Tuesday I got my pygmy goat, and I want to make sure I'm doing all I can to help her settle in and get used to all the changes in her life. She was separated from her kid Monday night and then came here the next day. Also, I am drying her off - she produced too little milk to bother with. She bleats almost constantly, even when recently fed. Is she upset because of the kid/move situation, uncomfortable because of a full udder or is she lonesome and needs another goat? Can a person keep just one goat? I really only want one if that will work. She is a year old and shares the barnyard with three hens. I work at home most days and go out to see her several times a day. Thanks for your help.

-- txcountry girl (nancyk@icsi.net), August 11, 2000

Answers

She's probably really lonesome!! They do better in pairs! We had a sheep that settled down once she got with the goats. Maybe you could get something to keep her company but won't be much work for you.

-- Pat (pmikul@pcpros.net), August 11, 2000.

You could get a wether to keep her company. A couple of the hardy type sheep that can survive on forage would keep her company without the added cost of feed. They would also mow your yard/pasture for you. Breeds like Navaho-Churro, Jacobs or one of the hair breeds (so you wouldn't have to sheer.) Look at the albc-usa.org site for suggestions.

-- Vaughn (vdcjm5@juno.com), August 11, 2000.

Definitely lonely. You can't have just one goat. If you want only a little milk, see if someone in your area has a Nigerian that has already been milked for a season or two and is currently in milk. There was such a doe for sale here last year for $100. Not particularly beautiful, but an easy multiple-kidder and very productive. Do not get a first-freshener, as they usually produce little and are difficult to milk even for experienced milkers. I hear that goes for most breeds. If a suitable Nigerian is unavailable, maybe get a small regular dairy goat, and taper her down to once-a-day milkings. I've heard of lots of people who do it that way. I'm one myself. Or if you don't want milk, I second the wether idea. But definitely get her some goat company or her bleating will drive you crazy in no time! GL!

-- Laura Jensen (lrjensen@nwlink.com), August 13, 2000.

HI, 3 WEEKS AGO WE PURCHASED A YEAR OLD WETHER. THE KIDS LOVE HIM. HOWEVER, HE DOES MAKE A LOT OF NOISE. HE TRIES TO BREAK INTO THE CHICKEN COOP AND LET THE TURKEYS AND CHICKENS OUT. HE HAS SUCCESSED TWICE. THEY LOVE HIM. HE JUMPED OUT OF THE PEN MY SON-IN-LAW MADE. WE HAVE TO MALE IT LARGER. HE'S ALWAYS CHASING THE DUCKS. AT NIGHT HE'S IN THE BARN WITH THE BABY CHICKENS. HOWEVER, HE STILL MAKES MOICES. WERE LOOKING FOR A PIGMY OR NIGERIAN GOAT. THAT SHOULD MAKE HIM HAPPY. I THINK THAT'S WHAT YOU NEED. GOOD LUCK PRISCILLA GP83196@AOL.COM

-- MRS PRISCILLA WILLIAMS (GP83196@AOL.COM), August 17, 2000.

Any possibility of getting her kid? If they are just for pets, and he is a buck, you can have him wethered. Yes , sheep and goats seem happier with company....flock animals that they are. Kate

-- Kate Henderson (sheeplady@catskill.net), August 18, 2000.

I wasn't able to get her kid - he had already been sold - but I did get an unrelated 3 month old doe kid. She doesn't really like the kid yet, but it gives her something to do besides bleat at me! She seems happier already. Thanks for all of your advice.

-- txcountry girl (nancyk@icsi.net), August 18, 2000.