We were recently contacted about 4 goats who, due to loss of grazing, were due to be slaughtered. The small family were made up of 2 billy goats (unneutered males) and a nanny with an older kid still at foot. We quickly prepared a field for them to call home during the quarantine period.
When they arrived Easter morning, it was obvious something was very wrong with them. They were all lame, in pain, emaciated, covered in ticks and all suffering from overgrown hooves.
Wild goats naturally wear down their hooves by walking and climbing. When kept in sanctuary conditions they need to have their hooves manually trimmed. If they grow too long, they can cause foot scald or hoof rot which can eventually lead to lameness – this is very painful for the goat.
Doogle
Doogle is completely lame and unable to put weight on his front feet. His knees are swollen from being in a bent position and to take the weight of his body. Despite his pain, he is the cuddliest of our new arrivals and absolutely loves food.
Toddy
Toddy is showing intermittent signs of lameness on his front right hoof and prefers to use his knees when stationary. He is more nervous than his pal Doogle, but he will do anything for his grub!
Maggie and Sammy
Maggie is the nanny goat and is mum to Sammy. Maggie is quiet and not keen on human contact, but is patient and will allow us to do what is needed, unliked her daughter Sammy who is an extremely flighty little ninja goat.
Maggie was showing signs of pregnancy when she arrived at the Sanctuary. This was confirmed by our vet and it was found she had a few weeks of her pregnancy left – some time for us to get her health back on track.
Two Unexpected Surprises
Three days later we were shocked to find 2 tiny kids laying in the straw near Maggie, bleating for attention. Sadly, Maggie was showing no interest in her new kids and, despite our best efforts, would not acknowledge or feed them. We made the decision to bring them into the house for feeding. Maggie didn’t seem to mind and was happy to be left with Sammy and the boys.
Willow and Wallace
Willow and Wallace are both very weak, they are underweight and vitamin deficiencies have left them on a back foot. The first 24 hours has been critical, but this morning they have finally taken their first bottle. They will be spending the next few weeks building up health and growing strong.
Update 26th April 2020: We are very sad to announce that poor Wallace didn't pull through. After 10 days, 3 vet visits, University advice and all the love in the world, Wallace went across the rainbow bridge. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone for continued support and donations so we could get him everything he needed.
Turbulent Times
The last week has been difficult, both emotionally and operationally. With hourly feeds and trying to source everything we need during lockdown has been testing. All of the goats have been looked at by a vet, had their feet treated and are on anti-biotics and strong pain relief. It is heart-breaking to see these poor souls in pain, and we are doing everything we can to make sure they all pull through.
I want to take this opportunity to thank every one who has donated and sent in well wishes to the goats and team. It means so much to us knowing you’re here with us supporting us. Stay safe.
This Post Has 2 Comments
I hope the little ones pull through. I know your all doing everything you can.
After that all you can do is comfort them. Your doing a great job.
Thank you for your kind words Diane