Merlin was slow to get up this morning. Usually, when I open up the barn in the morning, he’s up and peeking 👀 through the gate before I get there.

This morning, he was still lying down. I check him over, then check on everyone else, open up the big barn door, and make my rounds outside of the main barn to feed The Littles (Bob, Josie, Rosie), The Bluenosers (Charlie, Claire, Moose, Rory), The Misters, and Em & Pen.

When I got back to the barn, I was relieved to see Merlin up, so I put hay down for everyone (including him), and went to get Annie’s meds ready and make Merlin’s breakfast.

I came back, Merlin lying back down, which isn’t typical, especially while all the other goats were busy eating. Merlin is usually right in there eating hay, too.

This video is my second check on Merlin. I was concerned because he didn’t get back up when I put hay down for everyone.

I did another check of his rumen to hear if it was rolling (which is what I’m doing when I’m leaning over him). It was, but he hadn’t had anything to eat yet, so he’d need to get up.

I moved away from him because he usually can’t help but follow. You can see he was slow to get up. His front right claw is still bothering him, which is why he’s limping when he first gets up.

I suspect, with being in a body with so much wear and tear from neglect, that he was keen to “stay in bed” this morning. Since it gets dark so early, it’s a long time between the evening rounds and opening up the barn in the morning. That means more time lying down (increasing stiffness), and reluctance to get up while his claw is still healing.

Thankfully, he ate his special breakfast and took his medication for his claw without any problems. He stayed up and ‘em after finishing his breakfast and was his usual lively self tonight.