Just got some skinny goats

@Goat Whisperer Are you looking for the 40% or powder? I buy the injectable 40%. I didn't hit the pay button but it never said it was unavailable ...I put it in my cart.

Green Acres Farm said:

There atre a couple of easier ways to do that.
First, you don't HAVE to weigh her, you can do a heart-girth measurement and get a pretty good idea of her weight. There are lots of charts online.
Second, a syringe or drench gun on the back of the tongue is a lot easier than a water bottle.

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I'll look for it at a tractor supply. But the 99C baby bottle worked great for this, thankfully. I had a syringe the first time I dosed her, but it was a fight to get it in her mouth, so I figured with the greater amount of ccs, it would be even more difficult.

Awwww... let her have some fun here! With all she's been dealing with, through no choice of her own, doing a little bottle time ought to be good for them both!

So, worst case scenario, if she does have a bad reaction to losing worms, what should I look for, and what can I do?

JenniferDuBay said:

Hello, I've inherited some skinny goats- or at least that's what my vet says. Their rumins are healthy, to say the least! So now I have to figure out how to fatten them up. They're two la manchas, under a year, not been bred yet. Here's what I have available to me:

Coastal hay-I spent time digging, and this is the only hay that seems to be available in my area. I've called feed stores, checked craigslist, it's all only coastal.
Sweet feed
goat pellets
alfalfa pellets or cubes (if at all possible- cubes are a PITA, I'd rather not do that.)

So what should I feed, in what ratio? And does anyone have a schedule for medicines, inoculations etc I should do? I'd assume they have had nothing of what they were supposed to. Please if at all possible, help me out. These poor goats kind of fell in my lap as a last minute resort, and I'd like to do right by them.

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I didn't read the whole thread, but I did read the first page.

I'm in Florida as well, so if you want to message me the county or general region you are in I might have some suggestions on vets, hay, etc. We have Lamanchas and Nigerian Dwarfs.

Yes, coastal hay in great for the goats, but isn't likely to put much weight on them on it's own. Tifton is fine too. Peanut hay is coming into season and is very good for them as it's high in protein like alfalfa, but mine waste less and like it more. It's semi- regional to FL/GA area and cheaper in N.Fl and more expensive the farther south of Tampa/Orlando you get in general. But, I'd highly recommended it for goats needing weight or in milk. I give it to babies, milkers, and any goat that needs some fattening up. I don't feed free choice, but use a pat once or twice a day.

You should be able to find a 16% goat pellet. I use unmedicated since I milk and don't want to worry about trace amounts in milk and I'd also rather treat animals that need treated individually. Southern states has a good goat grain that many smaller feed stores may carry. So does Lakeland cash and Knights feed. In a pinch if you can't find anything the Livestock sweet feed at TSC (the one with the horse and goat on it ) isn't bad and if you added goat minerals (TSC carries them too) could work until you locate a better goat feed. Strarting slow as suggested earlier is good. My full grown Lamanchas get around 2-3 c twice a day if they are at a good weight and way more when in milk. Less if "fat". They are on limited pasture and get hay.

I'd start with CDT injections (TSC or other feed stores will have. One now, and second n 3-4 weeks. 2ccs a goat SQ injection) and a fecal (find a large animal vet and they should be able to do them). Then if they have parasites you can treat for the right ones right away and not treat if not needed. You can feed a goat tons of feed, but if they have a bad parasite load they won't gain well. Since we are so wet and warm here in FL they are a big problem the farther south you are.

We are typically deficient in copper and selenium. Local goat people or vets would know best, but initially I'd focus more on correct nutrition and parasites unless they have obvious signs of either.

I hope that helps a little. There are lots of goats in Florida.

Welcome!

Green Acres Farm said:

I don't see that on VV, but I do see it on Jeffers.

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I just got some from Jeffers on the 17th. Gallon of liquid for $49 I think.

It sounds as if you're remaining goat is eating and drinking. An excellent start. That you are spending time with her and bonding will go far in helping her relax and heal. I went through a similar situation earlier this year when I lost one of two just starting out. I gave goat probiotics. They seemed to help. Mine pulled through and now romps with two friends.

The fact that you cared enough to come and ask shows the kind of person you are.
The people here are so helpful and knowledgeable.

Are you still using the Safeguard? I am following two threads on worms so I get confused sometimes...I'm OLD !!!!

If you still have her on Safeguard she should be fine, the Red Cell will help too. What color are her bottom inside eyelids?

Goat Whisperer said:

Good luck finding the di-methox sadly it is pretty much on back order everywhere. There was a huge shortage a while back ( might have been in 2015- it's been a while!) and I haven't been able to find it online or local. I was just looking for some for a client and still couldn't find it.

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I checked PBS livestock just now - they have 3 different types of Di-Methox (for anyone not aware, use of this in goats is off-label and should only be done under the direction of your vet):

Injectable 40%. 250 ml., they have it in stock - didn't ask the price, but they said there's a $2 rebate now.

12.5% solution, gallon jug - they may have that in stock, again sorry didn't ask the price.

Soluable powder, 3.77 oz. packet - not in stock, regular price 12.15.

They are good to work with and decent prices - I am lucky enough to live within driving distance to one of their stores, too!

Thanks @norseofcourse
We get the powder packets... seems that is always out of stock. Grrr