Nigerian with dry skin

[mdoerge]

One of my ND goats has dry skin (white flakey dandruff). I noticed today that she has dry skin above her eyes (eyelids?) as well. They look a little crusty. I wasn't too worried about the dandruff, but the eyes have me a little concerned. This is my first winter with goats - is this normal?

 

[helmstead]

May be lice, may be mineral issues. Might just be oily skin...

Treat for external parasites first. Make sure your mineral supplementation is correct. If all else fails, a good bath might be in order.

 

[mdoerge]

Can they get lice in the winter? I'm in northern Ohio. My son just gave her a good brushing - we didn't see anything. Would I be able to see them? They always have access to loose goat minerals. What do you use to treat for lice?

 

[helmstead]

Lice are actually the WORST in the winter...

Look for the knits...little tiny white things attached to the base of the hair, like white pepper. Google "lice+goats" and there are images somewhere...

You can use ivermec (3-4 times, 7 days appart), Cylence lice treatment, or seven dust.

Also if it IS lice, treat where they sleep with the seven dust.

 

[Chatychick]

Yep sounds like winter lice to me as the hair seems to disappear ...then the crustys, Yep treat them and where they all sleep and I mean all of the goats and change out bedding and treat with either sevin dust or zipcide or DE...I put DE where they sleep and treat mine with sevin dust...its a pain but like Kate said they are worse during the winter.

 

[ThornyRidge]

Yup.. totally lice.. I too am in NE Ohio and this is the worst year I have ever dealt with the little vermin!! I have dusted, drenched and pour on during this winter. With the really bad weather we have had my goats have not left the barn which makes for great lice reproduction. I know too that also minerals do play a big part and if you don't have loose minerals out free choice by all means get some.. I use Sweetlix Meatmaker as it is readily available in my area, but I know hard to find in others.. I am keeping my fingers crossed that warm weather comes so I can do a thorough barn cleaning and goaties can go outside in sun/fresh air for once!

 

[mdoerge]

Thanks everyone. Mine have spent way too much time in the barn this winter too. They have loose minerals always available, although I rarely see them eating any. Sevin dust - is that the same stuff you use in the garden? 5% or 10%? Do you just sprinkle it on them? I would imagine I need to avoid the eyes, nose, mouth. Ivermec? Is that ivermectin? What kind do you get?
Is DE effective to dust the goats with in addition to their bedding? I do have that here. Should I use that now until I can get to the store to buy the Sevin dust? Sorry for all the questions - I'm obviously very new to all of this and truly appreciate all of your help.

 

[abluechipstock]

look up copper deficency in goats and get some sweetlix minerals, they are the best for goats