we have goats

MullersLaneFarm · #1 10/18/06, 04:20 PM

Got a couple Boer doelings about a month ago. These will be bred for producing meat.

new to the world of goats - have cow, draft horses, mules, hogs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pea fowl, but no goats.

First concern I have is worming. What is recommended to use, how much, how often? (The guy we got these doelings from almost like a young buck to worm overload)

I would prefer non-chemical worming, but DH (Choreman of the board) will want what is easier .

Help please!!

**mygoat** · #2 10/18/06, 07:57 PM

I've tried Hoegger's herbal wormer. NOT ONE of my goats would touch it, and I tried it with several goats. I finally had to mix it with molasses and drench it from syringes, which was a problem and a hassle. I just got a bottle of 1% injectable ivermectin (1cc per 33lbs) and you just give it whenever neccesary, orally. Works great. Ivermectin may not work in your area anymore, but try giving 2 doses 10 days apart, and check thier fecals for an egg count... If not try another brand, but I can't help you with those because I dont have experience with them.
Congrats on the new goats, by the way!
Aren't they great?
LOL

cmharris6002 · #3 10/19/06, 08:21 AM

I used to use herbal wormer but after a year my goats weren’t doing well on it. Since then I have read that it can quite toxic and even abortive. I feel that the best approach is to use fecal exams to find out what worms you have and how heavy the load is. Proper nutrition, especially copper levels, has major impact on the goats ability to withstand parasite infestation. Also, your location and the weather will make a difference.

You can bring a fecal to your vet or learn to do it yourself. If you have more than one goat pen bring a sample from each pen. Tell the vet before hand that you need exact counts (not a reply like, "yes they have worms") and the LATIN name for the types of eggs they see. Then you can ask about what wormers work for those worms in your area. Keep in mind all goats will have some worms, it is not always necessary to worm. This way you can use proper management and worm only when you need to. It makes more sense to me then loading the goats up on wormwood herbs can be strong medicine and just because it’s natural doesn’t mean that it is safe.

Christy

MullersLaneFarm · #4 10/19/06, 02:45 PM

Thank you ladies.

Our place has never had goats on it. It had horses for a number of decades before we bought it and we have horses, bovine & hogs (as well as poultry).

Our doelings are kept in the same double horse stall. Our pastures are great for keeping in cows & horses, but definitely not goat tight ... yet! We'll have to put them in separate stalls for a day or so, then collect samples for the vet. Thanks for the advice of getting latin names - makes a lot of sense. We'll learn to do our own fecal exams once we know what we're looking for.

Thanks again for all your help

I fully understand "natural not necessarily being safe", I do prefer to keep the amount of chemicals we use to a minimum around here.

fishhead · #5 10/19/06, 03:03 PM

My vet said there was a 10 hour maximum time limit on getting samples tested. Is that correct?

ozark_jewels · #6 10/19/06, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishhead

My vet said there was a 10 hour maximum time limit on getting samples tested. Is that correct?

I don't know. I just gathered the samples at morning chores, dropped them off at the vets on the way to work and picked up the results on the way home that evening.
Those were the second samples I gathered. The 1st set of samples I put in plastic baggies and set them on my dresser for a few minutes.....I found them behind a pile of clothes, covered in fuzzy mold, five days later.....think they were past the maximum time limit to get them tested??

MullersLaneFarm · #7 10/19/06, 03:22 PM

Tell me it isn't so, Emily!! ROFL!

Sweet Goats · #8 10/19/06, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishhead

My vet said there was a 10 hour maximum time limit on getting samples tested. Is that correct?

The best thing to do is if you are gathering the samples in the morning and you can not get to the vet until after work, put it in the refrigerator. Now if it is the one at work, make sure no one wants to eat your "lunch".

Dee · #9 10/19/06, 03:26 PM

I find it funny when you try to get a sample, no one is pooping. Those berries come out constantly until you need a sample.

ozark_jewels · #10 10/19/06, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Goats

The best thing to do is if you are gathering the samples in the morning and you can not get to the vet until after work, put it in the refrigerator. Now if it is the one at work, make sure no one wants to eat your "lunch".

What?? Natural "malted milk balls"??

ozark_jewels · #11 10/19/06, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee

I find it funny when you try to get a sample, no one is pooping. Those berries come out constantly until you need a sample.

.

Go out when they are all laying around chewing cud. Get them all up and it starts coming. Works almost every time here.

fishhead · #12 10/20/06, 12:57 PM

If someone steals my lunch then good enough for them! It won't happen again.

I try to catch my goats lying down so that I'm there when they first stand up. It seems that is a good time to get a fresh sample.