations​

1. Core Vaccines: Baby goats should receive vaccinations for:
   • CDT (Clostridium perfringens type C and D and Tetanus): This is usually given at 6-8 weeks, with a booster at 10-12 weeks.
2. Consult a Vet: It's best to consult with a veterinarian about vaccinations. Some vaccines may need to be administered by a vet, while others can be purchased at feed stores.

Health Concerns​

1. Teeth Grinding: This can indicate discomfort or pain. Monitor his behavior closely. If it continues or he shows signs of distress, consult a vet.
2. Lice: Diatomaceous earth can be used, but it's essential to ensure it’s food grade and safe for young goats. However, it’s best to consult a vet before applying anything to ensure it’s safe for an 8-week-old.

General Care Tips​

1. Socialization: Spend time with him to help him feel comfortable and secure in his new environment. Goats are social animals, so consider getting a companion goat if possible.
2. Shelter: Ensure he has a warm, dry place to stay, especially during colder weather.
3. Hydration: Make sure he has access to fresh water at all times.
4. Observation: Keep an eye on his poop and overall behavior. Normal droppings are small, round pellets (like raisins), as you mentioned.
5. Handling: Handle him regularly to help him get used to human interaction and to make future veterinary care easier.

Resources​

• Books & Online Forums: Look for resources specifically about goat care. Websites and forums can provide great community support and advice.
• Local Farmers: Connecting with local goat owners can also provide valuable insights and tips.

Feel free to ask more questions as you continue your journey in goat raising! Good luck with your little buckling!

Thank you so much for the info! I do have a question regarding the time periods for the vaccine. You said it is usually given at 6-8 weeks, and then again at 10-12 weeks. Online when I researched it, for the first dose it says generally around 3-4 weeks, and then again in 3-4 weeks from the first dose. So, which is correct?
He had a late start on his vaccinations because his previous owner said they do not vaccinate, for whatever reason, I did not ask, so he was already late on vaccinations when I got him Sunday. He was exactly 2 months old to the day, as he was born on 09-10-24. And I'm not trying to be contradictory or offensive, I'm really wanting to know all about the time frames for the shots, as well as any information that will give me additional knowledge on goat care and maintenance so that my babies can be healthy. I can't change how previous owner conducted their goat care, but I can help how I conduct mine, which is why I researched and found out what I needed to get and went ahead and got him started, even though he started late. Another thing I need clarification/confirmation on is, I'm assuming there is always a small chance that a buckling/doeling can contract the Clostridium bacteria if the owner chooses not to vaccinate in the time frame that is recommended, but also a chance they may not get it? But I do realize it is still important to vaccinate them as soon as possible, even though they may not have been started out right by their previous owner. As far as my baby, his poop and pee, look normal, no diarrhea, so far no signs that I can see that may suggest any arising issues/problems. He's not necessarily jumping around alot like you would see two babies playing with each other, but he does occasionally hop and prance a little. I chalk it up to he's just needing time to adjust, and he is adjusting very well. He knows me, cries for me when I leave the room he's in, and cuts it off as soon as he sees me again. He's such a little love bug. I never would've imagined that I would love a little goat that much, but he has won me over haha. I've always loved animals, from a very young age, all through my life, I've ALWAYS loved animals. Animals just love, they don't judge. haha.
As far as right now, he is inside house with us. He's the only baby I have right now, probably will get more soon, just don't know exactly when. I do have a mature nanny goat in my chicken coop, but she didn't act too thrilled the other day when I took him out there. She would probably adjust after a little time. I'm assuming goats have the same kind of "pecking order" or "goating order" so to speak as chickens and other flocks do, so she may have just been letting him know that she's the boss? idk. I also (at the moment) have a mature billy goat that I bought about 3 weeks ago from a local person, but I have decided that starting with a baby is probably better since I know next to nothing about the whole breeding/birthing with goats, so didn't think it would be best to let them breed and all. This way it gives me more time to learn more about them and gain some knowledge before the whole breeding time...well for a little while anyways lol (As he is 2 months already ). And I would never put him around a mature billy anyways. My little baby isn't banded, so when the time comes, it will be exciting to see what colors he throws off. Also, I know it's not a good idea to let him breed until at least a year old, i think? And nannies/does at least 1-2 years old, which my girl is already. I have a question on that too....We got our nanny goat when she was little. Her story with us is a little different...my husband was working on the road back when we got her, and his supervisor/friend got one of the babies too, and brought them home..well to his supervisor's house, where she was at til pretty much grown, then we finally brought her to our house (don't see why she wasn't brought to our house right from the start, but oh well). Well, I know she's at least a year old, probably more towards 2 now, and I haven't seen her display any type of breeding interest/behavior. And she's never been exposed to a billy at all until I got the one a few weeks ago, and it is CLEAR she isn't interested AT ALL. lol Could it be that she just hasn't come into heat yet? Is it possible that she could be sterile? I've never even seen any evidence such as discharge or anything that would suggest she's had her normal heats, if they even have all that when they're going through heats? Idk...Like I said, I'm still a green horn, and just simply do not know.

 

[arianna7]

Vaccination Timelines​

1. Vaccination Schedule: Generally, for goats, the initial vaccinations for Clostridium (e.g., CD&T) are given around 3-4 weeks of age, with a booster 3-4 weeks later. However, if a goat is older than that and hasn't been vaccinated, starting the vaccination series is still important. Since your buckling is 2 months old, you can give him the first dose now and then follow up with the booster in 3-4 weeks.
2. Risk of Clostridium: Yes, there’s always a risk of contracting Clostridium bacteria if goats are not vaccinated, especially if they have access to contaminated feed or environments. Vaccination is crucial for preventing diseases like enterotoxemia.

Goat Behavior and Social Structure​

1. Adjustment Period: It’s normal for a young goat to take some time to adjust to its new environment. Your buckling’s behavior—crying for you and seeking your attention—is a good sign that he is bonding with you.
2. Introducing to Other Goats: Goats do establish a social hierarchy, similar to chickens. It may take time for your nanny goat to accept the new baby. Monitor their interactions closely, and ensure the baby has a safe space to retreat if needed.
3. Nanny Goat’s Breeding Behavior: It’s possible that your nanny goat hasn’t come into heat yet, especially if she’s around 1-2 years old. Goat estrous cycles typically occur every 21 days, but not all goats show obvious signs of being in heat. Signs can include increased vocalization, restlessness, and a willingness to stand for a buck. If she hasn’t shown any signs after a few cycles, it could be worth consulting a vet to rule out any health issues.

General Goat Care Tips​

1. Nutrition: Ensure that your goats have access to high-quality hay, goat feed, and fresh water. Minerals and vitamins are also important for their health.
2. Shelter and Space: Provide a clean, dry shelter and enough space for them to roam and play. Goats are social animals and benefit from companionship.
3. Health Monitoring: Keep an eye on their poop and overall health. Regularly check for signs of illness, and consult a vet if you notice anything unusual.
4. Breeding Considerations: You’re correct that it’s generally recommended to wait until a buckling is at least a year old before breeding, and does should ideally be around 1-2 years old.
5. Bucking and Banding: If you decide not to breed, consider banding your buckling to prevent unwanted breeding behavior when he matures.

Resources for Further Learning​

• Books and Online Resources: Look for books on goat care and husbandry. Websites and forums dedicated to goats can also be great resources for advice and community support.
• Local Goat Clubs: Connecting with local goat owners or clubs can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience.

Your love and commitment to your goats is commendable, and with time and care, they will thrive under your guidance! If you have more questions, feel free to ask!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Also, do goats have to have any vaccines for parvo? My mother-in-law was asking me about it, and I told her I didn't know, but is a good question.

Goats do not get parvo, so no need to vaccinate for it. Very glad you are enjoying him. Since he's a little buck he eventually will get stinky. Be sure to never play any head butting games with him, unless you want him doing at as an adult.

 

[SmithsCoop41]

Goats do not get parvo, so no need to vaccinate for it. Very glad you are enjoying him. Since he's a little buck he eventually will get stinky. Be sure to never play any head butting games with him, unless you want him doing at as an adult.

Okay that is a HUGE plus!! NO parvo! YAY! I had a puppy years ago that I'm pretty sure that's what she had, and OMG, it was absolutely heart-wrenching to watch. I didn't have the financial means to take her to a vet, and even then I'm not so sure it would have mattered, I tried to help, but it wasn't enough in the end. And the stink was horrible! That's a smell I never wanna smell again.

As far as the head-butting thing....my husband was doing that a little over the weekend, and I told him not to do that because I didn't want him growing up to do that and be mean. He said that's what baby goats do, that's how they play with other baby goats. He didn't do it that much or for very long, so maybe it didn't stick? I hope not.
And yes, I know the stench will come soon enough, so I'm taking all this time to love on him. He does have a slight smell, but it's not that bad....right now at least LOL

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The only human aggressive buck I had was played with by encouraging the head butting. We took him in as a free goat, but he became too dangerous. Best to teach a goat while it's young that it isn't appropriate behavior.