If goats could speak, they could tell us volumes, or so the saying goes. Well, actually, goats can speak, but it is up to us to learn their language. If you are new to raising goats, or considering raising goats, please tell yourself that and you’ll come out far ahead with your goats health in the long run. Learning to listen to and observe your goats is perhaps just as important as any other part of their daily care: feeding, watering, shelter, grooming, etc.
Goats, when content and in good health, are usually quiet creatures of habit, full of energy, playful, curious, rambunctious and well as mischievous. It’s not often that you will hear a goat bleating (crying) for no apparent reason, and if you do, it most often signals that something is wrong. There are exceptions to the rule - some goats are prone to making noises such as the Nubian breed. In their case, it generally signals that they are content.
From my own experience, there are four reasons why a goat will make an excessive amount of noise: hunger, thirst, breeding season (or pregnancy) and illness. And if you listen closely, you’ll soon be able to distinguish each "bleat" for what it really means.
In the case of thirst or hunger, a goat will often be persistent with their bleating. As more time lapses and their hunger grows, the bleating will become more and more pronounced. The bleat of a hungry goat will either drive you to feeding them immediately (best choice) or out of earshot from their cries (not a good choice). Bleating because a goat is thirsty are a little less pronounced unless it is a very hot day or the goat has been without water for an extended period of time.
During breeding season or pregnancy (see below), goat have a very unique set of sounds and series of behaviors that are unlike any of their normal behaviors. A goat that is sick, usually will separate itself from the rest of the herd. A goat that is in rut is usually seeking out other goats.
The sound of an ill (or soon to be ill) goat makes is much different than that of a hungry or thirsty goat, though it may start out with a similar persistence. The bleat has more of a stressful note in its quality and most often have a much different tone. When compared to its "normal" bleat, this does not sound like the same goats voice at all. Consider how your own voice sounds when you are sad, depressed or not feeling well. Not your usual, robust and hearty voice is it? The same with your goat
You will notice that up to this point, I have only discussed the aspect of a goats bleat. This as I mentioned earlier, is only part of recognizing a sick goat. The other part consists of how the goat acts and looks physically. Let’s try to tie the two together now so it begins to paint a clear picture.
Your average "healthy" goat will appear energetic; curious or wary of its surroundings when standing, feet planted squarely and well balanced, or, busily chewing its cud when laying down for a rest. By all standards, the tail should be held high and the coat of hair rich and shiny. The eyes should be bright and alert. And unless hungry or thirsty, or in rut, the goat should be quiet (very little if any at all in the way of bleating).
Their are several classic symptoms of a goat that is not feeling well.
- A goat that won't eat or has little interest in food.
- A goat that won't drink or has little interest in water.
- A goat that has irregular bowel movements: diarrhea or clumpy stools.
- A goat that is not urinating or is urinating painfully.
While these are certainly not the only symptoms a sick goat will display, they are among the most common symptoms and should be dealt with as symptoms.
The goat with a droopy tail, rough looking coat of hair, white colored gums, standing hunched, shaking its head, shivering, bleating or moaning, is usually giving a sure sign that something is not right. A goat, especially a buck, that frequently tries to lay down, gets up and cries and tries to lay down again is also a prime candidate for not feeling well. The goat is giving you one of its first signs that it is not feeling well and you should act immediately.
A pregnant doe should also be watched and listened to as she will have her own behavior that is unique. Does preparing to kid will often display a behavior of pawing at the ground with front hooves, lie down, stand up and paw some more, and proceed to lie back down. Also, a pregnant doe will also bleat occasionally as if to signal that she may be going into labor. Immediate preparations to accommodate her impending kidding should be made.
Any one or all of these "signs" should be taken as warnings of a potential crisis in full bloom. Recognizing these early warning signs and taking immediate action is your only hope and possible solution of avoiding a potential crisis. Quite often, a pet owner will recognize the warning signs but fail to take immediate action and the result is usually a fatality. Goats are no different than any other animal, but they can die within a very short amount of time if not properly cared for at the first signs of a problem. Act immediately!
It would not be practical to list all the specific causes of goat illnesses as there are many great books and articles written that deal specifically with symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. New goat owners and those considering purchasing goats should become familiar with each illness and stock those items which are prescribed or recommended for treatment. Many needless goat deaths occur simply because the owner failed to have the appropriate items on hand (author included). We learn from our mistakes but at the cost of a life.
Perhaps the best indicator of your goats health and well-being is your constant observation of the habits and normal behavior they display. you will soon find that you know your goats better than you thought you did and be able to tell when something isn't right. Just be prepared to act when something isn't.
