Wool Snatchers

[MDKatie]

I'm so frustrated with my goats at the moment. I have 2 does that are with my 4 sheep all the time. I noticed one of my ewes was missing patches of wool, and I thought it was because June, my main goat wanted her to move out of her way at the feeder. Sometimes she'll try to bite ears to make them move. But I realized yesterday as I was watching them all, the goats would purposely eat the wool, not just to get the sheep to move. They'd grab a clump and eat. BOTH goats. Not sure if it's a learned trait, or what.

I've read it can be some kind of deficiency, but they've got access to loose minerals. They were both copper bolused about a month ago. I got so fed up last night I went and got the "bitter cherry" spray we use for the dogs and thoroughly sprayed all of the sheep. Ida, my other doe, tried to grab a bite and let go...so hopefully that will work.

My poor sheep can't take it though, and I really don't have the space to separate them for good. I've been bringing the goats into the barn at night to give the sheep some rest from them.

Any suggestions? Anyone had this happen? Their diet has not changed. They're getting free choice grass hay, 16% dairy goat feed, and loose minerals.