need some info for my goat?

Question

one of my goats is seems like it is shedding, he is black and he has patches of hair that is grey, and falling out, almost like when a bird looses its feathers. anyone know why, my other goat is not having the same problem

Answer 1

Goats shed their winter undercoat in the spring, is that what you mean? It usually looks like whitish or grayish "fuzzies" when it's coming out and can make the goat's coat look a bit rough for a while. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. Some goats develop more of an undercoat than others, so you may not notice the shedding on every goat. It can also vary from year to year.

If he is actually losing his outer coat hair (such as developing bald or hairless patches), it's probably caused by lice or mites. Mites are tiny and black and very hard to see. Lice are small but easier to see than mites, and they are grayish or white. You can see them moving close to the skin if you part the hair. Lice are very common on goats this time of year (don't worry, this type of lice will not transfer on to people), but they are quite easy to get rid of. You can dust your goat with a product called Sevin Dust (available at most garden supply stores), or if you can't find that you can even just use dog & cat flea powder. Put rubber gloves on and dust down the back of their neck and back being careful not to get it in the goat's eyes. Then work the powder down to the skin with your gloved hands. Give a good dusting and the dust will work it's way over the goats body. If you don't want to use dust, another alternative is Ivomec injectible cattle wormer. For goats, give 1cc per 50 lbs., and give orally instead of injecting. You can inject it but it is a painful injection for the goat, and also given orally it works faster and is more effective on goats. Use a syringe to draw up the medication and then remove the needle. Squirt it toward the back of his mouth so he doesn't spit it out because he will hate the taste of it! Ivomec will not only get rid of the external parasites but will also get rid of many types of internal parasites that the goat may have at the same time. If your goat does have lice or mites, be sure to treat all your goats at the same time. If one has it, they likely all have it, even if they aren't showing symptoms.

Answer 2

It could be a number of different skin irritations or parasites. Have the vet check him out so you can treat is before your whole herd gets it.

Answer 3

sounds like eczema --- similar to what a dog can get --- almost unbearable need to scratch --- or gnaw at the affected area --- I'd get him to a vet asap to clarify --- and before it just may spread to your other goat . good luck

Answer 4

i imagine a nylon dogs collar should be fined it truly is what we used on our goats! Your first step to bonding with them is to get them to attain your believe teach them your no longer gonna damage them and puppy them lots! i wish I helped some! strong success!