How to Bolous?

Rechellef · #1 10/07/11, 07:26 AM

Since goats are always a challenge to medicate, I was wondering what the best way to bolous them would be. I have had the bolous for quite some time, but haven't gotten up the courage to give it to them, but it's time. Someone mentioned peanut butter. Does this make them want to swallow it? Also, can I bolous a pregnant doe?

THANKS!!

Alice In TX/MO · #2 10/07/11, 07:30 AM

You get a bolus gun. Use the peanut butter to keep the bolus from falling out of the gun.

I stand over the goat's shoulders. Grab the goat's jaw with your left hand, using your thumb to open her mouth and hold her tongue down. Insert bolus gun till the tip is over the hump in her tongue. Depress plunger. Hold her mouth closed till she swallows. Stuff a cookie/peanut butter cracker, wheat thin, etc., in her mouth so she swallows again.

nehimama · #3 10/07/11, 07:42 AM

I do as Alice describes, only I hold the upper jaw to keep my precious fingers away from the SHARP back teeth on the lower jaw. You really do have to push the boluser over/past the hump of the back of the tongue. The goat won't like it, and will struggle, but you're NOT hurting her!

We all started out as newbies at one time, and were afraid we'd hurt our goat friends when bolusing. It just takes time and practice.

C'mon, Rechelle! You can do it!

suzyhomemaker09 · #4 10/07/11, 08:12 AM

I always put mine on the milk stand to bolus...they fight like crazy and if they can't get away it's easier for me.

Donna1982 · #5 10/07/11, 11:25 AM

We just did that a few days ago. I took a spoon full of peanut butter and Red ate it down. Lucky for me he is a greedy goat. Cherry we wrapped hers in raisins and she hoovers them so that was no problem. Johnny Goat... can't remember how the bf got him to take it. The only problem we had a problem with was Monkey (surprise surprise lol) and I tried my hardest to do it that way. Needless to say I will watch to see how she looks in the next month or so and most likely have to do it again. I was shocked the only one to chew on it was Monkey the only one we used a gun on.

Good luck for me its easier to do it myself but you might want someone to hold them because like they said they fight and scream bloody murder.

Cannon_Farms · #6 10/07/11, 04:47 PM

im quick about it, no peanut butter, no nothing just getting it done, btw it really helps to have the right size gun, those blue ones are a pain.