go big or go home- 9 goats for a newbie!

[Minky]

I have just bought 3 mama goats (nubian age 1.5, NDwarf age 3, NDwarf age 2) and their twins. (b/b, b/g, b/g).
All kids born June of this year (oldest are 9.5 weeks).

1. The b/b nubians are humping and pulling out the wee little gadets. Should i be concerned? do they need to be seperated? How do i wean them if I want to milk their moms this fall/winter?.

2. Mamma nubian is very thin/bony and a couple of the mammas have bug clumpy poop instead of little pellets. id imagine a home visit from a vet would be hundreds (we are in the boonies) and i have no means to bring them in.... so i was going to bring in a stool sample tommorrow.... good idea? or??

3. guideline on how much grain to feed nursing twin mamas. (Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf)?? how much grain/sweet feed/BOSS ?? they have access to lush forest and shrubs all day.

4. banding - when is the right age 3 months? thanks

 

[Birdsong 82]

Maybe a deworming for the thin with clumpy poo. Stool sample would still be good though if available. The boys humping can’t do much now but in a couple months it could be a problem. I think we banded ours about 6 months. If you wait too late it my not do as much good. And easier on them when younger

 

[Minky]

Yes, I dont think its really much to worry about at 9.5 weeks?? but some say that at 3 months the smaller breeds can be fertile??? And one of my 8 week olds is a Nigerian dwarf so that doesn't give me much time. they are just so damn sweet im having a hard time thinking about parting with any of them.

 

[cassie]

I have just bought 3 mama goats
1. The b/b nubians are humping and pulling out the wee little gadets. Should i be
4. banding - when is the right age 3 months? thanks

 

[cassie]

I banded my kids when they were a few days old. I don't know how old mini buck kids are when they become fertile, but I had an Alpine doe kid get pregnant when she was three months old. I'd band those boys now. You should have a fecal run to see what your goat's worm load is, if any. Boy was i surprised!!

I think one of the first things you need to do is to get a book on goats. Go to caprinesupply.com and request a catalog. You can browse through the catalog on line but request one to be sent to you anyway. They should have a listing of books, one or more of which will suit your purposes. The catalog itself is chock full of good information.