Weaning: Does versus bucks.

MrHank · #1 05/03/08, 07:39 AM

I have 4 does and 1 buck that are 2 months old, the little buck is running around wanting to mount the little does. Is this little guy ready to be weaned? I don't think he is old enough to be breeding them even if they would stand for him, but I don't really want to be taking any chances. Recomindations please, thanks.

hornless · #2 05/03/08, 07:58 AM

You can wean him at 2 months, yes. Some bucks are capable of breeding at 7 weeks, so it is possible that he is able to breed.

LomahAcres · #3 05/03/08, 09:35 PM

It is very possible he is breeding your doe kids, I would pull him out ASAP. Yes you can wean at 8 weeks, but you get better growth if you can leave him on longer.

Shazza · #4 05/04/08, 08:37 AM

Can you move him and his mother so you dont have to wean...it all depends on what you intend doing with him...keeping him entire, or selling him?

**mygoat** · #5 05/04/08, 01:10 PM

I isolate bucklings the day I see their first erection, not mounting behavior. Keep in mind that the mounting behavior isn't solely for breeding, but also a sign of dominance. I have isolated anywhere between 7 weeks or three months... If a doe has only bucklings I may be willing to isolate her and her kids for a few extra weeks, but if she's got a doeling or two on her as well, the buckling is moved out. However, in that case you have to start feeding the buckling grain and be very careful about it... Can be a complicated process to prevent UC.

I know of someone on this board that had a doeling KID at 6 months of age (maybe it was 7 months old... but either way!) Very, very abnormally young to kid, but it was from this situation if I remember right.

Freeholder · #6 05/04/08, 05:39 PM

I remember that post -- it was six months.

Why are you keeping your bucklings intact? Are they breeding quality? If not, castrating them will eliminate the issue of separating them from the does.

Kathleen