Settling in new goats

[Kaitlin]

My two new Toggenburgs have been with us just over a week. The mother, Iris, is having problems settling in in that she is not eating much concentrate and is very fidgety when I milk her. She's on exactly the same rations as at her previous home - a mix of concentrate, beet, oats and alfalfa but she's eating less than half the previous amount. Her breeder thinks she's just pining and will settle down in time. I'm giving her attention and treats of carrots, ivy and whatever browse there is around. Is there anything else I could do to try and make her settle faster?
Thankyou.

Kaitlin

[mamadelbosque]

No help, but just I totally feel you!. My two little kikos are just finally starting to settle down after being here for going on 3 weeks now!! I managed to touch the bigger one (who will eat out of my hand), briefly this morning in an attempt to scratch her back... Really hoping they calm down here!!

[togg75]

I've had mine for around 3-4 weeks and they were just settleing in when i had to take two of my does to be bred. Now my other 2 are walking around with ears back . Every one is upset again.

[Minelson]

I think it just still needs some time...and maybe she didn't get any treats or browse at the breeder. She might be fooling you for more treats!

[Kaitlin]

Mmm, sounds like I am not alone! The breeder did give them treats and browse as well, Minelson but she's definitely playing me up. Apparently, she's usually a calm, easy going goat.( I think you're probably right - it will take time.

[AnnaS]

It does take time. Goats are prey animals, so they are always intensely aware of their surroundings. They are also highly intelligent, which often complicates things.

Imagine if you suddenly woke up in a strange house with strange neighbors, and went to your job, only to find that everyone you worked with was gone and replaced with strangers. It's a completely new world and your child is the only familiar face. It would put most of us off our feed and make us fidgety.

Like the above posters, I think that time is the bet medicine. Goats like routine, and sticking to a regular time schedule and milker will help her adjust more quickly.

Good luck! I love British Toggenburgs- lovely globe-shaped udders, long lactations, and the Brit Toggs are allowed to keep their lovely long coats.

[togg75]

Can you spin or use toggenburg hair? For like welcome mats crude fabric? Sweaters?

[copperpennykids]

We usually recommend that new owners of our goats (purchased from us) be given a simple nice grass hay the first few days that they are in their new home and then start to transition them over to the "new" feed routine over the nest 10 days or so. Even though you are feeding "the same", your alfalfa is different and your grain may be a little different too.

If the doe is being milked, then by all means, continue to grain her, but reduce the amount to 1/2 to 2/3 her regular amount and then slowly increase. A shot of B-Complex is helpful, not only as it is the "stress vitamin" but it also helps encourage their appetite.

The browse is great, but I wouldn't give any treats right now. Some probios may be a good idea as well. And then be patient. Make all changes slowly and keep these new does quarantined until they have settled in. No need to expose them to germs they aren't used to on top of the stress of the move. Nor do they need the stress of establishing herd pecking order right now.

I'm sure they'll be fine, but the little things I have mentioned can make the transition so much smoother.

Camille

[Kaitlin]

Thanks very much for your ideas. It's just nice to know that it's a general trait rather than a problem and that I'm not necessarily doing everything wrong!

[billooo2]

I have also found that the older the goat is, the longer it takes for them to "settle in."

Is it possible that she had one or more "buddies" at her former home? I know one breeder who tries to always sell goats with their favorite "buddies." That person feels that it is far less stressful on them when they move to a new home.

[Kaitlin]

Yes, she did have a particular 'buddy' and with hindsight, I should have bought the two milkers. The breeder was offering mother/daughter 'packages' though and I just didn't think.