Help with my goats.....pretty please.

[gatorridgechics]

Yes they have access to hay 24\7, there is not much pasture left in their pen, they also get grain twice a day and fresh water at least twice a day. The pens are going to be moved soon, then there will be more pasture for them. As far as her stool, it is completely normal. She is very active. She is taller than George and with longer legs can climb and jump. He chases her around and when she climbs on top of the shelter he rams it to get her to come down. He is short and round. They play for most of the day. As far as treats, those are just what she likes, but in no way does she get them on a regular basis. In reality maybe once a week a few slices of something. She has to share with the rabbits and Jack the Cow, so if I cut up an apple into 8 pieces she will get prolly 3 pieces. George will only eat hay, grain, tree leaves, and clothing (if you let him). The lady we bought her from had many many goats, and Barbara was not one that got daily attention like petting etc. She was really skittish when we first got her home, but getting food will bring her over to the fence. She is getting better and a lot of times will come without food, but George is an attention hog and will push her away.
I was out there with them early this morning and she was laying in the sun, using her horns to scratch her back, and stretching. It looked like she was doing some sort of goat yoga. would worms make her belly move around? And if so wouldn't she seem really sick and lethargic?

On another note, I have a hard enough time taking my own HPT's how do you get a goat to pee on that stick? I am sorry I just can't wrap my head around that! lol

 

[Sylverfly]

What kind of of human pregnancy test? because most (all the ones I'm aware of) react to the human chorionic hormone and I don't believe any kind of goat dairy, meat, or pygmy produce that when they are pregnant (I could be wrong). Not trying to say you are wrong just trying to find out what one you are using because it sure would be convenient just go to the drugstore instead of sitting around wondering for weeks and months.

 

[Stacykins]

I was out there with them early this morning and she was laying in the sun, using her horns to scratch her back, and stretching. It looked like she was doing some sort of goat yoga. would worms make her belly move around? And if so wouldn't she seem really sick and lethargic?

On another note, I have a hard enough time taking my own HPT's how do you get a goat to pee on that stick? I am sorry I just can't wrap my head around that! lol

Eventually, yes worms start to deteriorate an animals condition when there are enough of them. Especially barberpole worms, blood suckers that cause anemia, and they have a fast life cycle (meaning they multiply in numbers, fast). Until an animal get stressed by something else such as heat, a move, disease, pregnancy, etc. usually they keep them in check. The key to worm control isn't total elimination, that isn't very possible, but to keep them as low as possible while being careful not to cause resistance to available medications. That is why a fecal test, done by a vet and not expensive at all, can determine if she has a worm load, how many, what type of worm it is, and then the best type of wormer to treat with.

I honestly am not sure if the human pregnancy test will work for goats, either. I'd never heard of it before now. But getting a blood test done by Biopyrn only costs $4.50, plus shipping in a small, light box. I draw my goat's blood, but I know how to do so on people, so getting blood from the jugular vein on a goat is easy peasy.

 

[gatorridgechics]

Ok I spent lots of time with them today and she acts totally normal I watched the two of them eat this morning and we are fixing to feed now so I will head out and watch then too, just to be sure that he is not pushing her away from her food when he is done with his. It didn't happen this am though. the worms would be contagious wouldn't they? If so wouldn't he have them too? He isn't skinny at all. We have a friend who raises goats and I called her today and left her a voice mail, hopefully she will be able to come by tomorrow. But I will call the vet tomorrow.

Is there anything I can do in the mean time?

 

[Stacykins]

Are you a member of backyardherds? Might be a good idea to hop over there, more people with goats than here, so more information and opinions.