My buck is SO LONELY!! What would you do...

Okay, so Courageous is adjusting to his pen being separated from the girls. He still has complete view of them, but he can't get up close, sniff and curl his lip, show off and etc. He is great during the day when myself or my kids are in there, or my rotty puppy Mercedes is in there with him. But when it's time to leave he just cries and cries. He does this for hours. Mahhhaa maaahhhaaa maaahhhaaa...He is SO LONELY!

He only does it when he can see us - me, the kids, or the dog. So, when we are doing chores, feeding, or if the lights are on by the back glass door of the house. When he doesn't see us he is quiet. But I know he must be lonely!

But here's my dilemma: My family agree they want to keep a whether or two in March when our does kid (my younger brother and mother). They want to keep them here with me and visit a few times a week since they are not set up for goats. Plus, I am new to goats in general. I've worked with them medically through pre-vet programs and my mother and father grew up on farms with pigs, cows, sheep and goats so they have both been a huge source of information for me. Plus, they've helped me learn about showing because both were leaders in FFA. So, I know lots about goats, but I still have a lot to learn! And I've added 3 goats to my farm in less then 3 weeks!

I know my boy needs some companionship. Plus, it's cold and he needs someone to cuddle with. But would you get yet a 4th goat already! And what would you get? A whether is a safe choice. But I also wanted a second buck some day...maybe a buckling?...Looking for some opinions, thanks so much!

 

It's funny, I went looking for a buddy for him, found Capriola's website, and found a doe I'm interested in. :hi5:

Anywho, I think I'm on board with everyone No youngins because I don't want them to get bullied. So, a buck or whether close to his age. Not sure we are ready for another buck yet (we only have TWO does, how many bucks could we need!?) So, I am huntin for a whether. :wahoo:

Goatnutty- I'm in Reno, NV. Indiana is quite a ways! But thanks!! :thumbup:

 

For a companion for Courageous I don't have much preference, but the doe I mentioned is a Nigi.

 

Thank you for all the great links! Going to meet a potential whether either Sunday or Monday. :wahoo: :stars: :leap: :clap:


Sssssshhhhh...don't tell my husband :angel2: :angel2: :angel2: hehehehe

 

Beth-

That's definitely something I thought about. We have a bit of a policy around here - everyone does their part. The horses get ridden, chickens lay eggs, cats catch mice, dogs protect, and so on. If an animal isn't useful and we can find a much better home, we do. For example: we have a 1.5 year old Alaskan Malamute. Really stunning dog, and we have put a lot of time into basic obedience, house training, etc. She knows our routine and such. But she nips at my horses sides to make them run, wants to eat my chickens, and the one time she got anywhere near the goat pen she started frantically jumping and barking trying to get through the fence. We all know she wasn't hoping to get in there to play...

So, we are looking for a new home for her. Her prey drive is so high I fear what she would do if she got back to the barn without me there.

This has turned into more of a rant about my concerns then the actual point! We don't typically have animals that we need to feed and care for who don't serve a purpose. For that reason I really had considered another buck. But I just don't know if I can justify having a second buck with only two does! He will cost much more to purchase, plus the boys together will intensify their scent to try to over power each other. My friend has two buck who knock heads so much they are bald! Is that typical or can bucks get along?

 

Shelly-
That sounds like a cute idea! Plus, I bet it's cheaper to feed him then pay for a heater

Poppy-
The whether I am meeting tomorrow is currently housed with a buck and I am told he "holds his own" against the bucks advances. Maybe it'll still work? Hmm, just have to wait and see...