So as you probably know by now from all my bombardments of questions our doe is due within a week or two and I want to make sure I know for sure when to do certain things for/to the kids.
I know you should have them disbudded as soon as you feel little horn bumps. this is within/around the first week right?
When do you give the kids their first CD/T shot (and do they need boosters) if the mom has recently been immunized?
When do you first worm them?
People also mention having Nutridrench. When do you use that?
And for bucklings, I think castration should be at 2 months right? Or am I mistaken?
And they can be weaned around 3 months right?
Ooh! and about how much do babies usually weight when they're born?
Thanks in advance!
Replies
Ok. Thank you very much!
Short answers were all I was looking for.
These are "short answers" to your questions because every one of these questions has pages of discussion on here already . . .
Disbudding -- usually a week for bucks, closer to two weeks for does
Immunizuations -- if you choose to immunize (I don't any longer) the manufacturer's recommendations are actually on the bottle of CDT
Worms -- do NOT deworm unless you KNOW you have worms. There are MANY posts on here about worms, but if you start using chemical dewormers when you don't need them, you will wind up with problems. It is like giving antibiotics when you don't need them.
Nutridrench -- only use it if you have a down animal that is not eating
Castration -- opinions vary, but 2 months is fine
Weaned -- opinions vary widely. I wean bucks between 2-3 months. I never wean does. Two months is the minimum.
Birth weight -- 2-3 pounds is good, but I've seen 1 pound, 4 ounces (survived) up to 5+.