HELPFUL TIPS AND TRICKS /EDUCATION FROM EXPERIENCE

  • The rumors are true, goats will eat a great deal of things. They don’t need to. They are curious creatures that explore with taste. Certain plants, though tasty at the time are toxic; azaleas, rhododendron, and wilted cherry leaves are a few examples. Goats are browsers and will taste anything they come in contact with, even you. Be wary of trash, tarps, string, and plastic in the pasture as these items will cause bloat & blockages, both deadly.

  • check you goats daily. this is the easiest way to make sure everyone is living their best life. check for posture, appetite, coat conditions, lameness, etc.

  • Is it just a weed? or a tasty treat. We are not zealous here killing weeds, something we have learned when we turned our herd out on a beautiful grass hay field and they went straight for the briar patch at the edge.

  • goats are picky on the water they drink; Make sure its clean.

  • Shelter is a must. Goats hate the rain. They need a clean, dry, draft free place to escape the weather.

  • Minerals and baking soda. yes, baking soda. Both should be provided for free range. They know what they need and will eat as needed. Goats have multi chamber stomachs that fill with gas and the baking soda allows them to release the gas.

  • Hoof care, just like a horse, not so much trouble. A nice pair of shears and a helping hand is all that’s needed. Hooves need to be cut to prevent overgrowth, lameness, and foot rot. Consult your vet, a farrier or we can show you.

  • Vaccinations- All our goats are vaccinated on our farm and we highly recommend it. We vaccinate 1 time a year, 30 days before kids are born. All our kids will have a natural immunity from Mom but need to be vaccinated at 90 days & again 30 days later. We can do this and show you how for an additional fee.

  • Worming- Goats are prone to worms as they EAT off the ground. However, their immune system at most time keeps worms at bay. We do NOT blind treat our goats but worm them only if they need help. Blind treatment eventually builds resistant worms and takes more to get rid of them. As part of your daily check, see how the poop “looks” If its loose, check their eyes. If white, they need help; if bright pink, check them the next day. Repeat until poop returns to balls -regular goat poop

  • Coccidiosis- is caused by unsanitary conditions and stress; keeping a clean barn may not always do the trick. When a kid is weaned, transported, or their diet is suddenly changed it can cause an overwhelming outbreak. Corid, alben or Tetra will kill Coccidia but care is required. Please watch out for foul smelling or bloody diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, hunched posture, and white eyes. “Consult a vet ASAP if showing signs”

A goat with brown and white fur, long horns, and floppy ears stands on grass near a wire fence, with green trees and bright sunlight in the background.
Several goats grazing on grass in a fenced field under a blue sky with scattered clouds and sunlight.