Biting goats

[fishhead]

I've got one nubian wether who chews on me a lot. I've slapped his face multiple times but that doesn't seem to be working. I don't want to really thump him but is there another way to get him to stop? Another one does it but not nearly as much.

[BlueHeronFarm]

Try pinching his neck. That's where another goat would correct him with a bite. Or maybe a shot of water to the face with a spray bottle -- goats hate water.

[DocM]

Thumping or slapping a goat in the face just makes for an aggressive mean goat who will eventually begin rearing and ramming you.

Use a spray bottle in his face. Just water.

[Nancy_in_GA]

We've goat a nubian doe just like that. Spraying water in her face doesn't phase her a bit, even with vinegar in it.

Have you ever watched the show "Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel?" I know it seems crazy but I've been trying some of the techniques that guy uses on dogs and it seems to be helping with our goat. Couldn't expain it in words. You have to see the show. It has more to do with changing your attitude than changing the goat.

If not successful eventually, I may resort to getting one of those short cattle prods.

[HazyDay]

Originally Posted by Nancy_in_GA

If not successful eventually, I may resort to getting one of those short cattle prods.

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

I found ignoring my Alpine fixed her right up! I watched "At the end of my leash" and thats what he said to do when they jump on nip at you.

[Rockytopsis]

You can also try saying "NO" sharply and tugging in his ear right after. My goats have learned commands by voiceing them very sharply then a brief tugg on the ear. You don't have to hurt the goat just get his attention that if he does not obey the command he gets a tugg.

When young does put hoofs on the fence I have taught them "OFF". They also know the command "NO" and one buck knows the command "MOVE" when I am trying to put feed in his pan.

[GoatGoddess]

I've got a grumpy old boer doe who will bite a chunk out of you if you don't watch her. I've learned the best way to avoid a bite is not turn your back on her.

[Starsmom]

If you don't mind the taste of goat hair, bite back, we have uppers and lowers and it would hurt more....Just a thought....I haven't had any that bite.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Fishead, is he chewing on a peice of your clothing or really biting you like trying to be mean? I have never had a goat bite my intentionally, but a couple will nibble on a peice of my clothing a bit. They have never hurt anything & are not being mean. I think they are just being goats and if I love on them they stop. Maybe just looking for attention.

[fishhead]

Normally it's clothes. A drawstring or zipper. I don't think they are being aggressive.

[Backfourty,MI.]

If he's not being aggressive then it wouldn't bother me, but if it does you, I agree with Doc,use a spray bottle. I also have used a spray bottle with water in it for different traing reasons, but I definately wouldn't smack him because you could make him mean. Good Luck!

[JB114]

We have a couple of goats that come up and nibble at our pants legs which doesnt bother us but we do have a doe that the only time she nips you is when she wants attention and your ignoring her. She loves to be rubbed.

[Nancy_in_GA]

Our nubian doe doesn't bite hard either, just nibbles *constantly* at your hands, clothes, hair. We tried paying more attention to her, but she just got worse.

I believe it's dominance thing with her. I really think she's a frustrated wannabe herd queen. But we have this Saanen doe who completely ignores her and goes her own way, and the other goats tend to follow the Saanen.

What works best so far is to act more assertive, not passive, and don't slap or anything, just do something that distracts her from the nibbling---like make an odd noise, or tap her on the shoulder. She will stop and stare at you with a confused look and quit, for awhile at least. I'm gonna keep trying this anyway.

[fishhead]

This particular goat is the smallest. He's also started pressing is head against me but I just roll out or push his head sideways. He does like getting his fur rubbed so I suspect it's attention seeking.