Help! My Nigerian Dwarf Brothers beat each other bloody

I discovered that goats and pigs have in common is that they scream so loud you would think they are dying

 

They will get along better with weathering, but more importantly, they will be WAY better pets! Pretty soon they would start peeing on their legs and faces, and you as well as other very unattractive behaviors that bucks practice which makes them yucky pets. Hope the vet gets them done soon!

 

Boy those little Nigerians get started early!

 

I had two bucks who whacked heads and caused bloody spots. When it was time to be treated they acted like that was the most horrible thing in the world. Getting injured was ok, but getting treated was bloody murder!

 

I had two young bucklings together this year. I've never had a really big problem - until this year (2020 go figure). - even in rut. This year - they were fine one day - and the next - one was complelety bald, the other had a concussion. They are now separated until at least January and end of rut. They CAN hurt each other. If you don't want them as breeders, wether now - and if they are still very aggressive separate.

 

I don't know if you'd be comfortable doing it yourself, but banding can be done easily without a vet if you don't mind it not being done surgically. But I understand being worried about screwing it up. I just thought I would let you know though, that it is a simple process if you weren't aware.

 

I agree with Mellon. My own experience with banding went very well. Some people think it’s less humane than surgery, but the way our wether acted, I don’t really buy that. He didn’t seem the least bit bothered. Not by the banding, and not by wearing the bands afterwards. It was like nothing had even happened.

That said, if you feel more comfortable waiting for the vet I think that’s completely fine too, and totally understandable. It is possible to mess it up and cause problems.

 

Had to laugh about letting the neighbors know...
A couple of years ago, when we got the kids' ears tattoo'd, they screamed so loud that our neighbor called to see what was going on. They thought that someone got hurt really bad...LOL. Good that they were concerned enough to check tho'. Now, I give them a 'heads-up' when something LOUD is going to happen around here.

 

I had a much more experienced 'goat friend' band one of our kids last year. She gave him a shot of Banamine after banding for any pain/discomfort. He layed around for most of that day (maybe the Banamine..?) but was back to normal the next day like nothing happened.

 

If you’re unsure about banding here’s a good video.



It’s really simple to do. I give banamine about a half hour before then just let them do as they please after. If they want to walk -fine If not I wait an hour or so then walk them around. Movement actually does help.
Just be warned, there’s always the odd goat who will still be acting a bit off for a day or so longer. They’re the melodramatic ones. Just make sure you don’t accidentally get one of their teats in the band.