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Our new goat Ethel - NEWBIE!

1125 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  janeen128, 
J
I'm brand new to goats!!

Someone my husband knew through work wanted to give away his doe and we ended up with her this week. She is extremely shy but has calmed down and gotten braver over this past week. We named her Ethel. :)

She has become very vocal as of late and loudly greets us when we arrive home or come out there to visit her.

She's recently been grinding her teeth and I've been told on here that can mean abdominal pain from bloat or parasites which I do think she has possibly both. Does anyone know if I can just give her a dewormer from Tractor Supply or another farm / feed store and if so, what kind? Also are they typically flavored or is it going to be a fight with her to get it down? Keep in mind she doesn't let us get close enough to touch her yet.

Other than the grinding and slight bloat she has, she seems overall to be healthy. Have no idea of her age but I will be doing the "teeth test" when I get home since I was just told you can tell by that.

The guy who had her has no idea what kind she is...what do you think?

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Scottyhorse
I would put some baking soda out for her to eat. That will help with any bloat. It'll prevent it, also :)
I would also worm her. I use Noromectin, it's the Ivomec generic, so a lot cheaper. Get the injectable kind, and give it orally.
Are you sure grinding her teeth, and not chewing her cud?

As for the breed, I would say Nubian/Alpine mix. Make sure to get her a buddy soon, they do best in pairs at least!
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J
How would I know the difference between cud chewing and grinding teeth?

I only hear it so I don't actually see her chewing but now that you say that I'm not sure which it is.
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Scottyhorse
When they grind their teeth, well, grind your teeth. It would be similar to that. Chewing their cud is kinda like when you chew with your mouth open almost.
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janeen128
I'm pretty new to goats myself, but I'm going Alpine/Nubian mix as well.

Yep, baking soda will help with bloat. I use positive pellets on my goats, that seems to work. I do it when they need it, and never have had an issue... You just feed it with their grain so it's easier to do. Keep in mind it doesn't take care of hook worms or Liver fluke..

Also, first thought mine were grinding their teeth too, but soon realized they were chewing their cud....:(

Make sure to get a buddy for her another doe or wether, they do much better in pairs. Also, make sure you gave loose minerals for her to eat when she needs, if no other animals, use one just for goats...

Pretty girl:)
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