Nariah01
Chillin' with the herd
My DH is bringing home our first goat today and I am beyond anxious. We have been talking about doing this for a while now but we were supposed to have more time to prepare then I now have. Her name is Oreo and she is a 3 year old Boer doe. Her previous owner wants her gone and we don't have a choice, we have to bring her home today, tomorrow at the latest. So we have slapped together the best possible paddock for her with the idea that as we decide where we want her house to be and all that we will upgrade it with better materials as we go. I am trying to put together a list of items I need to purchase so when I go to the feed store this week sometime I can get them. I already have grass hay on hand for my horses, and one of my old nibble nets to hold it, I guess how much should I feed her a day? She will have access to some forage in her paddock and more that we can chop and throw in, lots of browse on the property. I know she needs a goat mineral, i have access to Manna Pro goat minerals, Purina goat minerals, and Red Edge goat mineral mix, which of these is best? Also how much baking soda should I provide? I also know she will need a friend, and that is something I am trying to work on. I figure until I can get her one we can treat her for worms and lice and all the other good stuff so that she will be good to go by the time we get her a friend. Her paddock is next to our horses so she will be able to see other animals and not be completely alone. Another question she has her horns so should any other goats I get have horns too? Will it be a problem having dis-budded goats with her? Also I have been told she is a bit skittish around people so any favorite treats suggestions to help win her over? I know it will take time and patience to get her to come round.
Sorry for the flood of questions I thought I was going to have more time to sort this all out and plan it better but it seems that is not really how we function around here, lol. I am also looking for moral support as goats are totally new for us. But I have cared for horses for some time so livestock isn't completely new.
Thank you so much in advance for any help! And I will of course post pictures when she is finally here!
Sorry for the flood of questions I thought I was going to have more time to sort this all out and plan it better but it seems that is not really how we function around here, lol. I am also looking for moral support as goats are totally new for us. But I have cared for horses for some time so livestock isn't completely new.
Thank you so much in advance for any help! And I will of course post pictures when she is finally here!