How do you get them to stop jumping up?

[JenJenWv]

I have two bottle-fed doelings that are about 3 months old now. They jump up like crazy when I go out to feed them. They don't jump as much other times. I was just wondering if there is a good way to get them to stop jumping. I try to keep my hand over their heads so they get sort of knocked back before they can jump up all the way, but that doesn't work all the time because I have to use both hands to get their food together and then they can jump. I push them down and say down, but can't tell that it is making a difference. Is there a good way to deal with this? I am worried about having full grown goats jumping. The books say not to let them jump or butt, but I wonder how to stop them?

[Alice In TX/MO]

The same way you break a puppy. Knee to chest. Firmly and abruptly.

[Zone]

I started doing something that is actually working. I have a light-weight metal pail that I fill up with their alfalfa/boss/...etc mixture. I brought it into their small yard and poured it into the large common feed container. They used to bombard me from all sides. I could barely get into the gate with it.
I got fed up one day and after pouring the mixture in their container I tried something I hoped would work. ....... I swung that bucket around like a mad woman. Banging that thing into everything and everyone. Hee hee.

Guess what?

Two days ago: I walk into the yard, dump their stuff in the container, one or two gentle reminders, and when I say "Okay...okay!" Then they come crowding around the food. Until then I am good.

Yesterday: Got a new yearling doe. Back to swinging bucket again.

Today: A few bops on the head and things look like they are calming down again.


Just thought I would share. :lol You can laugh if you want... It works.

[tioga12]

One thing that helps at bottle feeding time is to stand on the opposite side of the fence and stick the nipples through the fence, putting them low enough that they don't have their feet UP on the fence....
helps them not to be in such a habit of jumping up and is nicer for the one(s) feeding them.
When we're inside the fence, I just push them down and walk away- they aren't cured of the habit but as they grow bigger they seem to get the idea.

[dixiegal62]

Nothing is working to stop my 4, Ive tried water,kneeing and using the bottom of my foot to sort of butt them. I also tried moving the feed to the fence line and pouring it before I go into the area, hoping they would eat while I came in to feed the dog and get fresh water. Its not been a whole week since their last bottle and Im hoping they stop soon. Going into the pasture to feed is getting to be a pain.

[DQ]

I second the swinging maniac technique! except I don't use the bucket I have to occasionally remind every one with a big stick and wild kicking. I'm sure human onlookers think I really have gone cuckoo. if they start to mob me all I have to do usually is reach down and pick something up. they are not abused mind you, and are very tame but they know when I mean business. when they are so young it is not so easy though. one reason why I tend to dislike bottle babies.

[Zone]

DQ- I'm glad I am not the only one. Cuddle time and petting comes after they have eaten their fill and want some attention. Even then, they are expected to behave... like "No... don't eat my hair." type stuff.

They are pretty spoiled otherwise.

[Leo]

I hold the perpetrator by the coller as I'm feeding the others and she eats last! Works real fast,it also works when training them to the milkstand, kick=no food, standing still=food
Megan