Lets talk about goats!

[chickenewbee]

A vet once told me that the difference between sheep and goats is that while sheep blunder into trouble, goats seek it out. I may have posted this before, but it is sooo true.

Many years ago we had some sheep.

Sheep are pushy, but not particularly bright.

Goats are a little TOO bright

I have shade cloth stretched across part of their corral, and they have a dog house underneath so they can stay dry in the rain. I came home last week to find that they had pushed the dog house over about three feet.

The boy then climbed up on top of the dog house,and then from the dog house up to the shade cloth. He was perched on top of the shadecloth, about eight feet in the air. Fortunately it was well attached, so it didn't come down with him on it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So your adventures of keeping goats confined has begun, good luck trying to outsmart them, it can turn into a challenge, they are so inventive and clever, I can see your boy now, enjoying the view.


Here's some of mine enjoying their goat tower, which needs repairs periodically because they eat wood.

 

[chickenewbee]

I see a construction project in my future.

I've been giving them toys to try to keep their little minds busy...dog toys that I move around so they have to hunt for them, and a tire that the little girl likes to push around the corral. I'll have to see what else I can come up with.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

In the past we have used old wire spools with ramps and boards in between, also rock piles, they like to climb and it helps to keep their hooves in good shape.

 

[chickenewbee]

In the past we have used old wire spools with ramps and boards in between, also rock piles, they like to climb and it helps to keep their hooves in good shape.

I have visions of a goat playground

I was looking for a wooden spool for them, but I couldn't find one in my area. So I planned to build a platform on top of the tire for them to stand on (saw it on Facebook) but she seems to enjoy just pushing the tire around with her head and balancing on top.

My property is very flat, but maybe I could bring in a few rocks for them to climb.

 

[lizardandchicks]

Does anyone know if goats can eat junipers?

 

[dan26552]

Does anyone know if goats can eat junipers?

They can, helps the immune system I think

 

[lizardandchicks]

They can, helps the immune system I think 

Dan!!!!!! Thank you.

 

[dan26552]

Dan!!!!!! Thank you.

Your welcome

 

[Stacykins]

Just had to put down my sweetest and most wonderful goat buck ever. Seriously, you could lead him on a piece of dental floss, even if there was a doe in heat. He was such a snuggler even from day one. But when the vet is at a loss, you've been fighting for weeks, and you wake up to find him having gone so downhill it is unfair to make him keep going, it is time. The vet did not know what to do anymore. Johnnie had a mass in his neck. Not CL, it was tested. But he could hardly eat or drink.

The vet agreed it was definitely best. You know how medical professionals talk when they know something is futile. So at least he is no longer suffering anymore. Even with brand new babies out there, I will not be able to go out to the goats without breaking down into a sobbing mess when I don't hear his voice anymore. My father is having a really hard time too even if he doesn't say anything (stoic men and all) because Johnnie was his special boy who followed him everywhere.

I am keeping Johnnie's son as a company for a young buck I bought earlier this year. He needs companionship. For now, I have him moved right next to the doe pen in a portable pen, so he doesn't get too lonely and depressed. He keeps calling out, which breaks my heart even more.

Johnnie as a tiny, adorable baby. I feel so guilty too that I did not take many pictures of him as a glorious adult. His thick, luxurious beard would make even Blackbeard jealous.