Goats have a very specific diet that they must adhere to in order to prevent them from getting constipated, let alone sick and/or die. It’s important to understand a goat’s dietary needs and what it means if they do become constipated.
Goats can get easily constipated if they eat a diet too high in non-fibrous, indigestible foods. It’s relatively easy to fix this, as you can either massage their bellies in order to help coax the gas out, as well as encourage them to drink more water in order to help them soften their poop.
It should be noted that it is not normal for baby goats to get constipated, especially if they are constipated often. If your goat is constipated, it might take a bit more than water to fix the problem. Keep reading in order to learn more!
Why Do Goats Get Constipated
There are quite a few reasons as to why a goat may be getting constipated, but it becomes a little more dire when your goat(s) is getting constipated more often than normal. Some of the leading causes of constipation are a lack of water, temporary loss of food on schedule, stresses that may prevent them from wanting to poop, or it could even be a painful disease that makes it uncomfortable for them to want to go to the bathroom.
The two most common reasons are food and water. If their schedule is disrupted, then the goat is more likely to get constipated and sick because their body is used to a set schedule.
If you notice that your goat is getting constipated often, then this is most likely a sign of some type of disease that they have that is preventing them from either eating, digesting, or being able to poop. If you have a herd, then it is important to get your goat(s) to the vet so that the disease doesn’t get passed around the herd, or to your other farm animals.
How to Fix a Goats Constipation
Though this isn’t a pleasant experience for your goat, or for you, you certainly can administer an enema to your goat in order to soften their rectum and poop to come out smoothly. Most often you can use warm, soapy water inserted into their rectum in order to help alleviate the pressure that has built up. Once you’ve given them an enema, you can also finish by giving them some Epsom salts to eat. Epsom salts are some fast acting laxatives for goats, and will help finish off the enema.
For a baby goat, it is relatively similar to how you would help an infant to poop. You can press gently on their stomachs in order to help move excess gas and poop out in order to help alleviate their stress. You’ll notice that they are arched and not eating as often as normal. Of course, you’ll be checking on the kid often, so it will be easy to catch them and help them quickly before they have the possibility of dying.
What Foods Cause Constipation
For a kid, or a baby goat, constipation is not normal. If you happen to notice that your kid appears weak, or that their belly is distended, that means it’s body is not absorbing enough water, which means it is not getting enough milk. They will eventually become extremely dehydrated and die, which would be absolutely terrible. If the mother is not able to produce enough milk for her kid, then you will have to bottle feed them in order to help them continue to grow and maintain a healthy schedule of eating.
As an adult goat, it’s a little more likely that they can get constipated, but it isn’t normal and should be addressed. It’s a common misconception that goats will eat just about anything, including metal and hair. That is not necessarily true, but they will try and taste just about anything. Goats actually explore the ground using their mouths, but they shouldn’t be allowed to eat anything.
Goats should not be fed anything sweet, such as natural sweet fruits or sweetened feed. Sweet things can disrupt or even kill the flora in a goat’s stomach, which can kill them. And, of course, goats should never, ever be allowed to eat chocolate. Theobromine is something that can’t be digested by goats, and will destroy their flora as well as their digestive system.
Diseases that Mimic Constipation but Can be Deadly
There are quite a few diseases out in the world that could be deadly to a goat’s well-being. It’s important to stay on top of what your goat(s) is eating, drinking, as well as where they’re going. Goats have somewhat sensitive stomachs, so their dietary needs need to be met in order prevent them from getting constipated or getting diseases that can lead to death. So, here are a few diseases that look as though they mimic constipation, but can be caught and treated.
Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL)
This is bacterial infection that attacks the lymph nodes of a goat. It can easily pass between goats as well as sheep. What this disease does is prevents the goat from being able to gain or keep on weight, which will prevent them from going to the bathroom. It is most often contracted through something they lick or eat, which makes it easier to contract considering they use their mouths for everything. The scary part is that it can be transmitted to humans, but doesn’t happen often.
Bloat
Bloating occurs when a goat eats too many legumes and not enough fresh hay. Goats should eat dry hay, and only have occasional leaves of legumes rather than constantly being fed alfalfa, cowpea, or lespedeza. 90% of a goats diet should consist of grazing hay, which will be about 1-3% of its body weight.
Heat Stress
Heat stress can be more common, as goats will begin to experience a loss of appetite, be less energetic, and will eventually lead to a stroke. This can be detrimental and can also lead to death, so ensuring that goats have shade is important if you live in a warmer climate.