Wethers

goatiegurl*Oh · #1 02/21/10, 11:31 PM

Do any of you have wethers in with your does? I've had a hard time knowing when my does are in heat since I dont have a buck so they are due later than I would have liked and heard a wether would let me know. Anyone have sucess with this? Would you suggest a fullsize or mini wether?

Feral Nature · #2 02/21/10, 11:43 PM

I have a full sized LaMancha wether in with my LaMancha does. He gets excited and head butts and mounts the does when they are cycling. He is a good indicator. Of course, the does head butt each other too as well as mount each other sometimes too. But, the wether is a bit more aggressive. He does not harm them at all. He is just another mouth to feed and gets the same ration they do, so is spoiled for a wether. Many folks are so worried all the time about a wether's diet. I don't worry and my last wether was 11 and then died when he was kicked by a donkey. In other words, his diet didn't kill him. Sorry, got a little off topic.

goatiegurl*Oh · #3 02/21/10, 11:53 PM

Thanks. Not related,but I saw you raise MM and just wondered how big they are compared to a fullsize Lamancha? I was kinda thinking about breeding one of my does this fall for MM kids but I don't think theres much interest in minis here. Personality wise,would you say ND and Lamanchas are similar? I really like my Lamancha doeling,she's the biggest sweetheart

Feral Nature · #4 02/22/10, 01:02 AM

I think that LaManchas have the most even tempered personalities. Easier to put on the milkstand, easier to trim hooves, give shots, handle in general. MiniManchas are a mix of Nigerian Dwarf and LaMancha and it is a new breed, new breed clubs are being formed, and they are gaining popularity. In fact, we have a show coming up in May. I do not have any Nigerians, just LM and MM. So I cannot answer your question about the ND. The MM are hardy, easy keepers and are being selected to put milk in the pail, not being bred to be merely little pets.