Am I being selfish

chamoisee · #21 11/17/12, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zilli

Actually, I have a Saanen doe who will be 15 next spring and some others (pygmies, and a pygmy/dairy cross) that are all around 12 and 13.

That is the kind of doe to save buck kids from (and to buy them out of)!

Zilli · #22 11/17/12, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chamoisee

That is the kind of doe to save buck kids from (and to buy them out of)!

Actually, the last time I bred Sweet Pea was over eight years ago.

I thought I was out of the breeding/milking business, and by the time I got back into it two years ago, I felt she was too old to start up again.

She is doing quite well, actually. Good appetite and she's always out and about with the herd, looking and acting like she feels good. She does look a little "rough," and I suspect she could benefit from a copper bolusing - I just worry about doing anything to her that might stress her out at this point.

I love that old girl and it will be a very sad day around here when I lose her.

Minelson · #23 11/17/12, 05:33 PM

He is gorgeous! I do not think you are being selfish at all. If he is not grinding his teeth and seems happy then just let him be. I always go by..if they stop eating or won't get up....look in their eyes and you will know. It's very uncomfortable during the wondering and knowing the time is near. But you will know. Jeeesh! I should practice what I preach!! (((hugs)))

mahnah · #24 11/17/12, 05:49 PM

Thanks he is a sweet boy lives to give kisses and get scratches.

What does it mean if they grind their teeth

Minelson · #25 11/17/12, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mahnah

Thanks he is a sweet boy lives to give kisses and get scratches.

What does it mean if they grind their teeth

That is a sign that they are in pain.

mahnah · #26 11/17/12, 06:51 PM

Oh.. Good to know thank you

CaliannG · #27 11/17/12, 07:50 PM

mahnah, when was the last time his feet were trimmed up?

I have an older wether whose legs looked like that and it was due to his heels growing unevenly on each hoof. Had to REALLY rasp down those heels!

andabigmac · #28 11/17/12, 08:32 PM

Where are you? Maybe one of us could give you a pedicure lesson.

Minelson · #29 11/17/12, 08:42 PM

Oh yes..always have feet and teeth checked. I couldn't tell from the pics about the hooves.

Dreamgoat Annie · #30 11/17/12, 08:46 PM

Mahnah, I have an old, old, old sheep who has quite a history and came to me already an old sheep. She is now so arthritic that she often doesn't know which leg to hold off of the ground. But she has her favorite spots in the yard and she hobbles to them every day to bask in the sun. She obviously still enjoys her life.

Already last year this time, John and I debated whether or not it was kind to keep old Angel going through another winter. But we decided that as long as she still seems happy and she can still get up by herself, she will live. That was a full year ago and she's doing as well today as she was last year.

When it's time for Angel to go to sheep heaven we will know it and we will help her on her way. I think your guy sounds a lot like Angel. You'll know when it's time and in the meanwhile, since he still appreciates his life, just enjoy him. It's all we can do for animals we love.

Sue

mahnah · #31 11/18/12, 09:36 AM

His hoofs have never had any attention at all. I have no idea what I am doing. Never knew they needed to be until coming here. I am in NY East side of the state near VT.

CaliannG · #32 11/18/12, 10:38 AM

We have members in NY and VT, I hope one of them chimes in with an offer to come over and trim up his hooves, because I am willing to bet that that is his problem.

Goats, like people, become less active as they get older, which even if his feet were naturally trimmed up from activity in the past, that activity is less now, and so they can become overgrown, leading to "hobbling" issues.

If no one here can help, try to find a livestock vet that knows what s/he is doing to get it done. He will be in far less pain and will likely not have the gimpiness any more.

mahnah · #33 11/18/12, 11:39 AM

Thanks I will check with my vet they have livestock division and do horse cows etc.

Zilli · #34 11/18/12, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliannG

We have members in NY and VT, I hope one of them chimes in with an offer to come over and trim up his hooves, because I am willing to bet that that is his problem.

Goats, like people, become less active as they get older, which even if his feet were naturally trimmed up from activity in the past, that activity is less now, and so they can become overgrown, leading to "hobbling" issues.

If no one here can help, try to find a livestock vet that knows what s/he is doing to get it done. He will be in far less pain and will likely not have the gimpiness any more.

Some farriers will do it, too. I know of at least two around here who will.

Also, the OP can watch Craigslist - there are several people who regularly advertise sheep, goat, alpaca, and llama hoof trimming on my local CL.

Another possibility might be to check with her local county extension office for the names of 4-H goat club leaders who might be able to put her in touch with some 4-H'ers who would like to earn a few bucks.

I have a girl who does mine because I am unable to manage it with my bad hand. She charges me $5.00 each.

Minelson · #35 11/18/12, 03:15 PM

It's free to post a "wanted" ad on Craigs list. That is how I shop for hay. Just title it "wanted- goat hoof trimmer" and your area comes up automatically in the ad. Easy peasy

Or your local paper...

mahnah · #36 11/18/12, 04:23 PM

You guys are awesome thank you