[Dee4]

As a newby, I am aware of lice and mites in goats, but unsure what treatment and prevention to use.
My kids coats are checked often, and groomed, but been told soon will be the time for the little bug buggars to arrive, oh heck.
Do I lice and mite powder treat them now, or use essential oils, like lavender, purification, cedar wood, peppermint with witch hazel ( not my idea, read about this )
Is it safe for kids, if they lick the oils spray or powder, getting paranoid again mates ! Also confused if garlic is okay or not for goats. Not seen any bugs as yet. Thank you

 

[NigerianDwarfOwner707]

You only have two, if I am correct, in a pretty closed herd. I would just keep an eye, no prevention needed. But yes you can give garlic.

 

[Dee4]

You only have two, if I am correct, in a pretty closed herd. I would just keep an eye, no prevention needed. But yes you can give garlic.

Arh thanks, do you give garlic, and will it help with the bugs, I give garlic and ACV to my hens to help with Mites. As you have little ones, what treatment do you do ?
Thank you

 

[NigerianDwarfOwner707]

I give garlic daily and it does help. Raw, not with ACV.

Mites & Lice are two separate problems, but the treatment is quite similar for both. Mites are not visible, they are microscopic. But they leave areas of hair loss, dry skin, scabs, pus, and bleeding. Mites can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face, ears, legs, stomach, and scrotum. You can treat mites systemically, or you can treat them topically. TOPICAL TREATMENT: There are a few options for treatments - I highly recommend putting NuStock ointment on affected areas. This kills mites on contact, repels them, and grows back hair and heals the skin. VetRX is exceptionally good for ear mites, though, as it is an oil base, it will smother mites anywhere. Ivermectin Pour On, while a chemical, is a safe external treatment for mites. INTERNAL TREATMENT: Mites can also be treated with an ivermectin injection, though topical natural treatment should still be used to protect and heal affected areas.


Lice ARE visible and they often look like small black/blue/red bugs. You can treat them via ivermectin injection, ivermectin pour on (or CyLence pour on) or, my personal favorite treatment, an application down the topline of VetRX. VetRX is natural, and treats lice very well. Comb it a bit after application--and note that frequent combing is also helpful to get rid of the eggs.

 

[MadHouse]

As far as I have experienced, garlic is a great immune system booster, so it can help prevent mite and lice outbreaks. As far as I understand, a few mites are always present, and when the opportunity arises, their population can explode. I give my goats 3 cloves of garlic each, every day. They have learned to expect it and love it.
If I need to treat for lice or mites, and it is not a bad infestation, I use a natural oil called VetRx (don’t know of available in UK). When it is bad, I use Ivermectin cattle pour on. I read for kids you can use Ultraboss. Again, not sure what brands you have available.

 

[Dee4]

I give garlic daily and it does help. Raw, not with ACV.

Mites & Lice are two separate problems, but the treatment is quite similar for both. Mites are not visible, they are microscopic. But they leave areas of hair loss, dry skin, scabs, pus, and bleeding. Mites can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face, ears, legs, stomach, and scrotum. You can treat mites systemically, or you can treat them topically. TOPICAL TREATMENT: There are a few options for treatments - I highly recommend putting NuStock ointment on affected areas. This kills mites on contact, repels them, and grows back hair and heals the skin. VetRX is exceptionally good for ear mites, though, as it is an oil base, it will smother mites anywhere. Ivermectin Pour On, while a chemical, is a safe external treatment for mites. INTERNAL TREATMENT: Mites can also be treated with an ivermectin injection, though topical natural treatment should still be used to protect and heal affected areas.

Lice ARE visible and they often look like small black/blue/red bugs. You can treat them via ivermectin injection, ivermectin pour on (or CyLence pour on) or, my personal favorite treatment, an application down the topline of VetRX. VetRX is natural, and treats lice very well. Comb it a bit after application--and note that frequent combing is also helpful to get rid of the eggs.

Thank you very much for all that information, I will see what I can buy, will continue with garlic, and daily grooming too. Thanks again

 

[Dee4]

As far as I have experienced, garlic is a great immune system booster, so it can help prevent mite and lice outbreaks. As far as I understand, a few mites are always present, and when the opportunity arises, their population can explode. I give my goats 3 cloves of garlic each, every day. They have learned to expect it and love it.
If I need to treat for lice or mites, and it is not a bad infestation, I use a natural oil called VetRx (don't know of available in UK). When it is bad, I use Ivermectin cattle pour on. I read for kids you can use Ultraboss. Again, not sure what brands you have available.

Hi there again, I keep thinking of different goat questions don't I, lol
I only give my give very small amount of garlic, but think I will increase that, they do like it.
Will look for Ultraboss too, so this all is better than lice mite powder do you think? I thought about powdering the bedding too.
Do you ever bath your goats in summer ? Thank you

 

[NigerianDwarfOwner707]

No baths. Goats and water don't mix.

You can put Diatomaceous earth under bedding.

 

[Dee4]

No baths. Goats and water don't mix.

You can put Diatomaceous earth under bedding.

Lol about bathing, thanks and they are little wrigglers.
I will defo get some DE then for bedding.
Goat care is defo Full On, I was told..... before I got them.... they are easy.
But adorable

 

[GoofyGoat]

Be careful with DE! It’s horrible for goats lungs and nose. Make sure the dust has settled and It’s way below anything they can stir up in their bedding. It’s really not that effective. I’d get some vet RX. If it’s not available in the UK look up the ingredients and find something similar or order from Amazon. It’s all natural so it should get through customs ok.

 

[Dee4]

Than

Be careful with DE! It's horrible for goats lungs and nose. Make sure the dust has settled and It's way below anything they can stir up in their bedding. It's really not that effective. I'd get some vet RX. If it's not available in the UK look up the ingredients and find something similar or order from Amazon. It's all natural so it should get through customs ok.

Thanks for info take care

 

[goatblessings]

I would just make sure the bedding is clean. Mites and lice like damp, dark bedding to thrive in .... the only time I've had an issue is when I've used some less than wonderful straw. I would not treat with chemicals unless you have a problem. In over a decade, it's really not an issue for me if you keep your bedding dry and clean.

 

[Goats Rock]

We bathe before clipping for shows and the County Fair. A dirty goat will dull clippers! Warm, non windy day with warm hose water and a milk stand. Use a mild horse shampoo or puppy shampoo. But, most goats do hate water!

 

[Dee4]

I would just make sure the bedding is clean. Mites and lice like damp, dark bedding to thrive in .... the only time I've had an issue is when I've used some less than wonderful straw. I would not treat with chemicals unless you have a problem. In over a decade, it's really not an issue for me if you keep your bedding dry and clean.

Hi,
Thanks I've cancelled my order of DE as worried from other reply on breathing and lung problems.
Only have two little goats, and bedding on shavings and spent dry uneaten hay, works well, they tend to pee on nearby plastic tray I've put next to their bed, they are pretty good at using it sometimes, and so bedding keeps dry most of the time, but I take out damp areas, they of course drop the berries, but also use the plastic tray.
I spray with discinfectant often too.
Thanks for your advice, take care

 

[NigerianDwarfOwner707]

With DE, it goes under the bedding on the floor. Does not get breathed in.

 

[Dee4]

With DE, it goes under the bedding on the floor. Does not get breathed in.

Hi,
Thank you for your advice, Iam getting bit confused now, as I want to just do the right thing for my little goats. I suppose people have different views and ways on goat care and management. Think I should be vigilante and keep beding clean and dry ( this is a raised bed area) not on floor.
Put small amount of DE at base of bedding, keep grooming and checking kids, and hope for the best, good idea ... yes ?
Thank you

 

[toth boer goats]

All really good advice.