How old should whethers be before they can spend time with bucks?

Sarah Peters

I have a Nigerian dwarf herd. I am new to goats, and we got them for dairy. I have 2 mamas and 4 kids. The oldest kids were born 7/4 and the littler ones 7/19. I would like to start milking the mom of the 7/4 babies, and I know I need to separate them at night and milk in the morning. I don’t exactly have a way to separate them unless they spend the night with the bucks. The bucks are 3 years and a buckling who is about 6 months. Both are very docile and sweet. And both the little guys were whethered a few weeks back. Is it ok to have them spend the night with the bucks?

Megan Venturella

I think it should be all right. I’d watch carefully to make sure no one is ganging up on the babies, but as long as the big boys are fine with them I don’t see why not.

In the past I’ve taken a large dog crate and put a little water and hay in there and put the babies in there but in the same room with the mom. That worked very well for me because they could see each other.

Nigerian milk is absolutely the best. Enjoy!