Should I get another one?

[Marie S.]

Hi everyone,

    I am new to Nigerians, and currently have a pair of does, and a pair of bucks (bucks/does kept separately, of course).  I will be adding a 8 wk old doeling to my herd at the end of May....and my question is...how do I properly introduce the new little one to my other two does?  ---Do I just put her in with them?  Or should I keep her separate, but right next to them, but in another pen (I am able to do that), or should I get another doeling or wether (the same age) to keep her company?  I am currently searching for another doeling, but haven't found any available, so far.....I am just wondering what I should do, in case I can find another doeling (preferred), or a wether.

[Myra Isaac]

I'm with Julieanne on the wether thing. I only have an adult buck and a baby buck (unrelated) and my does. When I have brought new babies in as I did this year, I haven't had buddies for them other than the babies we've had here that are still with their moms. We have managed to get the baby doe and buck integrated into the herd without anyone getting hurt. The baby's quickly learn where their place in the pecking order is and we haven't had any issues. Both the buck and the doe were bottle babies and they're in with the other does and babies with no issues. In a week or so I plan to separate the baby buck and put him in another pen away from the does.
If you decide to get another one I's definitely recommend going with another doeling rather than a wether and if it was a wether for a buddy or not having a buddy I personally still wouldn't get a wether. Just my two cents tho!

[Julieanne Cook]

Being herd animals, goats aren't too bad about accepting new members. There's usually some butting and shoving at first so that the new member learns the ranking order, but it's rare that it gets too rough, especially with a young goat.  Just keep a close eye on them at first. 

I got a wether as a companion for one of my does, and while I love him, now that he's 2 years old and a non-producer I'm starting to regret having got him. He'll live out his life here, but if I had to do it over again, I'd have just gotten does and a buck. Just my experience. 

[Naomi D'Andrea]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I know a lady selling a doeling, and it looks like it's about a 3 1/2 hour drive from your location. She's certified CAE & Johnne's free. Really good lines. If interested, message me and I'll get you her contact information.