CaliforniaLyme
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Just came in from the garden and am exhausted!!! Annie the goat is in charge of US! He butts and nips if we don't pet him!! The former owners told us they played butting games with him and I looked it up and that is the worst thing they could have done!! Poor Goatie!!! He htinks we are so mean because we don't want to play!! Anyone who knows goats- how do I stop him from butting? He just won't listen when we say, "Annie, NO BUTTING!" he just butts again!!! The kids, human kids, ADORE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We can't get rid of him but I don't know how to CHANGE him!! Is it too late? He is 7 months old or so!!! Almost full grown and VERY strong! He knocked over the baby pretty hard and she skinned her little hands!!!!!!!!! Made me want to get rid of him!!! But when I said that immediately after seeing her little scratches she waield, "NO NO I loooove Annie Annie ANNIE ANNIE!! KEEP KEEEP ANNIE ANNNIE ANNNIE" for a good 15 minutes!!! Agh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So we are keeping him, I didn't mean it about getitng rid of him it was just reactionary to her little scrtaches!!!
HELP!!!!!!! Plus he dug UNDER the fence I built and ate my lima bean plants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He used his body weight against the wire to push the wire out to the side so he could go under it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AGH!!!!!!!!
I think GOAT DOMINATION is beginninG!!!!!!!*)!! AGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And NO INTEREST in grass!!!!!!!!!! NONE!!!!!!!!! But he has eaten the lower half of the peach tree bark and all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AGH AGH AGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My Pygmy Goat Dream seems to have been based upon LIES! ("Goats eat grass.") Or I should say ILLUSIONS because I can only blame myself!!!!!! No one came and said, "Sarah, get a pygmy goat it will eat your grass!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Really, not eating grass I can live with, the eating eveything in my garden I can live with, but the butting? I can't handle the butting!!! HELP HELP HELP HELP ANYONE!!!!!! Disconsolately, Losing hope, Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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CaliforniaLyme
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Okay, I am calmer now. The baby sobbed herself to naptime before I wrote that and now I have had a good 20 minutes of peaceful time to myself. AMAZING what that can do. I have hope for the goatness agian!!! We can work with him/her!!!! It will all work out- we just have to keep repeating- "NO ANNIE NO!" whenever she butts us!! And AGE will tame him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope he stops butting htough- it sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When he butts the baby I get this instinctive protectiveness, MEANness- I even said, "BAD Goat!" but it is NOT a bad goat! It is just a GOAT! I don't want to screw it up pscyhologically!! That's all we need, a goat with self-esteem issues! YIKES*)!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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sizzled
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Okay...you are NOT going to like this but, here goes...
Is he neutered? (I think you said he was a 'wether' so that means, yes)
Get another male goat for him to spar and play with and put them in a small outside pen for the day.
You can get small goat halters for them from 'Jeffers Vet supply'(look up, "Jeffer's Poly Goat Halters") on-line. They are easy to lead that way.
I have TWO wethers who are rescued from slaughter and they are WONDERFUL although strong and are full size (aprox. 200 lbs. each)!
I would never have taken them if they bit or butted me. They DO love to spar and play with each other though....It is just a normal exuberant and healthy thing for them to do!
They do NOT like their ears tugged (not yanked!) so I use that as a means of discipline and say, "NO!" very sharply if they get pushy.
He has been dehorned? It can be done humanely.
Okay...hope this helps!
P.S. They have never butted me. I am firm in discipline because they can do serious damage even though they have been dehorned, their skulls are extremely thick where they butt others!
Use the goat halter with a dog leash and you can get them to stop butting before they do it.
[ 30. April 2007, 05:30 PM: Message edited by: sizzled ]
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3greatkids
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Oh my!!!
I would get a punching bag,hang it from a tree and let em at it.That would keep that rascal busy.
Or,those football practice things they have the players use.They charge them.
Toys,big balls,like the horses use in their stalls.
Charging on people...a big smack on the ole face is a must and a big BAD!!!!Yeah,a friend would be a big help.Get a mini horse.All those goats,minis are full of mischief!Throw him some tin cans,just kidding,I remember the cartoons always having a tin can eating goat.
sizzled
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Yes, they like to eat the bark off trees.
I feed a small amount of hay for roughage and a handful of goat chow.
Yours might get by on just a small amount of hay.
Mine ate some plastic flowers and an orange glove disappeared...and the goats are fine!
They are NAUGHTY!!! But, I love them and they keep me laughing!
They NEVER listen to verbal command so let me know if you get yours to obey!
Oh, NAUGHTY, naughty goats!!!
One of them LOVES bagels and will practically jump out of a 5 ft. pen to get one!
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sizzled
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California, you can PM me if you want to talk goat.....I have had mine for about 3 or 4 years now.
I deworm, flea-bath, trim feet, vaccinate, and chase them when they are feeling playful. They play like dogs, and feign being scared...run away and come running back at me at full speed!
Bounce around like spring bok!!! Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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sizzled
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P.P.S. They are extremely easy to keep as I over fed mine!!!
I imagine a pygmy goat is VERY easy to keep!!
They do need exercise and are very tractable after a good run...
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sizzled
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Goat cart!
Great fun and your goat will be tired but happy.
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sizzled
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Oh...and I never saw my goats eat grass. Sorry.
They DO like weeds and icky stuff no other animal likes!
But...even though mine are large...they don't eat enough to keep me off the mower or from weeding..sad to say... Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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CaliforniaLyme
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He is wethered- neutered!!! And he came butting and nipping- from the way the former owners talked I thought that was normal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Poor Annie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is really cute and really smart- when I figure out how to get photos on here I will post photos! He is STRONG too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So this will be a spiritual exercise for us!!! LOVE THE GOAT! When he is charging you!! That IS what he does- to the BABY! He broke into the garden when I was 10 feet away but thought he was just rubbing himself against the fence for an itch!!! But NO! He came charging in in a second and ran the baby down and knocked her over- definitely to PLAY with her- but she is two!! And she didn't cry about her little scraped hands until I wrathfully said, "We're going to get rid of that goat, Isadora!" THEN she freaked out, "NO NO NO MAMA, Loooove ANNIE!" And Annie is a sweetie, too.
I am going to try the mean voiced "BAD GOAT!"
I will also try bagels- we have bagels!!! And I am going to try being extra extra extra lovey with him.
He came dehorned. he was taken away really young form his Mama and bbottle fed by the pseron who trained him to play butting games!!! AGH!!! But he is so smart and relatively young so I hope we can change him!!!
I don't think I want to chance getting another wether in case it picks up HIS habits!! We were orginally going to get a pair of goats but this one was going to be sold for meat if we didn't buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Maybe that should have tipped me off!) Best goat wishes, Sizzled, oh- they also and we have been feeding him pure alfalfa and the Top Goat chow- and then goat sites say alfalfa is too rich!!! Is that true? Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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3greatkids
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Make sure he has something to stand on top of.A table,big stump,old dog house.Make him feel like he is on top of the world and in total control!!!
Super goat!A cart sounds great....he needs a job!Your little one could have loads of fun training him too.You could load up the cart w/ things from the garden,vegs.weeds,etc.
Send pictures of this varmit w/ the big personality!
Never a dull moment for you!
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just don
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CL,
I dont want to say ITYS,, but ITYS.
Talk to a better goat expert than me . Changing his game he learned young is NOT going to be easy. Teaching a goat a BAD habit like butting is way over the 'top' of common sense.
It comes more along the line of teaching a BULL to charge. Those morons need there head examined.
With a dog you can step on their paw to train them. I would guess the ONLY spot that 'might' work is striking his nose with a HARD object.
Goats by nature are hard headed and LIKE to butt so success would be a miracle.
The ONE thing I wanted to suggest,,is do the previous owners of this goat or anyone else,have an identical goat to this one?? One your kids cant pick out in a crowd from this one??? If I were you I would see If I could PAY somebody to trade goats,,even IF it cost you dearly.
Then hope he doesnt do the same thing,,,maybe NOT if not brought up that way. At least you have a shot at having the pet you want, with the habits you can stand.
Other option is Annie runs away in the night,,,never to be found. I think you KNOW what THAT means.
Speaking of that,,,HOW do you keep him where he belongs all night?? Whats to keep him from wandering to the road where he may get run over,etc??
Of all the choices you have for kids pets and such,,,a goat would NOT be high on MY list. Maybe replace it with a nice Collie dog that looks like Lassie. Your milage may vary!!!being --just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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sizzled
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You only have to feed alfalfa if they are MILKING goats.
Males need alot less and prefer roughage...like the sides of buildings, bark on trees...plastic plants,etc!
I was also told to keep free-choice baking soda available as well as a salt lick in their stall at night.
Truly...a goat halter and leash should keep you in better control.
If someone 'taught' this little goat to butt...it will take extra patience to make him stop.
Really, it is their form of play and he is just trying to engage your daughter in 'goat play'.
You have to associate 'butting' with something unpleasant.....like squirting him with a water gun..in the face, when he does it.
Good luck! He does sound cute as a button BUTT they are goats after all.
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sizzled
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sizzled
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Sarah, I don't want to hear that he butted your daughter in the face!!!!!
PLEASE...goat halter, lead rope, squirt gun and/or goat cart(so he is always in FRONT of her).
Or get him a buddy he can spar and butt and teach him humans are a no-no! Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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sizzled
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YOU cannot psychologically damage your goat!
If he is nippy, then PLEASE don't hand feed him!!!(He will bite fingers)
Always place treats or food in a food pan.
Feed small amounts of hay,not pure alfalfa. If you don't have a feed store nearby, try going to a stable and ask if they have any 'poor'hay suitable for a goat (not moldy but maybe stemmy).
One bale(~25 lb) should last you for two weeks.
Feed half a flake a day and throw it away after a day (goats like to use hay as bedding sometimes).
They are not human. They are not even that intelligent.
Being nicey, nicey to it won't teach it that butting and biting are a no-no. They are extremely forgiving .
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sizzled
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Just Don, I agree about teaching animals 'tricks' that harm.
I knew someone who taught her horse to take a carrot from her mouth.
Andie333
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I think Annie sounds like an endless source of amusement and joy (well, some bad habits aside).
I loved sizzled's ideas of the halter and the cart.
Put Annie to work...and let the kids train her.
Of course, I know nothing at all about goats, but I have to say it was fascinating to read about your Annie trials. I hope you get some pictures of him you can post here! And hope you're able to find something for Annie to do!
Andie
[ 01. May 2007, 09:25 PM: Message edited by: Andie333 ]
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CaliforniaLyme
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Aw Cavey you're just jealous 'cause YOU want a pygmy goat!!! (Want mine*)!>?
Just Don- Annie is very distinctive, unfortunately- and really I couldn't trick them, they are smart girls!!! He is multi-splotchy!!
Yesterday he seemed to know he was in disfavor from the day before and he didn't butt all day long- and he does this thing when we pet his head and on top of his lower back- he wags his tail really hard like a dog!!! And he was really doing that a lot- he was very sweet- actually he didn't nip all day either!!!!!!!!
Then this morning I went out to say G'day and there he was rearing up, he does that pre-butting, rears up on his hind legs and then goes down & forward as if he were skewering us with imaginary horns!!
My older daughter EXCITES him when he does this before she gets hysterical@!!!! She starts squealing and I think he thinks she likes it because he really gets excited and does it more! She squeals, "No annie noannie noannie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" which to him I think sounds like, "OHANNIEohANNIEohANNIE!" because he gets very happy And excited and jumps around liek crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And she will RUN from him which seems to trigger some kind of predatory chase thing which I didn't think goats HAD because they are prey animals!!!!! But he will chase her and she just squeals and runs- she is VERY small for 10, size of a 6 year old- she is about his size if she was on her ahnds and feet- so maybe that's another reason he seems to try & "play" with her more often!!! But he doesn't actual BUTT her the way he tries to do the baby!!! I think the baby being smaller triggers some kind of dominance thing in him because the way he goes after her is not as much playful as more aggressive or maybe that is just my protectiveness!!!!!!!!!!
I had fixed the fence and thought it was goat proof- and he had been so sweet- and was roaming aorund HIS yard- when suddenly THERE he was again in the garden/play yard!!! He made it through my "fixing" in a flash!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was actually very shocked and didn't move him. He didn't seem aggressive about it, he was just wandering about the garden mucnhing my new seedlings, goodbye red beans, goodbye zucchini shoots, goodbye pretty decorative maroon leaved treeling, and I was just so FLUMMOXED!!!!!!! I just sat staring at him!!
Maybe we should rename him Houdini!!!!!!
My husband came home then. He said, "Goat got past your fence, huh?"
(Isn't he an awful man?)
I said, "Yup!"
He said, "Looks liek you're going to have to lower the deer wire about 5 inches." (There were two types of wire, didn't work!!)(Green chicken wire I put below - ok, dumb of me I know NOW!)
I said, "Yup!" (Thanks! No help from you!)
I sighed and just went inside, leaving Annie in full garden territory.
My husband went outside. Girls went outside to play on swing and in garden and then Evan ran in to tell me that my husband was methodically removing staple/nails from the deer fencing and was doing it for me. I did it before all myself but it was nice to have help! So he redeemed himself for about 10 minutes*)!
You know Sizzled he DOES nip- quite a lot- but ALWAYS at our calves or forearms- and we do handfeed him (he LOVES rice cakes!!!!!) and he doesn't nip at hands- again, he was trained like this, for this to be okay- the guy told us about it and told us it was normal and I just believed him until I looked it up online!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe we should rename him Cujo*)!!!!!!!!!!
Goat Question Sizzled: does their manure work well for gardening/compost or should I keep it away from the garden completely? Online there was somehting about WORMS!! Is it dangerous if I let little pebbly goat piles sit here and there or do they just become one with the earth?
I have to get hay because we have pure alafalfa!!
He is an amazing goat athletic wise because online too it said 4 foot fences and she jumps that without effort!!!
Andie333, I WILL master my digital camera and post pictures, I will, I will!!! I can do it!!! My husabnd gave me one for Xmas last year and I have yet to take it from the box. I just use those throwaway cameras instead (can you see he and I are good at driving each other crazy??*)!?)
He is mainly black with brown splotches and little whitey splotches and the fur on his back stands up almost like a Mohawk extra long along the crest!!! His eyes are lightish brown and either look very sweet or ornery/planning something!!! Annie I mean, not my husband!
Best wishes and morning to everyone, Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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sizzled
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Fresh manure of any type is usually too acidic to use straight into a garden. Need a compost pile. A little garden lime mixed in might help break it down sooner and help de-acidify it.
Their pee destroys grass but maybe a small goat won't do much damage?
Yes, one of my goats will start to nibble on my leg but only when he thinks we are hurting his buddy. This happens when we are trimming their feet and I have to hold one still so someone else can trim.
I do NOT allow animal teeth on me!
Chickens make VERY nice and sweet pets and their poop is GREAT for your garden AND they give you fresh eggs! They are NOT noisey (only the roosters are).
just don
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Sarah,
You must have started a trend.
Have you seen the new "Afflack" commercial?? With the goat standing in the office eatting the excess paperwork???Shaking his head no and saying naaaaa when asked a question.
Then I read a story in the paper last night,,,where this lady was keeping a small goat in the back of her van!! Thats right, 24/7 in her van rear compartment. They investigated and found it clean and okay environment. The animal rights people were fussing cause it wasnt on grass and frolicing in the sun.
Hope things are turning up for you regarding your goat life stories,,,waiting with held breath(slighty blue) for further reports!!
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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CaliforniaLyme
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I have to change the title of this thread!! I can't believe I thought for a mnute about giving up my Goatie*)!*)! She is the sweetest most adorable little headbutting nipping goatie in the WORLD*)!*)!
She is WAY smart Meg- she is SMARTER than a dog!! Do you know what she/he does? EVERY day at least ONCE he (I am trying to sweeten her by feminizing her!!) SHE tries to OPEN our DOOR by turning the DOORKNOB! She can't quite do it THANK GOD but she repeatedly TURNS the handle using her two front hooves and THEN she tries repetitively with HER MOUTH!!! I was thinking she would NEVER GET IN but you know what she did>?!?!?! I FINALLY got my GARDNE FENCE SECURE except it didn't have a REAL gate- just deer fencing tied with green wire to close it- about 5 green wires! I just twisted them loosely a couple of times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I AM NOT KIDDING!! THIS GOATIE IS A GENIUS GOATIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ShE UNTIED THEM WITH HER MOUTH/TONGUE/LIPS! She has very MOBILE lips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOBILE LIPS!@!!!! They had just been twisted like two times each because I did not anticpiate this and since then (yesterday) I have twisted them 15 times when I close it and she can't do it!!! BUT SHE GOT IN THE GARDEN AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
She wants to come in the hosue really badly!!!
You know soemthing weird? She has only butted and nipped my husband ONCE!!! He told me that last night! He said the first day when she did it he SMACKED her poor little goatie nose and said "DON"T!" and she has left him alone ever since (he is a big guy) and when he told me that I realized I AM JUST AS BAD AS MY DAUGHTER EVAN with him!!! HER!!!
I go, "NO GOATIE NO!" and give her a little swat on the nose, not even a hit, I swear sizzled, no goat abuse, and then I feel SO BAD that I croon to her for about five minutes and end up giving her special treats (she really like onion bagels!!!) and saying, "Oh Annie you are a good good goatie!!" So she must be really confused!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BAD SARAH!!! BAD BAD SARAH!!!
I just feel so MEAN!!! I have to make my meanness up to her!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anywayz, we adore her now. I love her as much as I love a CAT! I never thought I could love another animal as much as I love a cat!!!
How do you trim hooves sizzled? Do you have to get a farrier>?
Do you think goats can be housetrained? My mother says no! My husband- you don't even want to know what HE says- he THINKS I let the goatie in when he is gone already!!! He found a CoCo Puffs cereal puff on the windowseat and picke dit up with a napkin and brought it to me triumphantly!!!
"I KNEW IT!" he said!
"Excuse me?" I said, very perplexed. I had not caught on to his assumption yet!!! It was very confusing!!!!!!!!! I thought he had lost his mind.
"Do you want to confess something?" he says.
The only thing I could think to confess is about the extra stuff I bought and burned the receipt to because I didn't want him to know about it- but it was my own savings money so I DON'T feel espeically guilty- but SOMEHOW this did NOT seem connected to a CoCo Puff on the windowseat!!! (Isadora's favorite cereal, terrible I know but she breastfeeds and eats lots of veggies it is her only bad hting!)
"I am not a great housekeeper?" hazarded Moi.
"You've been letting THE GOAT IN THE HOUSE!" he proclaims!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had done no such thing!!!!!!!
"COCOA PUFF!" said MOI triumphantly and took his silly napkin, popped the cocoa puff into my mouth to PROVE IT! HA!! HUSBAND! HA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, I have been thinking about it. Can you housetrain them, that is the question!!! Goat URINE inside would just be GROSS!!!!! And I would have ot train him away from the dining room table!!! That would be ruinous!!!!!!!!
But I am thinking of it!!! Best goatie wishes, Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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CaliforniaLyme
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p.s. To those as mystified by teh Cocoa Puff reference as I was initially- let me clue you in- the little dark brown balls of coca-puffs cereal look somewhat similar to the little dark brown puffs of goat dung!!!!!!!!!!! My husband thought it was goat poop on the windowseat!!!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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Geneal
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Dear California,
How funny....I didn't equate that cocoa puff to dung....and I had goats!!!!
Thanks for the early morning laugh.
Have you thought about an electric fence?
We have one for our dogs....Not the kind that cattle ranchers have, but a small one.
Of course you would have to be careful with the baby, but as long as you have
Shoes on....It doesn't shock you.
Took the dogs about one week, before they got it.
We took the fence down, but left the stakes...
They still won't pass those stakes...
What about an electric collar for when the goat butts or bites....
I am a true animal lover...I do not advocate hurting any animal.
However, if this goat is smart....maybe one or two little shocks to get the idea ..
Then all you have to do is put the collar on when the baby is out and voila! No more butting or biting.
I've tried the water thing with my dogs....
It only stops the bad behavior for that instant...
Just a thought....Again I do not advocate hurting animals.
Sounds like you are a great goat Mom (and great Mom too!)
Hugs,
Geneal
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sizzled
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Hey, Sarah, I am happy to hear you are loving your cute and smart goatie!
Trimming feet is necessary about every 5 to 6 weeks. 'Tractor Supply' or the Jeffers Vet Supply might help.
One clipper looks like a pruning shear and is very pointy and sharp....which you need to get the job done fast. Goat hoof clipper....I think, is what they call them.
Give your goat ALOT of exercise before attempting to clip them and she/he will be nice and tired and less likely to squirm. Safer that way too.
Swatting on the nose is NOT abuse, in my book. Especially when a bad habit can become a BIG bad vice. No one wants an animal that bites.
Association with something unpleasant should stop the bad habit.
Yes, goats like shelter...like huts, houses, etc.
Sounds like she likes company.
Two goats? Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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sizzled
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P.S.
You can get a solar-powered battery and electrify your goat fence.
You can get an electric collar and zap your goat if she goes to butt your daughter and you can't stop her in time. Sounds cruel but it is a training device to stop dogs from biting.
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SHE tries to OPEN our DOOR by turning the DOORKNOB! She can't quite do it THANK GOD but she repeatedly TURNS the handle using her two front hooves and THEN she tries repetitively with HER MOUTH!!! I was thinking she would NEVER GET IN but you know what she did>?!?!?!
SHE doesn't seem to be getting enough butting/nipping outside the house I wish you luck with her Sarah
CaliforniaLyme
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Dear Cavey,
I AM considering it because on one goatie website there was a sentence about how smart they are that went something like, "There are even reports of goats being housetrained." & IF HE COULD BE HOUSETRAINED then he is such good company!!! But it was HEARSAY. He is such a cutie!!! I am going to get another throwaway camera and take his photo!! BUT I couldn't do that, let ihm in the house, until my 17 year old sickly cat (best friend cat!) dies because HE WOULD KILL ME (with one golden orbed glance, "Et tu Sarah?"). And by then Annie will be calmer!!
ONLY if she doesn't nip or butt anymore!!!
Yesterday she butted my husband THREE TIMES!!!! HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So much for HIS goat supremacy!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet if I hadn't seen it he wouldn't have told me!!! I laughed at him and said, "Never BUTTS you, heh?" and he protested, "Those aren't really butts!" because he stopped Annie with his big meaty hand from actually contacting where he intended!! But that's butting!!!
I have always been against electric collars but I am considering it because of one thing- this goat learns so fast that I think we would just have to do it once- maybe twice but I think once-!!!!
the baby and I were gardening which is right next to his goatie yard (separated by deer fencing I put up then hsuband reput up since Annie) and there was a tremendous CRA-CCCK!!! We are surrounded by old trees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I threw myself on top of the baby and Annie looked apprehensive and this huge branch came crashing down in Annies yard about 30 feet away from him!!!!!!!!
That was last week and he has greatly enjoyed the leaves on that tree branch- we were going to remove the branch immediately but he LIKES the leaves (a lot!) and are waiting until it is denuded- ANYWAY_
the point being- whenever the wind is really high as it was at that moment- if there is any CREAK and the branches thrash in the wind- he gives that bunch of trees a severe, knowing look and RUNS to the other side of the garden and just stands there looking until the wind settles down- he is quite clearly aware on a much higher level than I would have thought!!!
Anyway, clever clever goatie- so maybe it would be quick to train him like that-
ouch re hooves- $$!! we are not $!! at all- I will ask my friends farrier to come and ask him to teach me because I can't afford a vet every 6 weeks!!
my husband also built a goat fence gate this last weekend so the garden is finally secure- thank GOODNESS- he ate the corn tops!!!!!!!!!! they are still growing but they look terrible now, all chopped off at the top!!!!!!!!!!
Two goats would be too much even though before I thought of it because of my fear of his bad habits being in TWO goats- eeek!! but I mentioned a baby lamb to my husband because sheep eat grass and it would keep him company too and they are both ruminant creatures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Husband vetoed but his veto power has been shown to be a little weak*)!*)!) (Example: he vetoed goats!)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Off to Medical, Just woke up, Sarah, Goatwoman*)!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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sizzled
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cave! Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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canbravelyme
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I just wrote a long(er!) entry, but it got erased! Highlights:
1. What a great pick-me-up thread! So glad I stopped by off-topic!
2. Your goat is the reincarnation of your husband's deceased - - mother? grandmother? This explains their "special" relationship, your issue with gender identity, your baby's strong connection to "Loving Goatie"...and the fact that Goatie is clearly telling you s/he BELONGS in the house and is demonstrating this by using the doorknob. If I'm right, you can attribute it to Lyme, because subsequent I have become somewhat "prescient" is the word in po-lite companee
3. Sheep are great. I'm not so sure how 1 sheep (make it male) will fare with Goatie, but perhaps it might be somewhat equal footing as yours is a pygmy? I would thoroughly check this, because I would be concerned about carnage...
We had Dorsets, and they were lovely! The males were sweet as sweet potato pie, and the girls precocious!
Sadly, the males, no matter how sweet they were, couldn't help but to butt heads in the spring (see what I'm getting at?), and their horns would bleed. It was heartwrenching when you would walk by.
Unfortunately, we'd put them in the fields, so I still had to do one heck of a lot of mowing (for rent reduction - those were the days; composing, mowing, running, kayaking, walking in the forest...hmmm...walking in the forest? Is that why I'm here? Anyway...)
Be sure to get expert advice, because I don't want to be karmically responsible for the RAM (ie I wouldn't even contemplate a female sheep) "getting it" by Goatie
xoxo
Alyssa Wish I were there!
P.S. Sheep will LOVe your seedlings too...very tender
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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CaliforniaLyme
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An interesting theory re body transmigration!!! But my husband has been thoroughly butted now, it was just at first he maintained this mythic impentrability!!
I have to say, we have been really trying and trying to tone Annie down- and he is undoubtedly getting much worse!!! NOW he doesn't just have 2 bad habits- butting and nipping- he now rears up with his hind legs and puts them ON us like dogs do sometimes!!! And leaves muddy hoofprints everywhere!!!
My Mom visited this last weekend and among her memorable comments-
When we were talking about my husband and whether he loved me or *adored* me- or just tolerated me (loevly conversation, eh>?)
"He MUST love you because-"
__pause___
"No, say it, Mom, say it-"
"Because of THAT CREATURE! No man would put up wwith That Creature if he didn't love you."
Isn't that sweet? To me and my goatie!*)!!!
At least she didn't rearrange my furniture. She is a professor and has this idea she is right about everything. So usually when she comes to visit she makes me help her move my couch and I find other one-person-moveable things suddenly appearing in rooms they weren't in before- and worst of all, it really bugs me- when she moves my pictures on the walls so they are what looks right to HER eyes, two inches left, four inches up, agh agh AGH!!!!
Happy Mothers Day everyone*)!*)!! So I was spared that, perhaps as a Mothers Day present!*)!*!
My older daughetr spends a great deal of time swinging on her swing now because Annie PUSHES her by butting the swing with his head. It is a round swing that swings in all directions. He also likes to suddenly run when it is swinging fast and hard with her on it and let himself be BASHED hard in the head by it!!!!!!!!!!!!! It makes him happy!!! And my daughetr cries, "Annie!! ANNIE!! We love you, Annie!" when he does that. Like he is under-loved. Seeking attention by head bashing!!!
A friend of mine in our local Lyme group who was a lady rancher (she is awesome) once upon a time, told me that
A. once she had a goatie who butted a bunch of ewes so much that their heads bled and really hurt them badly-!!!
B. she had to shoot him!!!!
So I am re-thinking the sweet little lambikin idea because my little one is a sweet little lambikin and Annie got her again. He does it in a very deliberate way with her and does it from behind and he could really hurt her. She was with her Grandma and I told my mom to watch out but she didn't. I don't want to get rid of him but I can't trust anyone to be with my little one and properly watch out for her but ME!
So far he has not managed to get in the garden again!!!! HA*)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BUT I was so BETRAYED when my Mom and little one and I went hiking at Wilder Ranch this weekend- and saw the chickens- and the Clydesdale horses- and the tadpoles- and the sheep- and the GOATS!!! Do you know what the goats were doing? 6 full-grown goaties- EATING GRASS!!! There was this little family next to us cooing at them and they must have thought I was on drugs or needed to be- I grabbed my Moms arm-
"MOM LOOK- LOOK! LOOK AT THE GOATS!!!"
(Mom, in irritation) "What about them?"
"MOM THEY'RE EATING (hushed now, in wonder) *grass!* THEY ARE EATING *GRASS*!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Family next to us stares at me strangely-
I chanted that for about ten minutes on & off, and kept saying it the rest of the day and yesterday too to my husband and older daughter, almost in a daze at times by the wonder of it.
"Evan, sweetie-" (my older daughter), "The goats at Wilder!! You should have seen them!!! they were *eating GRASS!*"
"That's the 6th time you've told me that, Mama." (Ah, those pre-teen years are beginning, I feel it!)
"ED!!! ED!!!" (Husband)
"The goats at Wilder were-"
"Eating grass, I know!!!"
No one else seemed to find it as mysterious as I do!!!!!!!!!!
Then I sat down and looked at what I fed Annie in one day-
2 bagels (treat!!) 3 pieces of bread (treat!!!) Evan gave him 2 coffee cans full of Top Goat chow alafala rice cakes (treat!!) those red leaves from the garden he loves!! (treat!)
and why would he eat grass?????????????????? My friend Berit helps take care of the goats at Wilder Ranch and she says they just eat grass because they like it!!! They don't get goat chow! But he loooooooves his goat chow, loooooves it!!! Evan was only supposed to be giving him a few cups a day but she was giving him two full COFFEE CANS full!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just discovered that- no wonder he looks so porky!! He is a fat little goatie*)!)*!
His nickname (from me) is "Annie Bananie"! He likes bananas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Treat!!) Anywayx, off to Medical*)!*)!
Morning all- "Baaa!!" Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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just don
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Sarah,
I understand you love your goat,,,I understand you take great care of it.
Please understand this,,,will you wait to get rid of him till AFTER you are making the trip to ER with a seriously injured child,mother , or husband??
It sounds dangerous to me he wants to butt the swing with somebody in it. How are you going to explain to child protective services that your goats welfare is first,your kids are second???
It is going to be the hardest thing to do,,,the longer it goes on the harder it gets. Disappearing into the night sounds like the BEST place for him.
Put a 'good' fence around as much grass as you can,,,and buy a horse,,,kids will love to ride or at least the goat and horse will get along. Horses are GOOD kids pets,,,goats really arent!! And that horse will eat 'alot' of grass
Again,,,that goat is an accident waiting for a place to happen. destiny says it WILL happen. That rearing trick with dirty hooves is another sign of the future. A hoof in the face leaves a nasty scar!!
And take the feed away from him,,,maybe in winter if there isnt any thing else to eat,,,just cause they like it , doesnt mean they NEED it!! AND all those treats??? Next thing you will be taking him to the goat dentist!!! Treats are for when he is good,,,not BAD!!!
Love your goat if you want,,,love your kids more tho!!!And NOT have to look at the scar the rest of your life!!still--just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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sizzled
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Sarah...
Sarah...
You are a strange one fer sure! Sweet and intelligent BUTT...definitely STRANGE!
You are feeding your goat WAY too much.
You are killing it with kindness. Seriously.
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CaliforniaLyme
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OHMYGOD you guys!!
Thank you but no!! If they had a vote at my kids school I would definitely be voted the Most Overprotective Mother in the World!!! The kids are fine!!! My Mom took photos of Evan and the goat on the swing- the way the goat does it- it is not ANY danger to my daughetr- it is very cute- and not the least bit dangerous!!! He has been dehorned!!! He is a pygmy!! The only one in danger in that game on the swing is HIMSELF! My daughetr LOVES it when he does it- and you would haev to see- he *knows* he is pushing her swing around- and half the time he is just WALKING around with her swing balanced on his head- it is really adorable!!!!!!!!!!
My children are worth a million goats, Don. My little one is never to go near the goat w/o ME and I always carry her. I had TOLD my mother this but as I indicated above, my mother always thinks she is right and so ingnored what I said and put the baby down in front of the goat and walked away- I came out and SAW it and yelled, "NO ANNIE NO!" right as I came out. My little one will be taller than the goat very soon.
He is a little (but strong) pygmy goat!!! If he WAS a BIG goat, a regular goat, I WOULD get rid of him because he would be scary!!!
My baby is always in my arms around him so his hooves can't reach her. Or his head!!!
I fenced off one part of our yard for our garden and play yard. My little one is NEVER near the goat, EVER, except when she feeds him treats which she likes to do, and when my Mom put her down in the GOAT YARD! My older daughter LOVES to play with him on the swing and honest to goodness, there is nothign dangerous about him to her, to me, to anyone who has seen them. She is short, tiny for her age, but he is a pygmy- a TINY little goatie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is only 6 months old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is only big to a 2 year old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to say I am disappointed to be called a bad mother, especially the day after mothers day.
I am one of the best Moms I know, hands down. It is the most important aspect of my life to me. My kids adore me and other kids wish I was their Mom. I have no false modesty here. I had a rotten childhood so I work to make my kids have a great one. So far they are!!!!!!! I am the Mom other kids tell my daughter, "I wish I had your Mom!" and she tells me that and says, "I'm glad you're mine!"
My older kid is top in her school, has tons of friends, and is just a great kid. My younger one is a bit spoiled (like Annie*)!
So heck!!!!!!!! Jeeez!!!
Ye of little faith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My poor little goatie!!!!
His hooves are muddy, but light and not the least bit sharp or painful. He wags his little black tail like a dog- he is always so happy to see us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Both my kids adore him. He is not capable of knocking down my 10 year old, who is the SIZE of a six year old. He is not capable of hurting her, or me, my husband, or mother. The only one he *could* hurt is my little daughter who is never left alone with him, never put down near to him, except by her doddering Grandma who ignored my strict instructions. When I let her give him treats she does so THROUGH the deer fencing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for your concern- But I am a damn good Mother- Disappointed, Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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CaliforniaLyme
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p.s. Sizzled- I didn't know about the coffee cans full of food- she was supposed to be giving him 2-3 cups morning and evening- (she begged to be in charge of feeding him). That is what the prior owners fed him and told us to!!! Is that too much>?>?>?!! I will tone down the oterh foods but part of it is learning what he likes and doesn't like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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CaliforniaLyme
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p.p.s. Just to make clear-
Annie is physically incapable of harming anyone in the family but the baby because he is a tiny pygmy goatie and dehorned and has little hooofsies that are not lethal weapons but more like pumice stones in pedicures. And the baby is always carefully guarded by me and not ever put down near said Goatie except by visiting terrible dumb Grannies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who will never be allowed to watch baby near Goatie again!
*sigH*
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO YOU TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeez, I may be a natural blonde but I have a genius IQ- sheesh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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CaliforniaLyme
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Our goatie is neutered and dehorned- and little! ************************************************ ARTICLE: Pygmy Goats Can Make Good Pets! Printer-Friendly Version Pet Column for the week of January 21, 2002 Jennifer Stone Information Specialist University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
I was standing in the goat barn at a farm where I worked one summer when I noticed a little goat approach me with a rather inquisitive look on her face. At first I wondered what she wanted but as she started to butt my hand gently, I realized that she was just looking for some affection. I was surprised but quite charmed. I had not realized that goats could be so sweet.
Dr. R. Dean Scoggins, an equine Extension veterinarian retired from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, says, "Pygmy goats are very docile and are often kept as pets and as company for horses." In fact if they are raised as pets, then they can grow to be as faithful a companion as any dog.
Pygmy goats usually grow to be around the size of a large dog (standing at around 16 to 23 inches from the shoulder blade to the ground) and can weigh 120 pounds or more. Their hair coat can be light or dense making them able to adjust to different climates. They also have a variety of colors including white, tan, black and a color called agouti, which consists of white and black hairs mixed together that give the coat a predominantly gray color. Female pygmy goats are very docile and make wonderful pets. Male pygmy goats can also make good pets but have an unpleasant odor caused by glands that can be removed in a procedure called "descenting." They should also be neutered because they have a tendency to become aggressive as they reach adulthood.
If they are to be kept as pets, pygmy goats should also have their horns removed (a procedure called debudding) in order to prevent them from hurting people or other goats. They are also notoriously curious and often get their horns stuck in fences or other tight spots. Debudding is safest and least painful when done at an early age.
Pygmy goats can even be kept in the house. Dr. Scoggins says, "Some goats are raised indoors and some people even claim that they can be housebroken; but, they usually spend most of their time outside where they readily adapt to the outdoor environment." They do not tolerate cold quite as well as sheep but can exist comfortably in temperatures as low as 20 degrees.
A standard goat chow supplemented with hay is the preferred diet. An excessive number of treats should be avoided because goats have a tendency to get fat. Nutritional deficiencies and obesity can result if a goat is fed the wrong diet. It is also important to remember that goats like to munch on any available foliage so ornamental outdoor plants such as Japanese Yew, which are poisonous to grazing animals, should be kept out of their reach.
Unless they are worn down by walking on a rough surface, hooves should be trimmed regularly. "This procedure should be done every 4 to 6 weeks and there are many resources in books and on the Internet that give simple instructions on how to do it", commented Dr. Scoggins. Seriously overgrown hooves can cause lameness. Goats suffering from lameness will often kneel on their knees while eating; and, extended periods of time spent in this position can eventually lead to arthritis.
Dr. Scoggins warns that, "Goats are fairly vulnerable to attack by stray dogs and other wild animals; so, it is wise to watch out for unwanted trespassers that might harm your pet."
As with any other pet, a pygmy goat should have a physical exam by a veterinarian once a year and should be vaccinated for diseases common to goats such as tetanus and over-eating disease. If you have any other questions about pygmy goats, please contact your local veterinarian.
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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sizzled
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I have two 200 pound goats with plenty of turnout (never seen them eat grass....much prefer the side of the chicken shed!) and they eat ONE FLAKE of hay a day. They get ONE CUP EACH twice a day of goat chow.
I was told they are FAT but not too fat.
I was told MILKING goats usually get the goat chow and that my goats would do just fine on hay alone.
They don't get more than a bagel or two a WEEK.
Sometimes fresh skinny carrots and a few times a year....a cookie or muffin.
I was told by professionals that overfeeding cuts an animals lifespan by a significant amount.
Being lean is better for them.
Goats can get so fat that their feet and legs suffer.
You are a GREAT MOM! Now go be a great GOAT MOM!!! Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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CaliforniaLyme
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Found photo of goat identical to Annie- looked through many google photos and finally found a ringer!!! See here- in the photo on the right the blackish goat lying down is a ringer for our sweet little adorable Annie!!! He has more whitey splotches on his face but the ears are just the same!!!
Regular goats may not make good pets but pygmy goats make wonderful pets- Annie is a very sweet goat!!! When Annie butts me it does not leave a bruise- not even when he butts my baby has he ever left a single mark!!! He is a little pygmy goatie!!! His butting is not strong enough to make anyone waver on their feet except a two year old!!! His butting me feels like a large dogs head pushing against me with all it's might. It does NOT hurt. He is little and it is mostly like nudging when he does it.
His nipping has NEVER once broken the skin. He tastes us. I think he likes the salt. Yes, he has a salt block. But it is like he is tasting our skin when he nips, or our clothes. He has never made a rip in clothing nor broken skin. It is like a nuzzling nip!!! It leaves no marks!
I know if oyu guys met him you would not be afraid for my kids. He is not capable of harming anyone except a baby- and that in fun. By the time my little one is four he won't be able to knock her down. She will be bigger than he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is not a big goatie, he is a tiny little pygmy goatie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dehorned and neutered-
He likes to nip my calves and forearms if they are bare. My husband too.
My husband and mother saw and see no danger in him either, nor has any of my many friends who have met him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Meg- Valerie-Berit- Jennifer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is NOT a dangerous goat!!!!!!!!
ANNOYING- yes- dangerous- NO!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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sizzled
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Hmmm, interesting that they call,"Overeating Disease" C-Diff!
Did you know they have a goat vaccine for C-Diff???
Why not for people?
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CaliforniaLyme
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Wow- thank you Sizzled- my feelings were hurt!
I DO want to be a good goat Mom too. I do.
I will give him just ONE cup twice a day from now on and treats only once a week!!! How much is a flake of hay? After the old aflalfa ran out I got this alfafa-hay because people said that was more appropriate- how much of that should I give him? I don't know the measurement of a flake!!!
Wow- your goats are huge- Annie is probably 40 pounds at the most!!!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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sizzled
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(horse hay)A square bale of hay can weigh anywhere from 30 pounds to 85 pounds around here!! I have known pure alfalfa bales from Washington state to weigh over 250 pounds!
Each bale has 'sections' you can separate from the rest of the bale. These are called,"flakes".
Alfalfa is high in protein so go sparingly...Sort of like giving candy to a baby!
Can also make an animal pee more! Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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sizzled
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Sarah, did you get this goat from a goat breeder?
He was rescued from slaughter?
Why would they slaughter a pygmy goat? Are they used for food like the othr goats?
Here they slaughter the extra males because they only want the females for breeding and making goat cheese.
Neutering is too costly and they dehorn them as babies because the males have been known to gore other young goats accidently or intentionally....even at a young age.
I am still learning about goats....
Mine are NAUGHTY,NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY!!!!
BUTT...very affectionate!
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canbravelyme
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Huh? Wa?
I can't imagine anyone one here thought you were a bad mom, with all those *loving* descriptions...Perhaps we were a little concerned about *blinded by love for Goatie*...you must admit your descriptions although highly entertaining, were somewhat concerning...
How tall is a pygmy goat anyway?
With best wishes, and I look forward to meeting the lot of you sometime,
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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CaliforniaLyme
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*sigh* Sorry if I over-reacted. Mothers Day. Motherhood. I am too sensitive, I know that.
Um, he comes up to right above my knee and I am 5' 3".
He was bought from a feed store as a baby by this man and his daughetr who bottle fed him and gave him bad habits. He is not a registered goat and yes, they get used for meat around here and everywhere if someone wants to. He is neutered and dehorned and he was in a Craigslist listing!!! He was very cheap and they wanted to get rid of him ASAP and were going to sell him to ANYONE even meat people because they had to get rid of him fast due to personal situation!!! I could not bear to think of him going to meat so I said yes sight unseen- and I am glad I did!!!
Maybe I have dwelled toomuch on his BAD habits.
Annies Good Habits
When you come outside he wags his black tail so fast and hard it is adorable!!!!
When you come outside he comes up and if he doesn't nip you hello he will push his little head against you and wait for you to caress his little horned remnants and looks up at you with his little brown eyes and gives you Sweet Looks!!
When Diamond the Cat comes near him he also wags his tail really hard and she shoots him a look like "Hey Mate!"
When Gink the Cat comes anywhere near him looking really relaxed on purpose Annie will nonchalantly get nearish to him AND THEN SUDDENLY CHASE HIM (but it is clear it is a game!!!) Gink runs really fast and if Diamond is nearby she and Annie will exchange long looks of affectionate mutual contempt!!!!!!!!!
When the Possum comes out from where it livse under the garage with its babies Annie just looks at them and stays away. He is scared of them I think!!!
In the morning all the cats line up on the porch- the ones that go outside- and Annie chases Gink away but lets all the others hang out in his territory!!! He then BAAs for breakfast if we don't give it to him on time!!! (Cats first, then Goatie!)
He comes when we call him!!!
If we say nice things and coo at him, like "Annie annie banannie we love you we love you you are such a pretty boy pretty boy pretty pretty goatie!!!" he will lean against you and let himself just be lovered like crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aw pretty goat*)!*)!&*)! He looooves that!!!! he Looovvvvves compliments!!! His tail wags so hard and the more you compliment him the harder it wags!!
Best wishes and sorry for being so defensive- Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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sizzled
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Aawwww, baby pygmy goats are ADORABLE!
Thanks for the pictures of what Annie-bananie looks like!
They are tiny!
I have seen them get wider than they are taller....hmmmm, not so cute!
Does he/she walk on a leash????
I chase mine in a field and they run and chase me like puppy dogs. It is hysterical to watch them sprong and hop sideways when they get excited to play.
I have never eaten goat meat and now I can never even try it.
I have a hard time eating the unfertile eggs from my own chickens!!!! I use to love omelets! Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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CaliforniaLyme
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I have eaten lots of goat meat in India!!! Around Eid time!!! We have a bunch of Muslim friends there and when I was a kid I would play with their goats all the time and then would get invited to the slaughters- yuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to say the best thing I have ever eaten was when I was 14 and at this Mulsims family house right after Eid and we had this scrumptious dinner and there was this stuff that was the best stuff I have ever eaten- and I asked what it was and it was- BLOOD PUDDING!!!
From the freshly slaughtered goaties. God it was good but I couldn't eat another bite and felt like I was going to puke!!!!! Poor Goaties!!!!
There are lots of goats in India!!!! Probably why I like them so much, because I spent my early chidlhood there-
Eaten tons of goat curries!!!!!!!! (Ok, maybe not tons!)
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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sizzled
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1357
posted
Ohhhhhhh!
Annie-bananie better be good! He/she MIGHT get invited for dinner!!!
ONLY KIDDING!!!! Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
You know you can't eat anything that you've named....especially Annie Bananie!!!
The pics of the baby goats are adorable....
I sure hope Annie grows out of obnoxious adolesence into adulthood quickly.
I think you are a great Mom....for all the Kids.
I could see us singing Annie Bananie, Fee Fie Foe Mananny....over and over.
Or...Annie Bananie, don't hit me in the fanny!!!
I am so enjoying your posts re: Annie and your families trials and tribulations with him.
From one smart blond to another....
Hang in there.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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