loose stools

[dm9960]

my goats have loose stools, I wouldnt say scours, it is not runny, but definitely not the pellets. any suggestions?

[Minelson]

I would only feed good grass hay until it clears up. I would also give Probios even though there is different opinions on whether that is helpful for adult goat tummys...it doesn't hurt.

[dm9960]

so forget any feed, just let them eat pasture and hay, right? I was thinking about doing that as well. where can I get probios? do I need a vet for that or can I get it at a feed store?

[Alice In TX/MO]

What is your goat's age, breed?

What is your deworming and coccidiosis prevention program?

What is the goat's temp?

What feed has he been eating?

[dm9960]

they are 2years old, 1 year old and 4 weeks old. I have been giving them the feed from tractor supply co. not sweet. they also get hay and pasture. my husband just got them a protein tub with molasses, etc, and salt lick.
the 1 year old is the mother of the 4 week old. the guy I got the 2 year old from said she might be pregnant, he didnt keep track. so he said dont worm her. the 1 year old I gave her some pellet dewormer.
they are pygmies
I bottlefeed the 4 week old

[Natural Beauty Farm]

Do they all have loose stools? including the bottle baby?
The protein tub could be the problem.

[Minelson]

You can get probios at Tractor Supply. Or, you can use a good quality plain yogurt. The goal is to get healthy bacteria in them. Though your hubby had great intentions (bless his heart) What they really need is a good quality loose mineral high in copper. I use Right Now Onyx made by Cargill. It needs to be ordered where I live and I had to jump through hoops to find it. Anything labeled for goats AND sheep is not good for goats, not enough copper. The worming needs to be addressed. Fecal testing is the best way to go to find out what you are dealing with. Also, find out what wormer works in your area. Be sure to stay on top of worms...they can take a goat down fast.

[Minelson]

Also, what are you feeding with the bottle. Milk replacement causes lots of problems I have read on this forum. The best way to go is with regular cows milk from the grocery store.

[dm9960]

up unti yesterday the 4 week old was doing great on milk replacer. is it normal for it to take so long to have adverse affects? should I take away the protein tub altogether or just give it sometimes or what? I feel real stupid about all this, thank goodness I have all of you

[Minelson]

You're not stupid...It's just hard to find accurate information on goats. It's good you came here...this is the best (IMO) !
I don't have hands on experience with bottle feeding...but from what I have read here, a million times, I would change to plain ol grocery store cows milk asap. I would also ditch the tub because it has molasses in it and that can be hard on their rumen. Where do you live? how lush is their pasture? They really do need some good minerals...loose, cuz their tounges are too small to get enough off a block. Also, I give mine free choice baking soda...regular Arm & Hammer. They will eat that if they eat too much or get a stomach ache.
I found this website to very helpful with the basics when I first got my goat...
www.fiascofarm.com
How long have you had these goats?

[dm9960]

I got the 1 year old mid October, she kidded November 19. the 2 year old I got a couple weeks ago from the same guy.
I'm in Florida

[ozark_jewels]

You are in Florida which is like the worm capital of the US. If they haven't been wormed lately, its very likely your goats are wormy. Pellet wormers do not work, unfortunately.
If these were mine, I would worm them with Cydectin Cattle Pour-On, only give it *orally* for goats, at 1 cc per 25 lbs. Again, it is given ORALLY for goats. It is bright purple and smells funny.
It has proven to be safe for pregnant does. Much safer than letting them continue with a stomach full of worms.
Probably coccidiosis is an issue as well, so they should be treated for that, especially as they are all pretty young.
And yes, I *highly* reccomend taking the kid off milk replacer and putting her over onto warm whole cows milk from the store.

[dm9960]

thank you, I will definitely do this. can I get the cocci meds from a feed store? also, I will try to post a link to the protein tub my husband got

http://www.tractorsupply.com/livesto...t-lick-5082992

[dm9960]

wow, I just called tractor supply, that dewormer is $75 a bottle! it is 500ml's tho.

[ozark_jewels]

Originally Posted by dm9960

wow, I just called tractor supply, that dewormer is $75 a bottle! it is 500ml's tho.

Yes, it will last you a *long* time or you could try splitting it with someone else. Heck, if you know any cattle people, you might be able to buy just a small amount from them.
Be sure to get the "pour-on", and give it orally to goats.

[dm9960]

were you able to check my link to the protein bucket? could you give your opinion on that? can I get the cocci meds from a feed store? or do I need to go to the vet?

[ozark_jewels]

I did go to the protien bucket page. There is no ingredient list, so I can't give my opinion on that. It is high molasses, which I avoid(my goats get no molasses in their diet), but that is personal choice.
What it won't provide is enough minerals for their needs. Goats need to have access to a high copper/low salt *loose* mineral. Just nail a container to the wall at nose height and keep a little bit of it out at all times. They will eat it as needed, not a lot at times, sometimes you may think they are not eating it at all. That is ok, they will eat it when they need it. Just keep out a small amount and keep it fresh.
Loose mineral by no means needs to be a "goat" mineral. In fact many times "goat" minerals are over-priced and low-quality. I feed a good loose cattle mineral with great success.
You should be able to get corid from the feed store. Give it full strength, do not dilute it as the label suggests.

[Briza]

All pelleted rations have molasses as binder so you can do more good with plain alfalfa pellets. So it is the same as feeding sweet feed. Offer alfalfa pellets. It may take them awhile to decide they like it because it has no enticement like the sugars in rations.

Yes take away the protein tub- it is heavy on molasses and other horrid junk they cannot digest and don't need anyway. There may even be urea in it. Goats DO NOT need high protein if they are not heavy milkers. Excess protein causes acidity and completely destroys the balanced composition of the microbes in the rumen.

Yes- go with grocery store milk. Milk replacer is garbage and always causes trouble and it too high in oils for a baby tummy. And it is far more expensive. Be sure to get WHOLE milk- the cheapest is fine.
B~

[Alice In TX/MO]

Get the tub OUT~!

[dm9960]

ok, no tub, got it. can you check out this product for me and tell me what you think for minerals, etc?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/livesto...l-feed-2228303

thanks for all the great advice. I'm learning so much today!