Milo, Earl and Shaymus
For many months Milo was a lonely, only goat. Then he got some new herd mates whether he wanted them or not.
Milo had been at a loss after his life partner, Otis, passed away of a urinary stone this past spring.
Milo had been at a loss after his life partner, Otis, passed away of a urinary stone this past spring.
Milo
At the end of May, we hopped in the car and drove to a farm near Bellefonte to pick up two new kids. They were Nigerian dwarf goats born the first week of March.
I expected a carful of screaming kids for the two-hour drive home. Earl and Shaymus just huddled in the back of the car and never made a peep. I saw this as a sign that things would go smoothly. That omen proved to be wrong.
I expected a carful of screaming kids for the two-hour drive home. Earl and Shaymus just huddled in the back of the car and never made a peep. I saw this as a sign that things would go smoothly. That omen proved to be wrong.
Earl and Shaymus
I naively expected Milo and the new kids to get along immediately. I placed them in the same pen and shed as Milo.
The first night did not go so well. There were false hopes that Milo was more scared than Shaymus and Earl. Milo discovered that the new kids were in “his” house. His bully goat switch was activated. Then the screaming started. No injuries were reported. The assaults appeared to be more verbal than physical. However, some headbutting was involved.
The first night did not go so well. There were false hopes that Milo was more scared than Shaymus and Earl. Milo discovered that the new kids were in “his” house. His bully goat switch was activated. Then the screaming started. No injuries were reported. The assaults appeared to be more verbal than physical. However, some headbutting was involved.
Milo, Earl and Shaymus
Shaymus and Earl were exiled to a smaller pen inside the goat enclosure. The verbal assault continued through the fence.
However, after several weeks the goats got used to each other. They were able to share the same pen and housing. There still were flare ups, but those were just goat behavior.
However, after several weeks the goats got used to each other. They were able to share the same pen and housing. There still were flare ups, but those were just goat behavior.
Earl, Milo and Shaymus
Then, the hormones hit. Afraid of another loss from urinary stones, I had not gotten any of the bucks wethered or neutered.
Milo, Shaymus and Earl
Male goats like to wear their cologne for the ladies. This lovely perfume is pee. I’m not sure if the neighbor’s goats were in heat or the young bucks were just entering puberty. The goat pen was soon filled with the scent of urine. It was also the scene of much humping and bumping. The nights and days were filled with frustrated verbiage between the three.
Despite the three Billy Goats Gruff’s demeanors, I attempted to make them pets.
Despite the three Billy Goats Gruff’s demeanors, I attempted to make them pets.
Earl and Shaymus
First, they were unsure of their surroundings and remained around the house and yard when let out of their pen. I foolishly thought that they could free range while I walked dogs. After a few calls and observances of the three “amigoats” on or near the road, they were locked up again.
Milo, Earl and Shaymus
I tried an alternative that revolved around an old commercial. I had my own take on the old ad slogan, “Behold, the power of cheese.” It was from a 1997 America's Dairy Farmers campaign.
I did not want to downplay the prowess of cheese. As a canine owner, the aforementioned food has helped several unwell dogs receive their medication.
I did not want to downplay the prowess of cheese. As a canine owner, the aforementioned food has helped several unwell dogs receive their medication.
Shaymus, Earl and Milo
However, when it came to my goats, the saying changed to “Behold, the power of corn.”
Milo, with the aid of corn, allowed some very short physical contact. This had never been observed before.
It also helped some new kids come out of their shell. Pun intended.
However, the pursuit of corn meant for wildlife consumption united the goats in a common cause.
Milo, with the aid of corn, allowed some very short physical contact. This had never been observed before.
It also helped some new kids come out of their shell. Pun intended.
However, the pursuit of corn meant for wildlife consumption united the goats in a common cause.
Milo, Shaymus and Earl
I did not want them to consume a lot of corn as it is more of a junk food for them. Armed with a baggy of corn and goat treats, the goats started to follow me. The corn meant they also didn’t fear the dogs as much. I was able to hand feed Earl, Shaymus and Milo. Milo would never let me get near him in the past.
Earl, Milo and Clem
The corn bag served as a motivation for creek crossings. Earlier this summer, the streams were dry and the efforts were not an issue. When the rains returned, the corn was used to coax goats to jump across the waters.
Milo, Jeb and Clem
For weeks, the corn strategy appeared to work. Recently, it seemed that testosterone may have overridden the power of corn. Milo kept breaking out in a run and sometimes headed for the roadway. I tried to keep our walks away from the roads, but Milo continued to run with the other goats following suit. I was yelling and shaking the corn bag, but there was no response.
Milo, Shaymus and Earl
I want the goats to enjoy some time outside their pen, but I may need to change my strategy. Shorter walks without the dogs may be needed along with some leashes.
The option of neutering is still on the table, but it would involve surgery since Milo is older.
The option of neutering is still on the table, but it would involve surgery since Milo is older.
Earl and Milo
However, if the screaming, running, bumping and humping continue, all the corn in the world won’t save the boys from the veterinarian. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.
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