Could 8wk be sick?

[Slipperygoose]

Ok- so I just brought home my first goats this Saturday morning. One (out of 3) is not wanting to come out. He stands in the house, showing a little interest in his hay. He nibbles a little, eats a little. He seems to be drinking pretty regularly. He just seems lethargic. If I go to pick him up, he will get a decent burst of energy and try to run away (so I thought that was good?). I have noticed a discharge from his nose that's clear, on occasion a smidge cloudy white. No diahrrea that I've seen, normal urination. He did get his vaccines yesterday, just prior to us picking him up. I messaged the breeder but she hasn't responded yet. Am I over-reacting? I of course read up on the forum but none seemed to match my little guys symptoms, so I think I just need to give him more time to adjust, but wanted experienced opinions. He's also just been banded this week. Temp as of this morning is normal. Thanks y'all!

 

[Slipperygoose]

One pic is of him (he's on the right) with his half brother, he was alert and seemed happy. The second pic is what's he's doing now. Just standing in the corner. In between last night and this morning he's come out a few times, tail up and curiously looking around his little pen, but when we come around he goes back in.

 

[animalmom]

Cute boys you have there and sorry that one of them is having a hard time. Lots of factors here... new place, nothing looks, sounds, smells familiar, just banded, missing mom... well you get the idea. Sudden changes in a goatie's life will upset the poor dear.

It would be prudent to have a fecal run on all three as stress can cause a worm problem. Since you checked his temperature and it is normal so that is all good. I'd check it a few more times. Kids, like babies can go from good to not so good real quick. Not wanting to scare you, just to prod you to check his temp a few more times before you declare it normal.

If he was my boy I'd watch his nasal discharge and listen to his breathing when you get hands on him. If he starts sounding raspy I'd call the vet, otherwise he could be reacting to dust in his pen.

Please keep us posted on his progress. We all learn from each other. Congrats on becoming a goatie mom. You will do fine, and they will do everything they can to scare a few years out of you. Wait until you find one sleeping with his head turned over his back and you think he is dead. Yep they have a weird sense of humor.

 

[Slipperygoose]

Will check his temp more often, thanks! Update is that he is indeed walking around the yard now. I came in to give my human kids lunch and watched him from the window and he came out and was exploring. It seems he's just a little more timid, at least that's what its leaning towards. But I do know that they go down fast so that's why I went ahead and posted. But if I see him turn I'll just go ahead and call the vet, since he doesn't have any obvious symptoms. Definitely not raspy, normal respiratory rate and heart rate as well. I did notice his poo is a little softer and not as pelleted as the others... Breeder mentioned some Greek yogurt to help sooth his tummy and keep the cocci from blooming during this stressful time... Maybe I'll try that, too

 

[Latestarter]

Congrats on finally getting the little guys! Hope it's nothing more than being homesick.

 

[Slipperygoose]

2 more temp checks all are normal. Everytime we leave him alone for more than a few minutes he comes out and does all normal goat things except climbing. Our wild man, Thorny, literally climbs and jumps on everything and it's hilarious. Our smallest one hasn't really either. Maybe they will once they get adjusted? Is that a personality thing or do pretty much all goats love to climb and jump? His nasal discharge was almost completely cleared up by the end of the day as well.

 

[Slipperygoose]

Also, thank you all for your support! Y'all are amazing and not I'm really not sure I would have gotten these sweet babies without this forum. It really is special. Now if only human-related forums were this supportive

 

[Slipperygoose]

Once you catch him, this is what he does. This is normal, right? The first time he fell asleep in my lap, I thought he had died.

 

[animalmom]

Yep, completely normal. Congrats, and enjoy!

 

[Latestarter]

Maybe he has some "fainter" in him... Just kidding! Yup, they do like to sleep in your arms.