Goat Care Clinic

Sorry this is a little late but as promised this my routine for kid cares.  I learned how to manage this from a breeder in Colorado.  She walked me through her processes and I just adapted my routine to what I learned from her.

Kids at 4 weeks old. 

Don't get hung up on these cares being the exact date.  We usually shoot for doing these cares at some point on their 4th week.   During this time we complete their 1st CDT vaccination and castration.

1) The very best way we have found to accomplish this without being kicked is to stand them on their front legs with their heads locked between the person holdings legs.  See picture below.

 

You are going to want the person holding to be older.  I have tried to let some of the younger members hold them and they just don't have the strength for this part.  The kids don't really like this part of the process but it makes life easier on those of us doing the cares.

 

 

 

2)  Next you will want to make sure your vaccination is ready to go before you get the goat in position.   I use the vaccine pictured below,  you can select any CDT vaccination for your herd.  I tend to use a smaller gage needle for these little guys.

 

 

3) Also have your castration banding gun ready before you get the goat in position.                         See picture below.

 

Now you are ready to provide the cares I provide at age 4 weeks.

In the picture below you can see this little buckling has been banded.  When banding the position makes it very easy to feel both testicles to ensure full castration is completed.  I give their vaccination in the crease behind their front leg and the rib cage.  I do this because often time the vaccination will leave a bubble/bump on the goat and when you shave them for show you will see that if you give the vaccine in the neck.  Once the vaccination is given make sure before turning the kid lose you will want to rub the vaccination spot to help disperse the vaccine to limit the possibility of a lump.

 

 

In another 4 weeks I give the 2nd CDT vaccination, place the scrapies ear tag and worm them.  I use the liquid wormer pictured below.  Once these cares are done I start the process of weaning the kids from their mother.

 

 

 

I always stick to one side for each of the goats when giving their vaccinations.  On the 1st round I give the shots in everyone's right side.  Then on the 2nd round I give the shots on the left side and ear tag on the right.  This helps me track each of the kids and monitor for issues. 

 

I hope this post helps everyone with their kid cares.

 

From My Barn 2 You,

 

Brad