One of my two new goats is very "Skidish." She will be two in the spring. She will not come near me and runs like crazy if I approach slow and easy. One of my fears is if she gets out I will never be able to get her and she will run around the neigbhood and cause a disaster for me. I am thinking of asking to return the goats to the owner. I would like some advice from experience goat owners. thanks, Bryan
At her age, if she is afraid of people that's not a good thing. It might be possible to tame her but some people say they couldn't tame theirs at that age. I do know that it's going to take time; it could be weeks or longer. You never want to chase her, walk toward her, try to grab her or corner her. Just go about your business slowly while you are around her. She has to come to you!! You can talk to her or to yourself. Take out some treats and sit down to eat while she's watching. Sometimes the lure of a treat will bring them close enough that you can feed her, even throw it over to her and she may eventually start to come closer and closer until you can hand feed her. Then, eventually you can slowly reach up to pet her. Never bring your hand down over her head, bring it up from underneath or the sides so she can see what you are doing. If the other goat lets you pet it then make sure you give that goat lots of attention in sight of this goat. She'll see how much the other goat likes you and that may help her overcome her fear also. If you get to the point where you can touch her most goats love having behind their ears scratched and between their shoulders scratched. If you do take her back make sure you still have a goat friend for you other goat. They do not do well alone. In the meantime just be sure that she can't get out as you are right, it would be really hard to catch her. Good luck.
Food is the key. Always go out with food of some sort. Apples, something sweet and once you get her coming to you switch out some of the treats with feed. Goats can't resist food for too long. Do this a few times a day. In about a week or two she should be warming up to you.
Does she eat grain each day? How do you feed them? I would suggest feeding them in one stall giving each their own bucket, hook their collars onto a short 12" lead so they can just stand and eat. If the others go in there to eat the skiddish one should come in there eventually too. Start by just sitting in the corner and watching them all eat, have a handful of raisins or whatever small treat she likes best, just in case she comes to check you out. Leave the others hooked up until the skiddish one is done. Make sure she sees you carrying the buckets and make sure she knows you have the food. If you are patient she will not be afraid to go in the stall to eat, then try standing closer to her while she eats. Just inch your way closer each week...worst case scenario at least you'll be able to catch her in the stall if you need to check her out or worm her. One of my goats was less handled so we did this for about a week and now she doesn't run away...she was young though so your girl will take longer. Hope this helps and you wont get rid of her!
