What is wrong with our doelings?

[jen74145]

She is acting like her normal self, but when she bleats, it's a tiny, wheezy sound, and she acts like she's trying to really yell. She's bouncing around and eating, though.
They both are also scouring, which they were not doing yesterday; it's already been one of "those" days, so apart from a quick feed and water this morning, we weren't able to let them out to graze until just a bit ago. What do I do?

[jen74145]

I should clarify, I've given them both pepto and dry hay, can send DH out for yogurt if need be... they are not being allowed to graze.

[fishhead]

What makes you think something is wrong?

[TexasArtist]

Since you weren't able to let them out and such could it be maybe she had yelled all day and strained her voice?? Mine have done that at time when they get seperated from the herd. You'd think someone is out there twirling them around by their ears they way they are screaming! Their vioces come back in a couple days or so.

[jen74145]

Well, but they are scouring too... it's just the one (Molly) she's got the funny voice thing going on.

[TexasArtist]

hmmm perhaps a change in their diet? Do you give them feed and then let them out everyday or just letting them out to pasture? Maybe that ate a plant in the pasture the day before and it's haveing an effect on them?

[Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians]

How old? Are they weaned or what are you bottling them with? Whats their temp? From yelling and now she is hoarse to she has pnemonia...we would be guessing with what you are saying. Scouring can be from a change in diet, but usually is cocci or worms, or milk replacers, cold milk, too much milk. Vicki

[jen74145]

Sorry; yes, they are weaned, both aboiut five months old and been weaned for at least one month each. The one in worse shape has been wened for at least three.
It has been raining for the past week, so they hven't been out much, and I have not been giving them (wet) greens. Entirely possible they got into chicken feed, as I have a... less than aware hubby/co-caretaker.
Can i take their temps with a regular digital thermometer? What should it be?
Thank you... and please forgive my ignorance/idiocy.
Oh, and I changed their bedding last week, bu with all the rain it has gotten wet in there.

[Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians]

Your in Texas, have they had cocci meds or been wormed with Cydectin? Yes a digital thermometer is fine, rectally, their normal temps would be 102 or 103...much higher than yes it's likely something bacterial, and yes she could have pnemonia.

Chicken feed can kill a goat because it is ground grain, it causes impaction, bloat, and entero. If a 5 year old child can get into your grain and feed the goats, than your grain for all animals on your place are not secure enough for goats.

There are lots of us in northeast Texas if you need to find someone local on dairygoatinfo.com I am north of Houston so likely to far south to be much help.

Get them wormed, get them on a sulfa, and secure your grain for your other animals.

Goats don't get sick from our rain, they get sick from dam bedding, if you can't kneel in your barn without your knees getting wet, than you need to add more shavings or straw. Stress brings on pnemonia, worm problems and cocci, so does being able to stand in your hay or grain. Do you have a local goat person to help you? Vicki

[jen74145]

Thank you Vicki; I really appreciate it.
I don't know many people here to begin with... my poor girls. Well, now girl... blech.

[fishhead]

I had a wether with a distinct bawl last summer. He sounded pitiful but was just as healthy as the rest.

Good luck getting the scours under control. Have you given them probiotics or yogurt?