Do I get another goat? - Homesteading Today
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  #1  
Old 11/26/13, 05:24 PM
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NW Oregon
Posts: 1,754
Do I get another goat?

Lilly died a few weeks ago and I now only have Rocky. I worry he is lonely, but the Vet says he's a big boy and 6 years old and it wouldn't be good to but a young one in with him. I asked him about putting an older one in with him and he said they most likely will not get along. Do I need to get him a friend? If so what age, he seems to be fine just being the only goat, at the moment. Need a little help on what to do.
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  #2  
Old 11/26/13, 05:53 PM
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Missin Sweet Home Alabama
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 879
I would get him a companion. I don't think it would be a problem, yeah they will butt heads over who's gonna be in charge but I think in the end any goat would be better off with a buddy.
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  #3  
Old 11/26/13, 06:31 PM
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northwestern, WI
Posts: 1,792
He defiantly will need a buddy. Goats are herd animals. Try to find one near his size.
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  #4  
Old 11/26/13, 06:32 PM
 
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Location: 2400 ft up in the CA sierra mt foothills
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Wouldnt hurt to try maybe a sweet doe...
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  #5  
Old 11/27/13, 06:44 AM
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Location: Mountain Home, Arkansas
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I would say get 2 more.......or 3...........or..........
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  #6  
Old 11/27/13, 09:13 AM
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Zone 8
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I'm thinking the answer the question "should I get another goat" is almost always yes.

I had one lonely goat for a week or so once, she seemed pretty much fine. And she butted heads like crazy with the new doe when she arrived.... but she seemed relieved and more relaxed with her here. She was just overall more quiet and settled.
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  #7  
Old 11/27/13, 11:49 AM
Katie
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Twining, Mi.
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I would try to find him maybe 2 young goats either wethered or a wether & a doe.
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  #8  
Old 11/27/13, 03:42 PM
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I agree. Definitely get another goat. Your boy will be lost without a goat buddy.

As noted, they will jockey for position, but it won't be for long and they will settle in together.

Sooner rather than later is best, IMO. Katie's suggestion is solid. You'll be glad you did - and so will Rocky!

Sorry for your loss, and hope you find the perfect bud for your Rocky.
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  #9  
Old 11/28/13, 10:15 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: South Dakota
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Hmm....let me thinkaboutthisYES!
I would get him a buddy around his same size. He may act standoffish in the beginning but he will be faking that. Deep down his heart with be leaping with joy!
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  #10  
Old 12/04/13, 03:45 PM
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NW Oregon
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Sorry, for the late reply. It has been a long week, I think Rocky is lonely and I'm now looking for a friend for him. As for butting heads, Rocky and Lilly butted heads all the time. So hopefully in the next few weeks Rocky will have a friend.
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  #11  
Old 12/04/13, 05:46 PM
Katie
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Twining, Mi.
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I hope you find him a good buddy soon so he's not so lonely! Glad your looking.
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  #12  
Old 12/05/13, 04:28 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,246
I would get him a wether that is an adult. Just my opinion.
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  #13  
Old 12/05/13, 06:45 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Northern IL
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If you have a horse or pony they make good pasture mates as well.
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  #14  
Old 12/06/13, 04:40 AM
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,807
IMO (such as it is), horse or pony is not the first choice. If I had no other option, well, there ya go, but goats is goats is goats, and goats work best with goats.

Besides that, horses and ponies are luxuries. Goats are necessities.
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  #15  
Old 01/14/14, 09:43 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Upstate, New York
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I am dealing with the same issue. I feel for you. Our 2 beloved goats of almost 10 years that I bottle fed have died .Sunny we knew he would have to be put down due to health issues since Sept. He made it until Dec. 4th. Broke our hearts. So Daisey was alone and crying out until a week later when we were fortunate to get our new little Nubian. He was 33 pounds on Dec. 11 and to date has gone to 40 pounds eating lots of really good quality hay. He is 8 months old, born last May. All was going well with The 2 goats adjusting and then we had an emergency with Daisey..in major pain. Vet showed up examined her and within 10 minutes of her being here she died in my arms Dec.27th. Vet said her bladder had ruptured, that she probably had a large stone, rare for a female. Said sometimes they don't drink enough in the winter and since nothing else changed with diet, that could have been the issue.We are always keeping water changed at least 4 times a day to keep it warm. Our vet was raised with dairy goats and seems to be very knowledgeable. It has been very for us at this time. So now we have our new boy Tbird who is very sweet and a wether, needs a friend or two. Having a tough time here trying to find another wethered mini Nubian or Nigerian dwarf or another girl. We live in the northeast outside Glens Falls and Saratoga New York. If anyone can recommend someone, please let me know. Maybe we have to wait until spring. Just feel so bad for this little guy. Thank you, Dorothy
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