Using bucklings for breeding questions...

[Middle River]

I have two mature does of my own this year to breed, the rest are doelings. I also have 3 outside does that will be coming for breeding ( belong to a friend of mine with a clean herd as well ). I have two bucklings, 70 and 80lbs - they are all Alpines. This is only my second "real" breeding season so please be easy on me with my silly questions :+) Last year i had a senior 9 yr old buck, and well, he needed no direction :+)

So i'm starting to tease my does as my two mature does ( a 3 yr old and a 7 yr old ) i want bred asap - for Feb. or at least March kids. My bucklings are more then willing to see if anybody is ready - is this ok to do - supervise them interacting so i can see heat signs easier ? I only do this for 5 min. or so, 2 times per day - i just need it to help me see heat and breed when they are ready ( and i am ready for it ) - but i don't want to wear my boys out either - they seem just fine with it - i just want to make sure it's ok.

Also, my senior doe yesterday wanted nothing to do with him, today just now, she was a bit flirty after he convinced her - so she started to nussle/nibble and lightly flagging her tail - he tried mounting her one the wrong end and she did stand for him. However when he approched her rear she moves away, but not like yesterday. I am glad she isn't rejecting him though ( i feared my older gals wouldn't like the young guys ), but i'm pretty sure this is not standing heat right ? But heat is coming soon ?

Also, really, can these little guys reach and get it right ? Will they on their own before it's too late and miss the breeding chance ? Or do they need direction/help somehow ?

Thanks ~

[goatsareus]

can I assume that you are talking about a buck kid, rather than a buckling? To me, a buckling is a male goat between the age of 1 and 2 years.

I mainly use buck kids and bucklings and start fresh the third year, so I use buck kids about every other year. I have never known them to have any problems getting the job completed

[ozark_jewels]

Originally Posted by goatsareus

To me, a buckling is a male goat between the age of 1 and 2 years.

I believe a buckling is a buck kid up to a year old. A buck between 1-2 years is a yearling.
So in this case, buckling would be correct.

I've never had a buckling who if he was willing, couldn't do the job. If the doe is in heat but tends to move a lot while he is trying, you may need to hold her steady. If she is very tall and he can't seem to reach, you may need to stand her back feet in a dip or a hole in the ground.

[Middle River]

He was born late March.

So just because she moves a bit when he is trying, doesn't mean she is not in heat ? She is a big doe, and i'm not sure if he can reach or not - and it's just me handling the goats so i don't have a helper to look for me, so mabye when it's time i'll put her back feet in a hole just to be safe :+)

Thanks !