I've been lucky to be able to have my own bucks for breeding. While it comes with some nuisance factors, I do enjoy the bucklings. I tend to run my bucklings with the whole herd until they are 16 weeks supervised. Meaning I don't leave them alone with does and generally remove anyone who is in heat, but rest go for walks together while I am eagle eyed. After 16 weeks - that changes...sad to say. Yes - I know things can happen quickly but my girls are a little on the tall side for young boys and very clear about their heats.
But during the month or so they all get to know each other - I watch while does check out the boys and I see clear preferences start to develop. Very interesting. And it happens when they aren't in heat.
It doesn't mean that they will 100% get to pick their partners but I do take notice. I am sometimes not sure however what a behavior means - does biting an ear mean I like you or I hate you.....
Nothing is quite as wonderful as being out on a beautiful day in lush new growth with 14 Nigerians all nibbling and exploring. And my new little bucklings watch the adults eating browse and are beginning to try eating big leaves, bittersweet, roses, etc. I'm relieved! Thank goodness I have 4 wethers so my bucklings can always have a "herd" to hang with and learn from. Can't wait for tomorrows walk!
I know milk is the big thing with Nigerians but once my insurance kicks in - I'm going to charge people for walking with goats to lower your blood pressure!
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What a nice letter! I too, thoroughly enjoy taking our goats out for their daily fun walk and watching them interact and the youngsters learn from the others. I'm not so sure about the ear biting, but one of our does clearly does not care too much for another does kids. She always moves them away from her with a head gesture, but once in a while, if they don't listen to that, she actually bites and pulls out a few of their hairs! One little guy has not bald spots, but little dips in his fur here and there where she's bitten his hairs out. So, maybe the ear thing is similar. Hopefully someone will have an answer! Good idea about the" blood pressure lowering" goat walks- they tend to make the whole world just go away for a while..and I too can't wait for tomorrows walk! Enjoy!