Posted by Jess on June 3, 2012 at 8:30pm in Goats 101
With all this talk about our goats weight. I thought I would ask what is the best way to weigh a goat? Does anyone use a weight measuring tape? When my baby got coccidiosis this winter we had to bring her in and stand on the Wii fit thing to weigh her. Needless to say it wasn't the easiest way to accomplish this. As our other girl (who refused to stay outside alone) proceeded to stand in the middle of our couch and pee. :) there has to be a better way for next time.
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I've heard that using the tape measure method doesn't work when using a chart for standard size goats. I have found a chart for pygmy goats that I suspect would be close to NDs. A scale would still likely be more accurate though.
Jeffers and Caprine carry various scales. I don't know if you have a hanging scale for weighing milk but if you do you can use it with a sling , also available at caprine supply and a calf one is available from jeffers. But I have heard of using the little shopping bags like they have in all the stores for like a dollar to put kids in to weight them and that is what I am going to use for babies.
Actually I don't think you have to use that kind. Not if you can find the directions for how to use a regular measuring tape with the conversions. I have seen that somewhere but I am not sure where. Possibly Fiasco Farm might have it on there sight. If I locate where I saw it I will let you know. As to there accuracy, I am not sure about that. I have always had my doubts but as far as I know it is actually suppose to be fairly accurate. I personally prefer scales if at all possible. For goats to big for baby scales etc. we just hold them on a bathroom scale and deduct our weight from the combined weight. But we do it out on the porch. You can always buy a hanging scale and a sling that is made to hold them on the scale for weighting if you want to go that route.
SORRY about your coach, but I can't help but chuckle a little as it sounds more like something that would happen to me!
Replies
I've heard that using the tape measure method doesn't work when using a chart for standard size goats. I have found a chart for pygmy goats that I suspect would be close to NDs. A scale would still likely be more accurate though.
http://kinne.net/weights.htm
Jeffers and Caprine carry various scales. I don't know if you have a hanging scale for weighing milk but if you do you can use it with a sling , also available at caprine supply and a calf one is available from jeffers. But I have heard of using the little shopping bags like they have in all the stores for like a dollar to put kids in to weight them and that is what I am going to use for babies.
Actually I don't think you have to use that kind. Not if you can find the directions for how to use a regular measuring tape with the conversions. I have seen that somewhere but I am not sure where. Possibly Fiasco Farm might have it on there sight. If I locate where I saw it I will let you know. As to there accuracy, I am not sure about that. I have always had my doubts but as far as I know it is actually suppose to be fairly accurate. I personally prefer scales if at all possible. For goats to big for baby scales etc. we just hold them on a bathroom scale and deduct our weight from the combined weight. But we do it out on the porch. You can always buy a hanging scale and a sling that is made to hold them on the scale for weighting if you want to go that route.
SORRY about your coach, but I can't help but chuckle a little as it sounds more like something that would happen to me!