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Post by mzgarden on Apr 5, 2015 19:21:23 GMT
Quick back story - we have two bucklings on reserve - 1 will be our first herd sire the other a wethered companion. Same Sire, different Dam's - both born Feb/Mar this year. Breeders test, showed us the paperwork, and now you know where this is going...
Got a call last night - The dam of the youngest buckling to be wethered just came back positive CAE, previously tested negative. While the buckling has been a bottle baby, he and his twin sister were not born in front of the owners. The dam has historically not been a good Mom so they intended to bottle feed anyway but it was maybe an hour before they found she had delivered. No way to know if they nursed right away.
I'm saying - we reject both bucklings. The one from the mother that tested CAE postive and the one from the other mother that tested negative again - just because it makes me nervous. There is no chance the older buckling accidentally nursed from this postive doe as they've been housed entirely separately.
What say you? Am I overreacting to reject them both or should I go ahead with the plans for the oldest from the clean tested Dam and reject only the one?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2015 21:13:36 GMT
While some may consider it overkill, I'd be reluctant to take the wether myself. Frankly, I'd be reluctant to take either of them. But I am particularly fussy about CAE. Sure, I know that people practice CAE prevention and all, but if there's any question at all, well... There are lots of goats out there.
I would certainly appreciate the seller's honesty, but I don't fault you for choosing to decline both bucks under the circumstances.
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Post by mzgarden on Apr 5, 2015 22:05:35 GMT
Redfish/Pony - thanks. We are definitely not taking the wether-his Mom tested CAE positive. I'm on the fence about the other buckling, his Mom still tests CAE negative. Need to tell them Monday. Thanks for your input.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2015 12:43:27 GMT
I would be more concerned with the buckling being a bottle baby. Bottle babies are usually very, very friendly and that isn't always a good trait in a large, adult buck. It can lead to butting and other bad traits that can hurt you. My experience is with the big boer bucks though. I have had them over 200# and they do damage at that size. If the buck was bottle fed and tested negative then I would have no qualms over CAE. That's my opinion though. In the end though it is your decision. If you are always going to look at the buck suspiciously and not feel happy then don't get it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2015 0:13:55 GMT
I've only had a problem with a buck once, and I attributed that to his being UNDERsocialized. All the rest of my bucks have been absolute sweethearts. Cosmically stinky sweethearts. But they were bottle-fed and very good boys.
Now, ram sheep... Well, now I know better than to try to socialize those. A very nice ram is in the freezer right now because I foolishly made him a pet.
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Post by mzgarden on Apr 8, 2015 13:39:09 GMT
Pony, thanks. As our herd is small and we are 'foolishly enamored' of our animals (fur-babies), I can't imagine our future boys will be unsocialized. We do have a lot to learn, knowing boys are different than girls , so our learning curve begins again in late April. We do love our goaties so we're excited to add boys. All perspective and input gladly accepted as we continue our journey.
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Post by manygoatsnmore on Apr 9, 2015 6:05:56 GMT
I wouldn't take the chance on either of them. Just my opinion, but you are new to this and should have the best possible experience. There will always be a question in the back of your mind.
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