Well we are about a week late on re-vaccinating, but that is just how it is sometimes. I band the boys at this time, following their 2nd shot of C-D-&T. The T stands for tetnus, which is a disease they can get by getting cut with anything rusty, or can get following banding.
Banding is the process of removing the testicles of the boys, making them unable to breed. It is fairly painless, with the kids maybe laying around a little more often for a day. The bander just places a band (similiar to a rubber band) around the testicles, shutting off the blood supply and causing the bag to fall off in a couple of weeks. I have posted a few photos showing the process.
We feed our goats primarily alfalfa hay during the winter and pasture them during the summer. Only when the does have babies do I put out grain as creep feed for the kids. I use whole oats to creep with, mainly because it is a good protein source plus we raise some, and can purchase it in bulk at our local coop for $2.01/hundred pounds. Mr. Farmer has the job of getting it into the bin for me to feed from, and he is doing such a great job!
