Quick question

[FRED DESANTIS]

Hi everybody,
I have a question. This raising goats is new to me, I have had these three goats for six weeks now and I am beginning to think that it's going to be pretty tough if the goats won't let me handle them. I can pet them a little on the head but that's about it, If I go to grab one say to adjust it's collar they run off. They eat animal crackers from my hand I have gone into their little barn and sat with them.I need to be able to handle them to check their hooves, perhaps some day give them shots. I don't know maybe get a tranquilizer gun or let them go and hope their offspring is more tame. Just wondering.
Thanks

Fred D
@ the Lazy D

 

[Hens and Roos]

I would give them more time to get use to you, keep doing what you are doing as far as hanging out with them. When they kid, if you can be with them through the kidding it will help them bond to you.

 

[Carla D]

Hi everybody,
I have a question. This raising goats is new to me, I have had these three goats for six weeks now and I am beginning to think that it's going to be pretty tough if the goats won't let me handle them. I can pet them a little on the head but that's about it, If I go to grab one say to adjust it's collar they run off. They eat animal crackers from my hand I have gone into their little barn and sat with them.I need to be able to handle them to check their hooves, perhaps some day give them shots. I don't know maybe get a tranquilizer gun or let them go and hope their offspring is more tame. Just wondering.
Thanks

Fred D
@ the Lazy D

You could try being in the same area as them. But, instead of TRYING to get their attention ignore them. Putz around, tidy things up, whistle, giggle, laugh, make any repairs or adjustments to your goat area. You’re new like I am. I keep finding ways to improve on the area mine live in. Totally ignore them. I wouldn’t acknowledge their presence.Do that a few times. Their curiosity will get the best of them. Soon they will be butting you in the leg or pawing at you begging for attention. Only start with a little attention. Leave them wanting a little bit more. Slowly increase the amount of affection and attention as they become more curious and beg harder for your attention. They are playing hard to get. Woo them like you would in a person you’d like to get to know better or start a relationship with. They are pretty similar approaches.good luck.

You could try hiding or sticking animal crackers in your pocket, or on you where they can get them with only a little effort. They are very pretty goats. How old are they?

 

[FRED DESANTIS]

You could try being in the same area as them. But, instead of TRYING to get their attention ignore them. Putz around, tidy things up, whistle, giggle, laugh, make any repairs or adjustments to your goat area. You’re new like I am. I keep finding ways to improve on the area mine live in. Totally ignore them. I wouldn’t acknowledge their presence.Do that a few times. Their curiosity will get the best of them. Soon they will be butting you in the leg or pawing at you begging for attention. Only start with a little attention. Leave them wanting a little bit more. Slowly increase the amount of affection and attention as they become more curious and beg harder for your attention. They are playing hard to get. Woo them like you would in a person you’d like to get to know better or start a relationship with. They are pretty similar approaches.good luck.

You could try hiding or sticking animal crackers in your pocket, or on you where they can get them with only a little effort. They are very pretty goats. How old are they?

Hi Carla,
Thank you for the advice, maybe I am trying a little to hard. Their purebred Kiko goats around ten or eleven months old.
Thanks again

 

[FRED DESANTIS]

I would give them more time to get use to you, keep doing what you are doing as far as hanging out with them. When they kid, if you can be with them through the kidding it will help them bond to you.

Hi H&R,
Thank you for the advice. Maybe I am a little impatient or expecting too much at this point. It's all new to me.
Thanks

 

[B&B Happy goats]

There ya go Fred, mine are always pawin at me for attention when i am busy....they will follow and trip me if i have food for them...but every day we go out and just sit on there play bench s (after checking for goat berries) and let them come to us seeking affection, by the time they are up on my lap i have already cked hoofs and all ...they are ready for human time....they don't alway get a reward of food

 

[secuono]

Make a handling pen.
Big fenced area to herd them into & lock, then a narrowing aisle to an end that only one at a time fits with a door that is also a headgate at the very end.
You may end up needing it one day in an emergency or similar.

 

[Carla D]

Hi Carla,
Thank you for the advice, maybe I am trying a little to hard. Their purebred Kiko goats around ten or eleven months old.
Thanks again

You’re very welcome. I can totally understand wanting to be a bit closer to or having friendly goats to work with. I have 8 kids. They are all 8 weeks old with some of them almost 9 wks old. I love snuggling, petting, feeding them, and watching their antics. Mine are all Alpine except one Saanen. All wethers. My little DD and I want them as pets, really big pets.

But, if you’re going to breed them, sell goats, and general care is much easier when they at least cooperate. You’re right about that. Have fun with them. They only stay young and goofy for so long.