Goat losing hair?

[Chickerdoodle13]

We have two goats that are about nine years old. They are both Nubian wethers and have always been very healthy. We have never had to have the vet over for anything other than their annual shots, etc. They do get wormed regularly and have generally been wonderful, low maintenance pets.

However, our one goat Rascal has been shedding out his winter coat, but his regular hair has also been falling out. It looks like his skin is pretty dry and flaky, and we are starting to see his skin underneath. He is still eating and looks the same weight wise. They get lots of grass hay and 1/2 can of goat food each two times a day. I doubt whatever is happening to him has anything to do with our feeding, but what could this be? Is it some type of deficiency? Illness? Does he need something extra in his older age?

They also have an outdoor pen and a large run in shed. They get plenty of sunshine. Our other goat looks perfectly healthy and got a beautiful shiny summer coat in.

 

[Chatychick]

What type of minerals do you use? It almost sounds like a copper deffency to me as this causes them to lose hair or it to fade. Mineral block dont give them enough minerals to keep it at bay and they do need high copper so dont get the type for sheep and goats as copper is toxic to sheep but goats need lots of copper and selenium.

 

[augiedranch]

has it been raining alot lately? goats can get something called rain rot.

or,, lice.. very common in goats. just splash some seven dust powder on em, itll fix it. (if he has goat lice) which isnt really a lice, they are kinda big and either red or blk.. they are blk in texas and look more like fleas. mine never had it, but i saw many at the FFA shows that i competed in that had goat lice..

 

[helmstead]

One of my does, Java, had this problem this year. For her, however, it was hormonal (post-kidding). Given that your other goat isn't loosing, I'd just make sure he's getting his copper, check for bugs & fungi (I'd actually give a medicated bath once for good measure) and see how things go. If you want, give him a hot oil treatment or deep conditioner for people (seriously, VO5 is good stuff, I use it on my dogs and horses all the time).

Good luck!

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I haven't seen any bugs on him, but lice was my first thought. I may have to try some of the things you mentioned when we come back from vacation.

As for the copper, they get copper in their food. I remember checking into that once and turns out we were feeding the right stuff. We don't give supplements though, but that has never been an issue in the past. It seems like his skin is super dry though. maybe that has something to do with it.

My friend is taking care of everybody while we are away on vacation, but I will be sure to check out all the suggestions at the end of the week when I get back. Thanks for the help and keep the advice coming!

 

[Chatychick]

Something I add to my goats for a shiney coat and conditioned skin is (BOSS) Black Oil Sunflower Seeds...Mine love them and ias long as you dont give to many it helps with the dryness from winter.Just a thought

 

[theOEGBman]

I've noticed a bare patch on my older doe as well. My mom said she's been itching her rump on the gate, so I need to get my lice medication out and get her, but maybe I need to be trying this other stuff as well. Thanks for the post, Lauren, it has helped more than one person.