Problem after getting a new goat. "bully" goat

[emilyenorris]

I have had a wether (pygmy) and a doe (nigerian dwarf) for the past 6 years. My wether passed away from reoccurring urinary calculi a week ago. He was the boss of the two goats, but they grazed together and slept in the same area without a problem. Since I thought that having just one goat was a problem and they needed a "friend", I bought a young nigerian doe that is approximately 10 months old and had been bottle fed. She is very friendly and wants to be with my older doe. My older doe like to be near us, but does not like to be touched. The older doe runs her off and does not want her around at all. Not within 15 feet of her. She watches her and does not let her near the hay or water. It is so sad.
Now I fear that my old doe will not be enough of a companion for the sweet new goat. We have only had her for 4 days. Should I expect it to improve? I am going to have to build another shelter for the new goat since she will not let her in.
So much for getting a new "friend".

 

[Matt119911]

They might get better but for now if you can set up another feed station that would help

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It will improve with time. Goats are goofy like that. They want companionship but they butt each other all the time. The pygmy and Nigerian are the worse for butting.

As far as the wether you lost did you feed a ration? Richer diets unfortunately will cause stones in male goats. Mine get grass hay and pasture, mineral and baking soda. Sorry you lost yours. Hopefully the two will be buddies eventually.

 

[SillyChicken]

Normal behavior. They will establish dominance... separate feeding stations for grain is the best option.

grass hay and pasture/browse and grain before charging to breed/pregnant/milking. Never give wethers grain or alfalfa rich hay, too much calcium. Wethers have less developed urinary tracts than intact males, and more prone to developing the stones/crystals.

 

[emilyenorris]

It has been about a month. The girls are not best friends and the older one still puts the little one in her place, but they are not enemies. The little one is standing up to the older goat (butting heads), not that she comes out on top. I do not think that they are really fighting, but reminding each other who is boss.
Thanks for all the help.