Based on his horns--how old is he?

Dreamgoat Annie · #1 08/07/12, 11:58 AM

This is the buckling who was dumped at Susie's house. A shepherd friend associated with the scrapie program checked and the ear tags are sale barn scrapie tags, so I haven't pursued trying to find out where the goats came from. Little doubt, Koshkenong. Susie, if you want to check with Kosh, their ear tags were MOBJ6015 andMOBJ6118.

But, I'm curious--how old do you think this guy is, based on his horn growth? I know boo about Nigies but if he were a Boer or Nubian, I'd be thinking he's young but probably breeding age.

He doesn't spray yet but neither did my Boer buck or my Nubian bucks as yearlings.

I wonder if I may be looking at kids from the doeling on down the line? I sincerely hope not, but he's had plenty of opportunity to breed her and he won't be wethered until next week.

Also an update picture of the doeling. She's getting tamer and is a real cutie. Good thing I like noisy goats because she never shuts up!

Sue

Morag (buckling) - How old, do you think?

Based on his horns--how old is he? - Goats

Spike (doeling)

Based on his horns--how old is he? - Goats

wolffeathers · #2 08/07/12, 12:44 PM

Can't help you much with your questions, but your doeling is just adoreable. I'm so glad she was able to find a good home despite an irresponsible owner! I love her goat jewelry.

MaddieLynn · #3 08/07/12, 12:57 PM

Our neighbor's cashmeres can get horns like that by 4-6 months. But I also have no experience with Nigerians.

Alice In TX/MO · #4 08/07/12, 02:24 PM

I'm GUESSING six months on the girl? I've only had horned goats once.

Cliff · #5 08/07/12, 02:33 PM

I'd say the buck is definitely breeding age. Based on horn and testicle size

chamoisee · #6 08/07/12, 02:33 PM

I'm guessing he's 4-6 months.

punchiepal · #7 08/07/12, 03:03 PM

We have had a few nigis with horns, not my choice. I would guess he is closer to 9-12 months and her about 6 months.

Cliff · #8 08/07/12, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punchiepal

We have had a few nigis with horns, not my choice. I would guess he is closer to 9-12 months and her about 6 months.

I think so too.

FrogTacos · #9 08/07/12, 04:22 PM

All of my boys horns grow considerably faster than girls, I have a 4 mo old boer buckling, his horns are just a bit shorter than those.

As far as the doe, I have 2 that were born the 17th of March that have horns longer than those, and one born the 21st of June that are shorter.

Dreamgoat Annie · #10 08/07/12, 06:01 PM

Thanks, everyone. Looks as though horns are too variable to use to determine age.

Sue

CaliannG · #11 08/07/12, 06:53 PM

I have had horned Nigies. Based on his horns, I would put him at approximately 9-10 months of age. I would put her at 5-6 months.

So, ummm, yeah, breeding could be a problem.

Backfourty,MI. · #12 08/08/12, 08:06 AM

We've always had horned Nigies & I guess him between 6-9 months of age & yes he's old enough to breed. He won't be able to breed her until her body say's she old enough but if she's around 5 months of age she's most likely ready.
She looks like she may be a cross with something so it could be she will be a seasonal breeder & not year around like the nigie trait too.
Still getting pretty close to an OOPS baby so it's a good thing your getting him cut next week.

Cannon_Farms · #13 08/08/12, 08:30 AM

to me they look more like spanish goats but I doubt anyone paid attention to bloodlines, never less they are just both about the cutest brush goats I have ever seen.
I would say hes kinda conflicting but Nigerians sometimes dont sexually mature as fast as some breeds on the buck side so im going to say about 9 months old.