Expert: Donna Ruelas-Semasko/Edelweiss Acres - 6/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: I  have two nubian/boer does that I would like to breed.  The only bucks I am currently finding are all dehorned boers.  One of the does is a bit rough - will the buck be able to protect himself?  Also, I am a new goat owner - will a buck with horns be particularly aggressive when in season?
Thanks!

ANSWER: Horns and aggressiveness usually depend on whether the goat was bottle/hand raised - if not then they know they have horns and can be aggressive to other goats and humans as well.  Sounds like the doe with horns who is aggressive is the alpha goat in your herd.  Most goats are smart enough to know when to leave a horned goat alone.  Depending on the size of the buck he may or may not do well with the doe in question.  When the doe is in true standing heat there should not be near as much aggression from the doe.  I generally keep my bucks in a separate pen and bring the doe to the buck when she is standing heat under supervision.  Hope this helps.  Donna

Addendum: I was just thinking that it sounds like you are going to be taking the doe to the buck? Or are you interested in leasing a buck or having a buck in your herd?  This would make a difference.  If you are taking the doe to the buck, then she would generally be in standing heat then and so would be submissive to the buck during that time.  Donna

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QUESTION: I would actually like to add the buck to my herd.  They could be separated - I have 2 fields.  But I only have one barn, so I was hoping to keep them together during the winter when it snows.  But that's also birthing season - maybe a buck wouldn't be so great to have at that time...?

Answer
It may work, with the does with horns getting used to the buck and not causing a problem/issue.  But having a buck in with the herd during kidding season could cause problems as the buck would be interested in the does, aggressive towards the kids, and could cause problems there.  If your winters are particularly cold you may need to partition off an area for the buck in the barn so that he has shelter but is away from the does/kids.  Hope this helps.   Donna
You are welcome to also call me if that would help.  360-481-0527