Fairly New goat owners... two goats with soft poops

[JayStan11]

Hello All- We are fairly new goat owners. We have three goats that are all whethers. Two of our goats were banded and the other one we had neutered by the vet 8 days ago. We have noticed some clumped up poops here and there with two of our goats...but they return to berries usually within a few days.

The last day or so I noticed one of our goats (Jax) was having soft poops.... then today our other goat (Louie, who was just neutered, and ended his anti inflammatory medication yesterda) is also having soft poops.

I really can't get to the bottom of the problem and would love some help and advice.

We are feeding the goats alfalfa/orchard mix free range hay.... Manna Pro loose minerals free range... No grain, every once in a while they get Manna Pro licorice treats. They always have plenty of clean water. They were just dewormed in July by the vet. They are still eating, drinking, playing like normal.

Thanks

 

[cassie]

Sometimes goats just do that. If they are otherwise bright eyed and bushy tailed, don't worry about it.

This has nothing to do with their manure, but have they been vaccinated for entero and tetanus? If not get a vial of CD/T from the feed store or livestock supply and administer it ASAP. Enterotoxemia, caused by clostridium perfingens, can strike without warning with lethal consequences. If you don't know how, have your vet or someone teach you how to give shots.

 

[Zoomie]

@cassie gives good advice as always.

I would suggest that if this continues, or gets any worse, that you consider coccidia treatment. Cocciciosis can cause this, and it can get really bad. Sometimes, they can even die, although it's highly unlikely as long as you are alert and aware and I am sure your guys will be fine. You can have a vet talk to you about prevention. Although adult goats are normally immune by the time they are about 1 year old, well, sometimes even an adult will be overwhelmed with coccidia and will need to be treated. Normally one puts the treatment in the water, so it's generally fairly easy to do.

 

[sannabelle]

Have you had a lot of rain recently? Even something like that can sometimes change poop consistency. Check their eyelids and gums as well- they should be nice and pink.

 

[cassie]

What I didn't mention but should have is that it would be a good idea to have your vet run a fecal to see if your goats need worming. Your vet can also advise you on what wormers to use.

 

[theoldchick]

I second the notion of having your vet do a fecal. That way you know exactly what you are dealing with and how to treat it. There are several things that can cause loose stools: diet, stress, parasites and so forth. Owners who ignore loose stools in goat end up with sudden deaths.