Worried about my goat

[stoneymom]

I am getting very concerned about one of our goats. Missy is a almost 8 month old Nubian. I have noticed the past few days when going out to do chores that Missy seems to be shivering a lot. She doesn't have a runny nose and isn't acting sick, but she is just shaking. We have had a cold snap this week. It's gotten down to 1 - but in another month we could have temps falling to -15 or more. I am just worried that she is maybe more senseative (sp?) to the cold than the other goats - I haven't seen them shaking. Is there any thing I can do to help her? Should I make her a coat of some kind? Missy is my four year old daughter's goat and I would hate for something to happen to her. Any advice would be helpful.

[susanne]

i would be concerned about parasites. i would bring some goat pellets to the vet and have it checked. a parasite load could mean this goat is anemic. please check her gum line. is it pink or does it look more pale?

[Teacupliz]

Get is child shirt and put it on her.
Also give her some fortified b-compex. 3cc SQ.
Did you take her temp.?

Liz Teacup Farm

[stoneymom]

I wormed all the goats about 7 weeks ago. I did take Missy's temp this morning - it was normal. I put down some extra bedding for all of the goats tonight before coming in. Just told our oldest son if she is still doing this tommorow, I am going to make her a little fleece coat. I do that during lambing season for when we have ewes dropping babies at -10 or more below zero.

[Rachel K.]

If she isn't showing any other signs other then shaking then I think that its due to the cold rather then being ill. My Goats shake in the colder weather but as soon as they start moving around and start to get warmed up the shaking ceases.

try giving them warm water at watering time instead of chilly water. Chilly water can make them very cold during the winter months. Warm water helps warm them up just like drinking hot cocoa on a cold winters day.

Usually in the really cold weather I just keep my Goats in the barn. They like laying around in the warm straw rather then being out in the freezing cold.

Also make sure that they get Grain during the winter and plently of hay. Food in the Rumen also helps to keep them warm.

Good Luck!

[pookshollow]

I was wondering myself about this. Six of my goats look like little woolly bears, the four Nigerians, the Alpine and the Nubian cross. The big Saanen doesn't appear to have any undercoat at all. She came from a farm where the goats were kept in the cattle barn so I don't imagine it ever got really cold in there. I don't imagine at this point that she's going to grow much of a winter coat. Would a large dog coat work for a goat, if necessary?

[susanne]

unfortunately if you haven't used the right wormer it still could mean that she is anemic because of worms. a goat from good health should manage the cold without a coat. exception would be if she was clipped very recently for show or something. did you look under her lower eye lid?

[stoneymom]

Missy seems to be doing better today. It is warmer outside - almost 45 - and she doesn't seem to be shaking. I think that she probably was just not used to the cold. I am going to move them over to the other barn tommorrow. That's were I usually winter the goats any way and I am sure she will do better over there. I also was wondering if anyone has used those heated water containers and how well they work. I am thinking about getting some of them because we have to carry warm water from the house to the barn if we need it. Thanks everyone!

[Teacupliz]

When we worm we go back and give a second does at 14 days. To kill the cycle.
Liz

[Sher]

Glad your goat is okay. The Nubie I am milking now shivers..especially in the morning up on the stand..yeah, I milk outside. I guess she is like me..takes a while to adjust to the colder weather.

I use electric heated water buckest...I personally think they are great. And since we have been using them for the past few years...I think everyone drinks more during the cold weather. So yes..I have them...used them for five years or so..and like them very much. Got ours at the farm store.

[Goat Freak]

Glad to hear that your goat is doing better now.