4 month old myotonic goat

[HomesteadingGirl]

We've never had a goat before so we're looking for some advice. We got our 4 month old doe about 5 days ago. She was still with Mom and nursing when we got her. We got her home in the first night we ended up sleeping in the barn with her in 20 degree weather. We've been doing good with sticking to a routine but have spent everyday outside with her since we've had her. Yesterday I went back to working a full day and didn't have time to spend with her yesterday. My husband had spent a lot of time with her but I hadn't seen her for about 36 hours. Today I got her out and she was rubbing her head on me and pawing at me. She was very insistent and would not stop no matter what I did. She would paw and rub her head and start chewing on my clothes. I'm not sure if she's trying to play, showing dominance, or what to think. I'll be super grateful for any advice on how to change I'll be super grateful for any advice. She won't eat unless we're out there with her but she is doing good sleepingout there by yourself now. We were trying to free-range her, but she finds any and every way to get out of the fence. The only place she goes when she leaves the fence is to one of thedoors to come in the house.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You don't have any other goats? They need goat companionship, and shouldn't be kept alone.

Goats chew on your clothes, they invade your personal space, and like demanding things. You shouldn't free range, they need a secure fence to keep them safe. Goats are escape artist, especially if they are unhappy.

 

[N F C]

You don't have any other goats? They need goat companionship, and shouldn't be kept alone.

Goats chew on your clothes, they invade your personal space, and like demanding things. You shouldn't free range, they need a secure fence to keep them safe. Goats are escape artist, especially if they are unhappy.

Based on our experience with goats, I agree with @oldhenlikesdogs 100%.

BTW...

 

[lazy gardener]

I've never owned a goat, but agree with OHLD. A single goat is an unhappy goat.

 

[Zoomie]

Don't let her rub her head on you... this can lead to butting. In a butting fight she will totally win. Don't let the behavior get started: never pet her on the head, pet her on the neck, the back, the legs, belly etc. but not the head. If she puts her head on you, reach down and squeeze her ear. Goats bite each other on the ear to show displeasure, that will help her understand what you want. No need to be mean about it; just be very matter-of-fact and calm.

Agree with @oldhenlikesdogs: goats are social creatures. She needs at least one other goat with her. Until you get her another goat she will probably be anxious and worried. That is totally normal: goats realize that it's the lone goat that gets eaten by the bears and lions, so as long as they are alone, they experience fear and anxiety, causing them to paw, rub their head and not eat as well as other behaviors. No wonder you've had to spend so much time with her... but it's impossible to be out there 24/7. Goats never leave each other, not even to go to the bathroom. Get another goat ASAP.

And welcome to BYC!

 

[duncan5]

Very important to get another goat.

 

[Athena2344]

The chewing and pawing is normal, just her wanting attention, to be pet, and showing that she doesn't like you being gone, even another young animal, preferably goat, will Definantly boost her confidence and help with her anxiety. I have two Angoras and a Boer doe, they don't head butt, but beg for attention, and if you sit down, Boer goat is all over me, climbing pawing, it's a natural thing

 

[Athena2344]

If it is that cold, get her a blanket and sleeve/tube from the dressier. I would also serve warm water with electrolytes in the mornings

 

[Athena2344]

If it is that cold, get her a blanket and sleeve/tube from the dressier. I would also serve warm water with electrolytes in the mornings

These are my Angoras, Dolly and Lacey, both yearlings

 

[Athena2344]

This is Belle, my Boer goat