We are taking the plunge with Alpines

Eroc1_1

Chillin' with the herd
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By the end of this month we will have acquired 2 very young does (1 - Alpine/Nubian Mix and 1 registered Alpine). The mix was born on St. Patricks Day and the other will be 8-9 weeks old. I am assuming that the best thing to do is to keep them in a small run until they are used to us, their new home, and new food. I have read through the Storey Raising Dairy goats book about 2x-3x. Do you all have any other good tips or advice?
 

Chirpy

Loving the herd life
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I loved my Alpines - they are usually more 'in your face' than other breeds.

If they are already friendly then just ignore this: I would encourage you to let them come to you if they are skittish at all. Go be with them but don't try to pet them; just be around them until they start coming to you. That could take days or even weeks for the older one. Treats can help getting them used to you and enticing them to come to you.

Never pet them on the head as that can encourage head butting. Pet them behind their ears, on their chest, under their chin, they love it along their back starting at their shoulders. Never allow them to do anything as a kid that you wouldn't want them to do as an adult.

Have fun!!
 

GreenAcresFarm

Chillin' with the herd
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You will love Alpines, and yes they are "Lovers" ours follow us all over the yard like a dog or at least ours do
 
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