We finally got our goats (2 pygmy wethers) this past weekend - they are adorable! The little escape artists seem to be settling in very well. They are a bit smaller than I thought they would be (16 lbs each) & I am finding they can squeeze through some of the fencing. Since I don't want them in the gardens or where the dogs could hurt them I am doing some temporary unexpected fence patching - must be a 5" or less opening to keep them in. The boys have had all their shots, 2 days (so far) of their preventative meds and I have trimmed their hooves which were pretty bad. They are drinking and eating their hay & grain, but I don't think they have touched the minerals or sodium bicarbonate yet. They both were a bit skittish at first but are rapidly becoming friendlier. All 6 children really love them (especially DSO's 13 y.o. son.) but I had to talk to them all and show them how much the goats should eat as I found the 4 oldest were sneaking treats (grain) to the goats. Glad I caught it early before they started getting fat! The filly & goats seem to be becoming buddies and everything looks good.

Anyhow, I want to THANK YOU (especially Vicki) for all the help you have given me in preparing for our goats and in learning how to properly care for them. I have had so many wonderful, patient responses to the MANY questions I have asked it is amazing! I have also learned a lot just reading (here & the archives). I am so glad I found this forum! Thanks again!

-- Debbie in IL (debbie@fli-soft.com), April 29, 2002

Answers

Wonderful Debbie! With the small amount of grain and hay they are probably getting everything they need. Goats are so curious that they soon will at least taste the minerals to see just what it is. With that many kids around they will tame down quickly! Good luck. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), April 29, 2002.

Be careful, Debbie. GOATS ARE ADDICTING!!! We started with 2 pygmy wethers and now have an amazing little herd of 8 pygmies and an angora. We had our first kids in March and they are so cute! Have fun with your new goats!

-- Cindy in Illinois (ilovecajun@aol.com), May 01, 2002.

HI, GLAD YOU HAVE YOUR GOATS. THERE SO ADDICTIVE YOU CAN'T HAVE JUST ONE OR TWO. WE LOVE OURS. GOOD LUCK. PRIS MOUNTAIN ASHE ACRES FARM- UPSTATE,NY

-- PRIS (MTASHEACRES@aol.com), May 02, 2002.