Toddlers + goats with horns = disaster?
Question by FurNFeathers: Toddlers + goats with horns = disaster?
I have adopted my first baby pygmy goat, now 6 days old. He is scheduled to be disbudded in the morning, but I have been wrestling with the decision for days. I have a 4 year old daughter and a 7 year old son and we always have kids over. I also have three goat friendly dogs that the baby goat regularly plays and headbutts. To me, it seems only right that he should be disbudded. But I hate to put him through it!! Is it really necessary to disbud if you have goats around kids and other pets? Whatever we decide will be the same for the rest of the herd, as I wont mix horned goats with unhorned goats if I can help it.
Any help would be appreciated!!
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3 Responses to Toddlers + goats with horns = disaster?
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I have two pygmy goats that we debudded and honestly, debudded or not debudded, they will headbutt and it will hurt a toddler just as bad if they are debudded as it would if they weren’t. it really doesn’t make a difference. just be very careful as the holes can get very easily infected, as I’m sure you know!
sunsetfarm60
March 31, 2014 at 4:04 am
I would disbud the goat. Children sometimes have trouble understanding that they shouldn’t touch the horns, they are sooo handy. Getting their horns pulled on will make the goats more inclined to use them on people. Having lots of children around is great and the goats will love the attention, but take off the horns for everyone’s safety. My own goats are mixed as to horns and no horns, believe me, among the herd, the hornless can butt and be dominant just as easily as the horned, but for children I recommend disbudding when they go to their new home.
Dragonmom
March 31, 2014 at 4:22 am
congratulations on adopting your new baby:) I highly reccomend disbudding. They can get their horns stuck in the fence, and a goat with horns is like a goat with knives when it comes to kids. I would not take the chance. He should have another goat with him. They are much happier. you are very right never mix horned/unhorned, the horned WILL dominate. Also for the love of god, please get him neutered, a buck has no place as a pet, and can/WILL get aggressive during rut. and they will stink. DO NOT. have him put under and cut. goats do not do well with being put out. I reccomend banding. Give him a baby aspirin or 2 a half hour before it is done, i do it when they are 8 weeks old. Also who is doing the disbudding? Vets can be outrageous, make sure he/she is familiar with goats. If you have any questions what so ever about feeding or medications or anything about goats feel free to email me at barehnh@aol.com
Also you can visit my care page. it is always under contruction
http://www.foxfiredairygoats.com/care/
have a great day!
Bryan Bare
Foxfire Nubians and LaManchas and Hearts~N~Hooves Dairy Goats
http://www.foxfiredairygoats.com
http://www.heartsnhooves.com
bryanabare
March 31, 2014 at 4:40 am