Carmella Montebello

Hi, I am a brand new owner of two Nigerian dwarf doelings. One was born in July and had a little cold when I picked her up (just last weekend!). She was dam raised but I suspect a little neglected by previous owner. Anyways I had the idea of letting her drink some raw goat milk (from a family down the road that has Nubians/LaManchas) as a way to boost immunity. Does that sound like a good idea or is she too old for milk? Anyone know?

Hi! Do you live in Douglas County or Southern Oregon? A couple of us are starting up a new group with base in Roseburg, Oregon to get together and learn from each other, help each other, etc.

Join our FB group and let's get together!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/848094135279407/

Thanks so much I will be perusing your site thoroughly. And I will have to get your book. This is great and timely information.

Thank you Deborah. All these posts are extremely helpful. As you can probably tell I'm very new to goats. These will be my first ones. I'm glad I am learning all this in advance. And you are right it would be hard to deal with a death. I cried for three days when one of my chickens died.

So, is it always a terrible idea to mix horned and de-horned goats? What if they are all nigerian dwarfs? It seems they couldn't be that dangerous at such a small size. I saw this little guy for sale on Craigslist. He seems to have tiny horns. Would he be a threat to hornless (polled?) does?

Kurt I like your line of thinking. I have a pet rabbit I love. Everyone said we should get him castrated. My husband and I couldn't bear to do it. He is not for breeding he is just our little baby. But we are kind of softies at heart. And it makes sense that goats need their horns for things like self-defense.

Thanks so much, that's very helpful. I think the pasture is about an acre. I've attached a picture

Sounds super cool! If I were younger, and not married, I would totally do it. I'm not far from there -- Roseburg area.

Also ... Is it dangerous to put them on a leash for short periods of time, if supervised? I would like them to eat other parts of my property and a relative's property that are not fenced. Full of blackberries. Could I leash them up if I'm around to make sure they don't choke or get loose? And if so, would it be better to have neck collar or halter collar? It seems for the younger ones a halter would be more comfortable.
Thanks

Welcome Deborah; your appearance is very timely for me as I am about to be getting two Nigerian dwarf does in within the next few weeks.
My questions are: I am getting a yearling and a baby (few months old). Two does and know each other (from the same herd). I wonder if the baby will be bored with an older, more calm companion and if she would be better off with another baby around? I don't want her to be bored. Right now she has several siblings and friends her own age to play with. After I get her it will just be her and the yearling.

Also, I'm wondering how much space would be ideal. Not the minimum, but the space needed to keep them happy and stimulated. I have a pasture with hay and blackberries and things to munch on but the original fence is broken so I am making one out of pallets and such (can't afford to fix the big one at the moment, unfortunately).

Thank you!! Would love to win your book.

Thank you so much Thomas, that is some great information. I am going to get out of my comfort zone and try some leaf teas!! I was a little scared something could hurt me, but I guess that isn't likely. Looking forward to reading your book, whether I win it or buy it!