Can’t bring myself to vaccinate them myself!

So dramatic! A cow won’t even utter a sound a goat as soon as that needle touches the skin they are dying just ask them.
I have stabbed my self so many time! I can’t even count. Earlier this year I got myself in the lip. I have a bad habit of holding the syringes in my mouth by the lids when I vaccinate the cattle (which get 3 shots 4 if they need to be worked) so that I have my hands free. Gave the shot, put the cap on, not tight, and went to hold it in my mouth. Cap fell off and got myself good. Now that one HURT! But hey I didn’t get pink eye lol

 

I won't get worms, pneumonia, cdt, or polio! I've finally quit putting the needle cap in my mouth after sticks in my lip or fingers!

 

Good job!!

 

OKAY..easy peasy..here is what I did to learn..went to grocery and bought a whole chicken...then brought it home..put it on the kitchen counter and filled a bunch of syringes (used different gauge needles and found that 22g was easiest for me and goat) with water and practiced away..lifted (tented the skin) and injected..since I knew I wasn't hurting anything I was very brave and learned quickly. Also practiced IM shots on a pork chop... Lots of online instructions to work with as well....Be calm, deep breath and say "I can do this"

 

Done that before, I find when by myself I just slip a rope over their head (I have 2 knot in the rope that won’t let it choke them) and tie close to post and have straddle them so they can’t move side to side. Then just make my tent and insert needle ( I like 3/4 or 1/2 inch in length) and draw back for blood slightly them give shot. Some do jump a lot so I also use a dentist technique by pinching a little tent up and jiggling it around while talking to them and insert and whamo, I’m done. What I don’t like is giving any medicine that is 5 or 6 ml. It’s just a lot for the little tent.

 

Practice is definitely key! Also, it’s good to know which meds sting so you’re mentally prepared for their reaction (ivermectin will bring out the drama queens).

Remember to make sure your needle gauge matches the drug. Had my vet dispense an antibiotic with a 16 gauge needle. I felt bad for the goat and swapped to a 20 gauge needle. The dang med was so thick it wouldn’t go through the 20 gauge, so I had to stick her with the 16.

Goat skin tents super well, so getting 6 mL or more in isn’t so bad. The babies are tough with their tight skin and how tiny they are. Also tougher to restrain since they can’t go in the milk stand.

 

Now we know no one will get goat deseases. How about teaxhing humans how to do this to himans. I hate needles