[PygmyGoatGirl]

HELP!! I have a situation I've tried to fix, and in 2 years of owning these 2 does, it's only gotten worse. Let me try and explain...
I bought 2 does, sisters, as my first goats. They got along for the most part for the first year. Since that time, it's gone downhill... And FAST! I found out, after about 6 months, that the woman that had them didn't socialize with them at all. As a matter of fact, the only time they SAW a human was once a day when she would feed them. They were 4 months old when I bought them. I couldn't get close to them for almost 2 months!
My alpha doe, Snowflake, has gotten more and more aggressive with Buttons, my other doe. It's beyond what I would consider normal goat behavior. Every chance she gets, she's attacking Buttons. To the point now where Buttons won't even come out of her "room" (I separate them at night in separate stalls) because Snowflake will chase her around the barn. I bred them both last year. Snowflake delivered February 22. Buttons on February 23. And Snowflake actually kidnapped Buttons kids, Buttons then refused them, and I raised them as bottle babies. If it matters any, Snowflake had a buckling and a doeling. Buttons had 2 bucklings.
Is there anything I can do to make Snowflake quit bullying Buttons, or will I forever have 2 separate doe herds??

 

[Pony]

I'm sorry I didn't see this until now.

First, I'm not one to keep an aggressive animal on the farm. Our motto is, "Be nice, or be food." That said, you may need your Snowflake to propagate your herd.

If you intend to keep her, it may be a good idea to keep her separated from the rest of the herd. Not isolated, but unable to attack Buttons. Perhaps in a largish pen alongside the other goats?

After a week or two of that, allow her to be with the others and see how she fares. Until and unless you do something to shake up the order, Snowflake may well continue to bully Buttons and any other does who come your way.

 

[muleskinner2]

Is there anything I can do to make Snowflake quit bullying Buttons,

No there isn't. Do you have any Muslim neighbors? They know what to do with goats like this.

 

[Pony]

No there isn't. Do you have any Muslim neighbors? They know what to do with goats like this.

I have no idea what muslims have to do with this.

Any breeder knows that you cull stock that has undesirable traits. But there are times when you absolutely have to breed a goat at least once or twice if that is all you have with which to work, and while you look for better genetics, you do your best to train good behaviors.

 

[muleskinner2]

I have no idea what muslims have to do with this.

They will buy that goat from you. You will have money for a new doe, and they will have meat.

 

[Alice In TX/MO]

I eat goat meat. I am not a Muslim.
My south Texas neighbors eat goat meat. They aren’t Muslim.

 

[muleskinner2]

I eat goat meat. I am not a Muslim.
My south Texas neighbors eat goat meat. They aren’t Muslim.

I only mentioned Muslims because they were my biggest customers back when I was raising meat goats.

 

[altair]

What happened to their babies? I think you're doing what you can with what you can, but remember temperament is something you'll want to heavily consider in case her problem is genetic.

I have two sisters of five goats who are bullies to two we got from a different source. While not brutal, they are unnecessarily aggressive at times. I will breed them, but if their offspring carry on in the same manner, I'll cull. Good luck!

 

[PygmyGoatGirl]

I'm sorry I didn't see this until now.

First, I'm not one to keep an aggressive animal on the farm. Our motto is, "Be nice, or be food." That said, you may need your Snowflake to propagate your herd.

If you intend to keep her, it may be a good idea to keep her separated from the rest of the herd. Not isolated, but unable to attack Buttons. Perhaps in a largish pen alongside the other goats?

After a week or two of that, allow her to be with the others and see how she fares. Until and unless you do something to shake up the order, Snowflake may well continue to bully Buttons and any other does who come your way.

So, no, I only have the 3 does. Snowflake (the alpha), Buttons, and now Patches, Snowflake's daughter and the only doeling born this past kidding season. Right now I'm switching days that the both of them go into the big yard. Keeping them separated. Buttons was my only milker this year. And we've bonded a lot. She's a good goat. Good genetics, body conditioning score are at the top, I've only wormed her twice in the two and a half years I've owned her, so she's very parasite resistant. Snowflake has good condition, but other than that, I know I'll end up getting rid of her. I tell her all the time "Thank God you're pretty, cause you sure as hell ain't smart" (yes, I talk to my critters). I will continue doing the separating thing for a little bit. See how it works out. I appreciate your input.
On a side note, your profile picture looks a lot like my Sebastian. He's my miniature horse. I've attached 2 pics of him. One from summer and one with his winter coat.

 

[PygmyGoatGirl]

What happened to their babies? I think you're doing what you can with what you can, but remember temperament is something you'll want to heavily consider in case her problem is genetic.

I have two sisters of five goats who are bullies to two we got from a different source. While not brutal, they are unnecessarily aggressive at times. I will breed them, but if their offspring carry on in the same manner, I'll cull. Good luck!

I've kept all 4 babies, even though 3 are bucklings. The doeling is with the Snowflake and Buttons. All 4 have great temperaments. The boys get along wonderfully and are very sweet. I worry Patches will turn like her mom being around her. Keeping them separated at least she doesn't see it. But she's a good goat too.

 

[Pony]

Seems you have a good handle on the goats' behavior. Keep us posted on that!

That's a very pretty mini horse - with a long name!

I have a friend back in Ill-annoy who utilizes minis for therapy work. <3

 

[PygmyGoatGirl]

Seems you have a good handle on the goats' behavior. Keep us posted on that!

That's a very pretty mini horse - with a long name!

I have a friend back in Ill-annoy who utilizes minis for therapy work. <3

I'm originally from Illinois.
He does have a long name. My breeding buck (goat lol) is named Vincent Van Goat. Sebastian was named for Bach. When we got him, his mane was a little bit on the wild side (photo attached) We just call him Bubby though.