It seems like I always end up with a yard goat or two each summer. This year it’s Sam, Hazel and Hilda, Fozzy Bear and Millie.
I’ve struggled with Sam’s health since he first arrived. He’s gone through shipping fever, a cold, stomach issues, and now it’s worms. When I got home, I found that he had bottle jaw, a sign of severe anemia. He’s already much better.
Sam
I’m optimistic for his full recovery because he’s still eating. That’s a good thing.
Hazel has been escaping and Hilda ended up with diarrhea right when I got home.
I decided to worm them and move them into the yard where I can control their diet a little better and they have a lot of nice green weeds to eat. They are enjoying the apple tree and nettles.
When we became so unbearably hot, I brought Millie in the yard too. She had been spending a lot of time in the little lean-to, but it was like an oven. Now she’s outside where she can get a breeze. There’s unlimited green stuff without any other big goats harassing her, and I put a clean bucket of water right under the shade tree too. This is a much better place for her.
Besides, Sam would be lost without his nice, honorary grandnanny.
Fozzy Bear is doing well. He seemed off his first morning back home, but he’s adjusted quite well to being a part of this smaller group in the yard.
Hopefully we’ll get our hay made soon, and I can move my moms out of that north paddock. That will make it much nicer for these kids. Until then, they’ll probably be in my yard.
Eden Hills 
Oh, Teresa… Sam and Millie… it just seems like it was meant to be.
I know. They are so sweet together. I don’t know what he’ll do when they aren’t together anymore.
They all look happy. Hoping for some speedy recoveries!
The girls and Fozzy Bear are great. Millie isn’t going to get better because she’s just old. Sam is slowly improving. It just takes time and lots of flowers and trees to eat.
It’s a shame your new little buck has been so sickly. Poor little guy. He’s lucky he has Millie
I feel horrible. It all started with him not having a warm fur coat and not having been out on pasture. I guess that’s part of the pitfalls of buying at the sale barn. You don’t know those things.
I was just thinking that Sam reminds me of Millie! I’m so far behind on my blog reading…I’m losing track of your goats!
Yes, Sam is the new buckling I bought to get more dairy in the herd. They are both full Saanens. You’d think they were related rather than just being thrown together.
It’s always something! Poor little Sam. He’s been through so much. I’m glad he has Millie.
This is the most serious issue he’s had, but I’m sure it’s all added up to mess with his immune system. I feel so bad, but I don’t know what I could have done differently with all the other factors.
Barberpole worms are your culprit behind the bottle jaw, but I guess you know that. They cause the anemia which then creates the bottle jaw. It has to do with the protein in the blood separating, or something like that. I worm with moxidectin using Quest horse dewormer.
Hope the little guy gets better. He’s very charming!
Yes, I’ve done posts on worms before. Sam has been treated and is improving. It just takes a while for them to get back to normal.
I’m caught up! You’ve had a lot going on the last month. What a blessing your neighbors are. And your family who steps in–even keeping us up-to-date with photos. 🙂
It has been very busy around here. That’s good though!
I wished I could have some yard goats, they look so comfy between the chairs ! And even laying on one, that’s so funny. Sam looks good despite his health troubles. As always I love your goat pictures !
As long as you aren’t attached to your flowers and fruit trees, they are fun.
I love your yard goats. Especially Millie and Sam, just adorable. Wonderful series, enjoy your weekend!
Thanks. I do just adore Millie. She is one special lady.
you’ve got a good mini-herd in the yard, with sweet old millie making sure all is well.
She is amazing! lt’s hard watching her grow old.
They look very happy to be in your yard.
They think it’s a great feast!
How did you treat his bottle jaw? I’ve never had it and today I found two 6 month old sisters with it.
Worm them immediately for round worms. Rest and lots of good green browse that they don’t have to work to get. If severe enough, they may need a blood transfusion. If possible, I would consult a vet.
I love these pictures! I’m so sorry about sweet little Sam. He’s really had a difficult time. He looks a little thin, but no wonder! I hope he’ll get better quickly with your loving care.
He’s actually doing better. I am still worried about him with the horrible heat. It takes them forever to regain their weight. The yard is the best place for him to do that too. Good thing I haven’t keep my yard well manicured.