Iggy put down yesterday. Stablemate needed for Stella

[doigle]

Don't know if you remember me posting about our pet Alpines. Iggy had a lengthy illness. Finally had to have him put down yesterday morning. Post mortem showed abcesses in his lungs and an awful lot of scar tissue. Also liver damage. congestive heart failure. He was only 6 years old. He had a good life, but yesterday he sure was showing trouble breathing and getting panicky. Vet came out right away & we agreed it was time. Well now Stella the doe is alone. They had been pals these past 6 years. Hard to find goats this time of year, but she needs a friend. We're in Watertown, South central Wisconsin. Anyone know of a doe or wether being culled, suitable for a pet? Breed not important, but probably no horns, since Stella has none. Can't pay much right now. Paid vet over $300 this last summer trying to diagnose Iggy, so the finances have to be considered.

[bstuart29]

I'm sorry you had to put Iggy down but atleast him isn't suffering anymore.

[Minelson]

So sorry for your loss...and poor Stella I'm sure you will be able to find a friend for her quickly..one less mouth to feed through the winter for someone.

[where I want to]

I too am sorry about your loss- you sound like a very caring goat owner.

Have you checked with any local rescue places? Here on the west coast, they sometimes have very lovely goats that people bought without realizing that they actually do need some care.

[fishhead]

I think there was some goats on the barter board thread in WI last week.

It's tough to say goodbye but sometimes that's the best we can do.

[fishhead]

Here's the link to the free goats in WI.

http://homesteadingtoday.com/showthr...light=goats+WI

[doigle]

Well, through the grapevine, we now have a retired La Mancha doe new to the menagerie. A 5 yr. old dry doe from a small dairy herd nearby. Wonderful people, they even gave us some cheese they just made this morning. The doe is very thin, hope she'll be alright. Stella not quite smitten with the idea yet, but no major problems. I'd rather see her slightly miffed than all depressed and bellering. The new one is named Millie and is a cross with Toggenburg. Beautiful face, but smaller & much thinner than Stella. She's been wormed but they used the pellets that you add to their feed. Do you pros think I should go ahead and reworm her? She also has a very icky looking tail. Lots of hair loss, & just looks mottley. Any ideas on this?

[goatkid]

Worm her with either Ivomec or Cydectin. I'd aslo dust her for lice. Sounds like she may be lacking minerals in her diet. Right Now Bronze is a good mineral to give goats. It is the highest in copper I can find. Her icky tail may be due to copper deficiency. She should also be getting alfalfa hay.

[doigle]

Yes, in the light of day we found loads of mites and/or lice. Slathered her with permethrin goat & sheep spray from TS. Lots of brushing & rubbing & scrubbing. Treated Stella too right away as they're together now. I suppose we should also treat the goat house. Best way to do this? Vet is coming out tomorrow (Tues). Her appetite is really good and they get a good alfalfa hay. She's probably getting too much grain, but she's so skinny. They have a mineral block and quite a varied diet of browse. She's pooping in big clumps, I suppose just change of diet. Hope this clears up soon. Anymore thoughts?

[deafgoatlady]

Hey You can use powdered laundry soap and sprinkle all over the ground. It does work very good and it will make the bugs stay away and dies.. I use that all the time and it is cheap. LOL.. I use Borax..

[Minelson]

Good for you! I'm glad Stella has a friend now I think with worming, good hay & feed along with minerals she will be looking good real fast. I would love to see pictures of the gals Stella & Millie...how cute!!!