Goat people I need some help,please.

[TheCaseFamily00]

For those who don't know I was just given 2 goats a mini a big horse and a cat. The family is going through a tough illness. The goats sometimes get diarhrea,she has treated with Albon. I was wondering if any of you have experienced this? Have any of you used the medicated grain? The one goat is very hard to catch and I was thinking if the medicated feed worked I'd try that. I'm very new to goats and could use some help getting to understand them.I gave medicine to one this morning and I think the untame one has diarrhea now to.She was feedind alfalfa. I have grass hay and the previous owner gave me her hay so I swithched them back,I believe this is why the diarrhea came back. I was feeding it half and half. I feel so bad and I don't want anything bad to happen,advice anyone?????Thanks!

 

[uwharrie]

I never liked the medicated grain as there was no way to know if they were getting the proper dosage. Have they been wormed? Goats are susceptible to parasites, so should be on a routine worming schedule (we used liquid ivermectin 4 times a year)

Grass hay should be fine, only does in milk production need the high protein hay like Alfalfa.

Albon or sulmet will treat for coccidia but that usually is only a problem in youngsters. You can also give keopectate (spp) for the diarreha.

For those who don't know I was just given 2 goats a mini a big horse and a cat. The family is going through a tough illness. The goats sometimes get diarhrea,she has treated with Albon. I was wondering if any of you have experienced this? Have any of you used the medicated grain? The one goat is very hard to catch and I was thinking if the medicated feed worked I'd try that. I'm very new to goats and could use some help getting to understand them.I gave medicine to one this morning and I think the untame one has diarrhea now to.She was feedind alfalfa. I have grass hay and the previous owner gave me her hay so I swithched them back,I believe this is why the diarrhea came back. I was feeding it half and half. I feel so bad and I don't want anything bad to happen,advice anyone?????Thanks!

 

[TheCaseFamily00]

I'm going to pick up more medicine and talk to the vet tomorrow,pick up wormer to. I believe she's had the younger one [year old] seen by the vet for diarrhea in the past. I was wondering about dosage on the grain,kinda what I was thinking. Thank you

 

[Bunnylady]

I'm curious to know why she was feeding alfalfa to goats. I'd think it a bit rich for a ruminant, at least, one that wasn't doing something that needs lots of protein (like serious milk production). My goats are all what are known as "brush goats" around here, they get the same grass hay as my minis, and have never had diarrhea.

The medicated feeds that I know of, contain a coccidiostat. As I understand it, the idea of medicated feeds is to keep a constant check on the coccidia, so they don't build up, rather than trying to treat a problem. Of course, there is always the problem of creating resistance when you keep after 'em with the same product. Adult goats are usually fairly resistant to coccidia (coccidia most often cause problems in kids, and can be fatal if not treated promptly!) I suppose the stress of being moved from their former home to yours might be enough to reduce the resistance of an adult goat. Albon (sulfadimethoxine) is one medication that can be given to combat coccidia, there are others. If you would like to read more about coccidia, here's one source:

Goat World

 

[TheCaseFamily00]

I'm curious to know why she was feeding alfalfa to goats. I'd think it a bit rich for a ruminant, at least, one that wasn't doing something that needs lots of protein (like serious milk production). My goats are all what are known as "brush goats" around here, they get the same grass hay as my minis, and have never had diarrhea.

The medicated feeds that I know of, contain a coccidiostat. Adult goats are usually fairly resistant to coccidia (coccidia most often cause problems in kids, and can be fatal if not treated promptly!) I suppose the stress of being moved from their former home to yours might be enough to reduce the resistance of an adult goat. Albon (sulfadimethoxine) is one medication that can be given to combat coccidia, there are others. If you would like to read more, here's one source:

Goat World

 

[TheCaseFamily00]

She had a tendency to overfeed,she meant well. These goats aren't milked or anything ,just pets. She had enough medicine for a dose today,i'll get more tomorrow. Thanks for the site

 

[Kim~Crayonboxminiatures]

What age are the goats? If they are older, it's unlikely to be coccidia, but they could have other worms. Also I would discontinue grain until you can get the diarrhea under control, a vitamin/mineral block is more than enough if they aren't pregnant, nursing or growing, etc, with grass hay or pasture. It could also be from a change in water, sometimes it takes them time to adjust to a new place. I would try probiotics too (Probios has a powder or paste form).

 

[TheCaseFamily00]

The youngest is one,the other is older. I was wondering if I should stop the grain,thanks.

 

[Katiean]

Any kind of animal can get diarrhea just from being moved to a different place. I would give the goats only grass hay and if they continue to have diarrea I would then give keopectate or pepto. Both work well for the problem. Goats that are not pregnant or milking do not need extra anything. Poor grass hay is enough for them. They are useing goats and sheep here in Nevada to clear out brush in fire prone areas.

 

[jacks'thunder]

In my personal experience the less grain the better, unless your milking or they are pregnent/nursing. I just feed grass hey twice a day, and I just make sure they are wormed on a regular schedule. Dirahea could be caused by stress(the move to your house), changing diets( or somthing new added to their existing diet), worms, these are just a few reasons that I have experienced with goats. In my opinion, I'd omit the grain/feed from their diets and let them just eat hey( the simplier the better in IMHO). But definately "use" the grain!!!! Goats are VERY food motivated!! If you say the one is shy go sit in the pasture with some grain and hand feed it to them. Not alot but do a little treat once a day or every other day. You'll earn trust in no time!!! LOL!! Use that to your advantage and get to know your new goaties! Goats really are comical and a fun addition to your farm!

Just my opinion from having goats(of all kinds)for almost 10 years.

I wish you the best and really they are low maintainence once they get established and things become normal for them. Personaly I'd never go with out a goat in my little herd!

Good Luck!

Leya

 

[TheCaseFamily00]

Thank you Leya,great idea! I love hearing them talk to me when I go outside

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