07/14/09, 11:12 AM
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II Corinthians 5:7
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,102
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Letting a buckling bond with a human instead of other goats can be a tricky thing. It is best if they bond initially with other goats, though bonding while still young can have its rewards for both.
I purchased a buckling several years back (son of SO & a grand champion doe), picking him up when he was 6 wks of age. (He had been constantly with other kids and bottle fed prior to my getting him.) I kept him in a box on the long drive home, petting him 85% of the time; then kept him in the house (yes sleeping with me) for 3 days. However, during those 3 days, I took him walking "daily" around the pasture as the other goats grazed. He stayed right by my side; but was able to be a part of the herd at the same time as I was in amongst them. Slowly over the next few days, I would place him in the little pen (inside barn where he could see the herd yet not actually be loose with them) for longer periods of time at night until I could leave him "all" night. This buck is now grown and over 250 lbs. He is our herd buck, running with them all the time now; yet, he still comes up to me for attention on occasions. (I am a strong believer in a herd buck being strongly imprinted with both humans & other goats as it makes it much easier to trim hooves and medicate should the need ever arise.)
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. I am going to a leadership camp tommorow at 10 AM until the next day at 5 pm how will I survive without him!!!
