Hi Everyone I just got a couple of new goats, they are both does and born in 99, they were running with a four month old buck, and they lady said he wasn't old enough to breed them. What I have read, I disagree, but I don't know for sure if they are pregnant. Can I let them run with my other goats? Will their butting each other hurt the pregant ones if they are pregnant? And is there any suggestions, of how I can tell for sure if they are pg without alot of tests at vets? What is uddering up, and how do I know if they are? Any help in this area would be great since I don't have a due date and I am worrying about them already.. Thanks Barb

-- Barb (vozarbi@sensible-net.com), November 05, 2001

Answers

I let my PG goats run with the other goats and cattle, I have not had a problem except one doe I had REALLY did not like a doeling and would just keep butting her over and over at the sight of her. If something like that goes on it would be wise to separate. Uddering up is when the bag becomes full, you will notice this. At four months old it is possible fo ra buckling to breed a doe IF he can reach her, but if you are concerned about him being the father, it will be at least another four months before any kidding might take place, closer to five months. Watch for signs of heat for the next couple of months. Tana

-- Tana Cothran (tana@getgoin.net), November 05, 2001.

Of course, just to confuse you, signs of heat do not mean that the doe isn't already bred. I have a kindergoat doe who will express heats up until her last month of pregnancy. She gets antsy and discharges and flirts and wags. The buck, of course, knows she's pulling his leg and doesn't even try anything after she's bred. Amazing.

-- Sheryl in Me (radams@sacoriver.net), November 05, 2001.

Yes Barb, you can run them with your other goats. But of course after reading months of advice from all of us you are going to quaranteen them first!? Worm, trim their hooves, check for lice, revaccinate, then when the 21 days comes around for their 2nd CD&T vaccination and a reworming, then let them out with your goats. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), November 05, 2001.