New goat owner question

[meghan]

I am new to owning goats and I have a question, which I can't seem to find an answer to anywhere:

My husband and I recently brought home our first goats- two mini La mancha kids to our small (sub)urban home. Yesterday during our daily walk around the neighborhood one of our goats, a little doe of about 4 months got to a small candy wrapper (plastic/mylar about 1.5 - 2inch piece) and proceeded to eat it before I was able to grab it from her. I feel so annoyed at myself for not seeing the wrapper and not being able to grab it from her mouth in time. I can't seem to find any information on how eating plastic can effect a goat. It was such a small piece and she seems fine today, but as most of our experience is with other animals i have been quite nervous wondering whether this will harm her or what I could possibly do about it.

Any advice about what we can do or your experiences with goats eating things they aren't suppose to would be much appreciated.

[Hawkfamily]

I'm sure she'll be just fine. I don't think there's anything you can really do at this point about it. Some goats are known to eat everything and anything (some are more particular about taste and texture). I guess, as a goat owner, it is just our responsibility to make sure that their environment is free and clear of things that they shouldn't eat.

Good luck with your little goats!
jodi

[Rockytopsis]

A friend of mine has goats that all have a sweet tooth. We have taken these goats to several parades that throw out candy to the by standers. The goats think the candy is being thrown for them. They have eaten the wrappers more than once and seem to be doing ok, so I don't think one wrapper will hurt. I would careful about letting them nibble on unknown plants though as you walk.

I almost forgot, do you have pictures?

[meghan]

Thank you so much for your prompt replies! It does set my mind at ease a bit to know your experiences/advice.

I agree it is my responsibility as their owner to watch out for them in this regard. We are very careful on walks about making sure they don't nibble on plants that are bad for them. And at home we have removed all of the harmful plants from their area. It was just an unfortunate accident on my part. I'll just have to be that much more careful on walks from now on.

And I do have some photos- they are awfully cute- I'll have to post them when i get a chance.

[Minelson]

Welcome and congrats on your goats! Like the others, I don't think you will have a problem with the candy wrapper. Mine have eaten worse and been fine. I know how you feel though...between the goats and the 2 puppies I have I'm constantly worried because they eat whatever they can get their mouths on! Pictures would be great!

[Madfarmer]

Like the Bible says, "This, too, shall pass."

Madfarmer

[deetu]

Hee hee, I have a t-shirt that says, "Don't swallon bubble gum" with a picture of a goat with a bubble butt. I had a pygmy that ate a latex glove that I pictured that happening to. She was fine.