Don't Panic when Kikos look off

Last week, one of my Kiko does unexpectedly went into heat, which caught me off guard. I had been under the impression that all of my does had already been successfully bred, and as a result, I had taken the bucks out of the doe pen to prevent any further mating. Goliath, my herd sire, was exhibiting strong interest in her, attempting to reach her despite the physical separation. This behavior made it clear that I needed to reassess the situation, so I made the decision to reintroduce him back into the pen with the 'girls' to give her the opportunity to be bred. This decision, however, left Oliver, our 100% New Zealand Buckling, alone in the adjacent pen for a few days. The moment I separated him from the rest of the herd, he reacted in a way that suggested he felt abandoned or isolated. You would have thought I had inflicted some sort of harm upon him—he was screaming and making a fuss, his distress evident as he called out for his companions. It was quite a sight to see, as even though he could see the rest of the herd from a distance, the fact that he was not physically with them seemed to cause him significant anxiety. His cries echoed through the area, a stark reminder of the strong social bonds that exist within my herd. It was clear that for Oliver, being apart of the group was not just a preference.

Fast forward a day - I came out to one heck of a mess on Oliver. As I approached him, the sight was quite alarming; he had scours (diarrhea) that was not only affecting his backend but also splattered across his legs and even onto his testicles. This kind of condition in goats, and Kiko goats in particular, is typically a clear indicator that something is seriously amiss with their health. In the world of goat care, such symptoms are not to be taken lightly, and they usually prompt an immediate response to assess the situation and provide necessary intervention. However, in this instance, I found myself scratching my head in confusion. I began to evaluate the circumstances surrounding Oliver's condition and asked myself, what has changed in his environment or routine? After careful consideration, I realized that he was still in the same paddock as before, surrounded by familiar forage and the same basic setup that had always worked for him. There were no new additions to his diet, and no changes in the quality of the hay or grains he was consuming. The only significant factor that stood out was the stress he was experiencing, which seemed to stem from being isolated and feeling torqued about his situation. Stress can manifest in many forms in animals, especially in social creatures like goats, who thrive on companionship and routine. In this case, the isolation might have been the catalyst for his gastrointestinal distress. Kiko goats, known for their hardiness and adaptability, can still be susceptible to changes in their emotional and psychological environment. The stress from being alone, compounded by any underlying issues, could have easily triggered this response.

SFM Oliver

What did I do for my Kiko?

Short answer, nothing. I watched him throughout the day, carefully monitoring his behavior and overall condition. I made sure to provide him with plenty of fresh hay, which is essential for his digestion and overall health, while also ensuring that his water supply was consistently fresh and clean. This attention to detail was crucial, as hydration plays a vital role in the well-being of any animal. Throughout the day, I observed a noticeable improvement in his backend, which progressively got cleaner, indicating that his digestive system was functioning better. Additionally, I noted that his stools improved in conformation, becoming firmer and more regular, which is always a positive sign of health. By the end of the second day, I was relieved to see that he had returned to his normal self, exhibiting his usual energy and behavior.

I didn't clean him up, and I understand that this may sound like I'm neglecting my responsibilities as a caregiver, but I assure you that this decision was made with his best interests in mind. Kikos, the breed he belongs to, have a natural aversion to water, which means that forcing them to bathe or clean them with water could cause them unnecessary stress. Instead, they have a remarkable ability to groom themselves. They often rely on their instincts and natural behaviors, such as walking around, to keep themselves clean. Although I didn't see him actively licking himself during my observations, I suspect that the forage he was consuming played a significant role in helping to clean him. This approach aligns with my understanding of Kiko goats and their unique needs, highlighting the importance of allowing them to engage in their natural behaviors whenever possible.

Had he not started to get better throughout the day, I would have run a fecal and checked his famacha, but he did show signs of improvement. This gradual recovery is a testament to the resilience of the Kiko breed, which is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions. My philosophy with the herd is to let the goats be goats, allowing them the freedom to roam, forage, and engage in their natural behaviors with minimal intervention from me. This hands-off approach fosters their independence and encourages them to develop strong immune systems. Yes, if something is off, I will certainly intervene; however, I find that Kikos tend to do really well for themselves, which is one of the many reasons I chose this breed in the first place! Their natural instincts often guide them in maintaining their health and wellbeing, and I believe it is crucial to respect that.

The moral of the story is Don't Panic. Instead of rushing to conclusions or making hasty decisions, take the time to assess the situation thoroughly and adapt your approach as needed. Don't immediately reach for the dewormer; don't rush off to the farm store or dive into your 'emergency' cabinet in a frenzy. Instead, take a moment to Stop and Assess the circumstances surrounding your goat's condition. Observe their behavior, check for any signs of distress, and consider environmental factors that may be influencing their health. Only after you have gathered all the necessary information should you React. This methodical approach not only helps in making informed decisions but also ensures that you are not inadvertently causing more harm than good by overreacting. Remember, patience and careful observation are key components in successful livestock management.