BASIC GOAT CARE AND GOAT MAINTANANCE
PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH ABOUT GOATS AND GOAT CARE BEFORE BUYING YOUR FIRST GOATS.
Goats are herd animals and will not do well alone. Goats will not accept chickens or other livestock animals as part of their own herd.
If you are looking for a PET goat you should look for WETHER goat (castrated goat). You will need 2!
HERE IS THE FEW THINGS YOU NEED TO SET UP BEFORE BRINGING YOUR GOATS HOME:
1. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAW
Check your county and city law on keeping farm animals.
2. FENCING
Fence should be at least 4 feet tall. We use horse fencing to keep goats in. If you have male and female goats, you will need to set up separate areas for them.
3. SHELTER
Goats need shelter to stay away from snow, rain and wind. Goats hate to get wet!
If you have male and female goats you need to set up 2 shelters. You will need more space when your goats will have their babies called kids to set up milking area and separate kids.
4. FEED
Goats are browsers. They will eat leaves, twigs, vines and shrubs. They will eat some of the grass, but don't count on them to maintain your lawn.
You will have to provide hay for them if there is not enough forage around.
We also supplement our male goats with medicated grain (Ammonium chloride) to prevent urinary calculi.
Pregnant females get grain and milkers get their grain on the milking stand.
Goats also need mineral supplements.
5. WATER
Water have to be fresh, clean and available at all times. Goats are very picky about cleaniness of the water and their feed.
GOAT MAINTANANCE:
1. HOOF TRIMMING
Goats need they hooves trimmed at least 4 times a year. It depends on the individual animal and surfaces they walk and play on.
2. WORM AND PARASITE CONTROL
It is advised that goats should be treated for worms and parasite every 6 month.
You can pick up dewormer at your local feed store.
Parasites are becoming more resistant to dewormers, so it’s best to only deworm as necessary. You can use FAMACHA or fecal test to tell when it’s time.
3. PROTECT FROM PREDATORS
Goats are prey. Make sure no predators can get in their shelter or through your fence.
4. VET
You will need to find a vet who is experienced in care for small ruminants. Small animal vet will not treat your goats.