We banded last week, and left one nice little buck intact, in case I decide to keep him. At what age should I separate him from the little doelings to be absolutely safe? Thanks.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), January 28, 2002

Answers

Hi Mary, Don't know what breed(s) you're referring to, but in the case of the miniatures (pygmy and nigerian dwarf), the bucklings sexually mature at a young age.. and I usually pull them by about 9-10 weeks or so. A good rule of thumb is...If they can extend their penis, assume they can settle a doe at that point. Some are more "bucky" acting than others...if I have one that isn't exhibiting a lot of bucky behavior, I sometimes leave him with mom a bit longer, but not with any does older than 3 months old, for sure. :)patty Prairie Oak Miniatures http://www.minifarm.com/prairie_oak visit our message board! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Littlegoats moderator

-- Patty Putnam (WI) (littlegoats@wi.rr.com), January 28, 2002.

We bottle/lambar feed our bucklings who will be kept intact, and we pen them away from the doelings as soon as their are two of them to keep each other company and for warmth. Warmth! It was 80 degrees today! Anyway the bucks hog the milk, they are rough on the doelings, and Nubian multiple birth doelings are itsy bitsy compared to their brothers! I like them out early. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), January 29, 2002.

Thanks, Ladies. Vicki, you had to mention the 80 degrees! You know how homesick I am for Texas and warm weather!!

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), January 29, 2002.

I separate like Vicki, males to one pen, be they neutered or not, and females in another just as soon as there is two to cuddle in each pen.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), January 29, 2002.