This is a simple guide on what you should have from the day you bring your goats home. Of course, after some time you will probably add to this list but this is a good start.
1. A BUDDY
Goats are herd animals and will be very lonely without a buddy. This will cause them to be stressed and stress can cause them to become ill.* Generally, a good breeder will refuse to sell to anyone where the goat will be alone.
2. A SHED
Goats need to be able to get out of the weather. For some areas a three-sided shed will do as long as it faces away from the wind. In areas where the winters can get into the teens or less a four-sided shed is best.
Please provide enough space for each goat. Nigerians need atleast 10 sq. ft. but standard sized goats need about 25 sq. ft. of space per goat. Make sure they have clean, dry bedding.
To get started you don’t need much. After deciding to get goats my husband and I quickly put up a cattle panel hoop shed for our first year with goats. It did the job and my doe even had her babies in there. We are in Western NY and it helped us through the winter.
3. HAY, WATER and MINERALS
- Clearly, everyone should know that clean water needs to be always accessible to any animal at all times.
- Many owners provide free access hay as well, others choose to provide hay twice a day. I do twice a day or my goats eat until they are overweight.
- Goats also need free choice loose minerals, not a mineral block as its harsh on their teeth and they won’t digest the amount they need. Minerals are very important for their health. By nature goats know when they need the minerals so leave it out for them at all times.
4. BASIC MEDICAL
These are the things you need to get started and should have from the first day.
- Baking Soda: Bloat is common in goats and can kill them. Baking soda is a very important item that helps keep them from bloating. You can add baking soda free choice, so it is accessible to them 24/7. You can also give it to them on an as needed basis. Goats can bloat when introduced to new feed so I would suggest putting it out free choice a week or two while you are switching a goat over from the previous owners feed to what you will be providing goats.
- Probiotics: Is good to give when a goat is off to a new home, any other time of high stress, and given as a boost when they look like they are getting sick.
- Thermometers: The first thing you need to do if a goat is unwell is to take its temperature. Its the first thing a vet will ask for. I would suggest atleast two thermometers on hand in case one has a dead battery or stops working.
5. HAVE A VET LINED UP
Before you get your goat, check around to see what vets in your area are willing to work with goats. Goats can decline quickly when they get sick, you don’t want to be searching for a vet at that time.
6. ROUTINE TRIMMING
On average you will need to trim a goats hooves every 1 1/2 to 2 months. This greatly depends on each individual goats hoof growth rate. I quick check once a month.
7. ROUTINE DEWORMING
All goats have a small worm load at all times. It is beneficial to check on them on a regular schedule to make sure that worm load doesn’t grow enough to cause health issues for the goat. There are two ways to check for wormload.
- One is to check their droppings, clumped droppings is a cue that they may have a worm load.
- Second is by checking their Famacha score. This can be determined by pushing down on their upper eyelid while looking down into their lower lid. The color determines whether they will need worming meds or not. Red is a good score, pink means may be getting a load and white means danger. I will add a picture shortly.
Do not do scheduled worming, only on an as needed basis or they will develop a resistance to the wormer you are using.
If you are into herbal dewormers they can have them on a routine schedule, as they don’t develop a resistance to them.
9. YEARLY CD&T SHOTS
This really is your decision whether your goats get this or not. This is the one vaccine that I do give my goats. It protects them from overeating disease and tetanus.
10. COPPER
This depends on your area and your water. There are areas that lack copper and some goats will need a copper bolus. Providing a copper bolus every 4 to 6 months is needed for some goats to keep them from deficiency. Deficiency can cause problems, including a weakened immune system that can cause them to easily get sick and/or easily get internal & external parasites. Please do some extra research if needed.
PURCHASE FROM HERDS TESTED FREE FROM CAE, CL and JOHNES. I can not stress this enough! Please, protect your babies from these diseases!
That’s it as far as the basics, you will surely add to this list as you go!
When I picked up my first goat the seller kindly mentioned most of the items on this list. Without her providing me that knowledge I really would have screwed up my first two goats. I wish I had the information printed out and handy. So please print out, keep it tacked up in your goat’s supply area for the first year. I hope this helps you on your new journey to goat parenting!
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