Shivering Nigerian Drawf Goat

[cincyfarmgirl]

I have two 3 year-old Nigerian dwarf goats wethers. Both have been healthy and strong throughout their life. I got them as bottle babies and they have flourished. The weather just recently turned cold. One of them seems to be shivering. He is smaller and less rotund than the other one. Is there a certain food that I could feed him that might help fatten him up in the event that maybe he just doesn’t have enough fat to keep him warm. The temperatures went from 60 down to The 20s and 30s here recently. They have a nice stall that is not airtight but shelters from wind & elements in a barn and they have access to the outside every day. I close them up at night during these colder temperatures and they have bales of straw and hay to snuggle up against. I give my chickens a warm mash to eat on these cold mornings. I’m wondering if Goats likewise could be eating something warm and nutritional. Of course they have access to hay and fresh plugged in water Which I know is vital to a roommate‘s digestion.

 

[arianna7]

It sounds like you’re really taking good care of your goats! For your smaller guy who’s shivering, you might want to up his food game a bit. Try giving him some high-quality grain or goat pellets that are packed with calories and protein. Alfalfa hay is awesome too—it’s richer than regular hay and can help him gain some weight.

You could also mix in some soaked beet pulp for extra nutrition. A little cracked corn can be good for adding calories, just don’t go overboard with it. And hey, making a warm mash with soaked grain and a bit of molasses can be a nice treat for him, especially in this cold weather!

Make sure their shelter is cozy and draft-free, and keep those straw bales coming for warmth. Just keep an eye on him, and if he keeps shivering, it might be worth checking in with a vet. Plus, having his buddy around will help keep him warm and happy!

Best of luck,
Arianna

 

[cincyfarmgirl]

It sounds like you’re really taking good care of your goats! For your smaller guy who’s shivering, you might want to up his food game a bit. Try giving him some high-quality grain or goat pellets that are packed with calories and protein. Alfalfa hay is awesome too—it’s richer than regular hay and can help him gain some weight.

You could also mix in some soaked beet pulp for extra nutrition. A little cracked corn can be good for adding calories, just don’t go overboard with it. And hey, making a warm mash with soaked grain and a bit of molasses can be a nice treat for him, especially in this cold weather!

Make sure their shelter is cozy and draft-free, and keep those straw bales coming for warmth. Just keep an eye on him, and if he keeps shivering, it might be worth checking in with a vet. Plus, having his buddy around will help keep him warm and happy!

Best of luck,
Arianna

I think I’ll try the alfalfa hay. Because I know Hay should be the main part of their diet since they’re ruminants that’s important not to overdo this sweet Feed. And the other guy is a little too much overweight. I think I’m gonna separate them for eating purposes, even though they have two separate dishes he might be going over and finishing Bucky‘s food. Thanks for your input.

 

[cassie]

The digestion of hay and other roughage generates heat. Take a fecal sample and have him checked for worms. Worms will cause the goat to be anemic and more prone to being chilled. You can also put a sweatshirt or something on him.

 

[cincyfarmgirl]

The digestion of hay and other roughage generates heat. Take a fecal sample and have him checked for worms. Worms will cause the goat to be anemic and more prone to being chilled. You can also put a sweatshirt or something on him.

 

[cincyfarmgirl]

Thanks for good suggestions. I’ve encouraging him to eat more hay. Since it generates heat I’m gonna try the alfalfa hay, even though I did see him eating some more this evening and he wasn’t shivering quite so much.