Michelle has a new tool, it is called a hot shot. Imagine it as a hand held fence charger. She needs it since the bucks are in full rut (breeding season), and the guys have only one thing on their mind, girls! Correct that, if it moves, it is fair game.
The boys this season have been exceptionally lusty. The usual deterrents were not working so that is why Michelle had to pick up the hot shot device. It is a really simple device, it is about the size of a cell phone and has two prongs that deliver a shock that is actually a little less than our electric fence. It is powered by 4 AA batteries. You have to flip a switch to enable the device (keeps you from shocking yourself) and it has a button that you depress to give the shock. When you press the button it beeps and if in contact with flesh it will deliver the shock.
Now to how the bucks took the deployment of the device. With anything new, goats are VERY inquisitive! Thunder, the Mini Oberhasli is the most persistent of the 3 bucks so he was the first to meet the hot shot. He reacted just as if he shocked himself on the fence, he ran away! Stopped about 10ft from Michelle and just stared at her. You could see the little gears in his brain trying to figure out why mommy shocked him, she is not a fence. So what is a red blooded horney goat going to do?!? Why of course, try it again. It took three times that day for him to figure it out. But bucks have short term memory problems when in rut, so there was a learning curve. Finally, now that we are in December the bucks have it figured out. They hear a beep then head the other way! Occasionally will someone get the business end of the hot shot. It has now gotten to the point that Michelle only has to hold the device, no button pushing necessary, well rarely.
So Michelle holds the hot shot, gives the bucks their treats and pets without being harassed and all is good in the buck pen!
The boys this season have been exceptionally lusty. The usual deterrents were not working so that is why Michelle had to pick up the hot shot device. It is a really simple device, it is about the size of a cell phone and has two prongs that deliver a shock that is actually a little less than our electric fence. It is powered by 4 AA batteries. You have to flip a switch to enable the device (keeps you from shocking yourself) and it has a button that you depress to give the shock. When you press the button it beeps and if in contact with flesh it will deliver the shock.
Now to how the bucks took the deployment of the device. With anything new, goats are VERY inquisitive! Thunder, the Mini Oberhasli is the most persistent of the 3 bucks so he was the first to meet the hot shot. He reacted just as if he shocked himself on the fence, he ran away! Stopped about 10ft from Michelle and just stared at her. You could see the little gears in his brain trying to figure out why mommy shocked him, she is not a fence. So what is a red blooded horney goat going to do?!? Why of course, try it again. It took three times that day for him to figure it out. But bucks have short term memory problems when in rut, so there was a learning curve. Finally, now that we are in December the bucks have it figured out. They hear a beep then head the other way! Occasionally will someone get the business end of the hot shot. It has now gotten to the point that Michelle only has to hold the device, no button pushing necessary, well rarely.
So Michelle holds the hot shot, gives the bucks their treats and pets without being harassed and all is good in the buck pen!
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