Cold and goats

2happymamas · #1 01/21/14, 04:25 PM

We got our first goats last Spring, so this is our first Winter. Due to our set-up, we have to physically take the goats out to the yard from the barn because they are not attached. We do have a small shed they can go into when in the yard, but for some reason, they refuse to step inside it.

Anyway, my wife and I do not agree about keeping the goats in vs. having them in the snow. We had a ton of snow two weeks ago and the temp was -20 with windchills. We left them in the barn for about 10 days because it was so bad. We have a few inches on the ground now, but nothing major. The temp is 12. I think they are fine to be outside for at least a few hours during the day and my wife believes it is too cold and they will get wet from the snow. I have not been taking them out if it's actively raining or snowing so they do not get wet. I just feel bad because they have been cooped up for so long.

I took them out this afternoon and 3 of the 4 were shivering within 3-5 minutes of being outside. What is your threshold of keeping them in the barn vs. letting them outside?

parrotman · #2 01/21/14, 06:01 PM

Like you, I have to walk my goats from one barn to the pasture which has another shed for their day time spent should it rain or some other weather condition that they don't like.
As far as your goats not wanting to go into your shed, you might want to introduce them to the shed with food. Feed them in there and put some hay for eating, in addition to the bedding you have for them. Once familiar, they will at least know that it's there for them should they need or want to use it.
Goats are rather resilient when it comes to low temps although a wet goat combined with extreme cold can pose problems for them.
As long as it's not raining, I wouldn't see there being an issue for them to be out there for a few hours and longer if they will use the shed.

parrotman · #3 01/22/14, 10:09 AM

For what it's worth, it's -3° this morning and the goats went to the field...willingly on their own. Granted they will lounge in their shed all day, but they're there! Forgot to mention, they're a little "zaftig" so that might make a difference. (look it up)

willielisa · #4 01/22/14, 10:50 AM

If the area is covered, dry, and draft-free, they should go in if they want to, unless something is scaring them. I agree with feeding them in there. They should soon learn to seek shelter in there.

You don't have an alpha not letting the others in, do you?