This care sheet is intended to be a reference for basic goat care.
Feeding:
• Most importantly make sure to provide your new baby with plenty of fresh water and free choice hay at ALL times!
• It is important to always keep a constant, consistent diet when it comes to grain. A sudden grain switch causes an imbalance in the rumen which can often be fatal. If a grain change is made, do it very slowly over a 1-2 week period.
• A quality grain or pelleted feed designed for goats should be fed twice daily to growing goat kids under 8-12 months of age. We give our babys 1/4 cup twice daily (1/2 cup per day). It should be okay to feed up to a cup per baby per day. However, please note that feeding too much grain to male goats, especially wethers, can contribute to the formation of urinary calculi (stones), which can be life threatening! Always base the amount of grain on body condition and time of year. They may require a little more in the winter. In the summer they may need very little or none at all. Monitor your goat’s weight and adjust its feed accordingly. It’s best to feed the least amount of grain as necessary to maintain good body condition. Any changes in the amount of grain given should be done slowly over a week’s time.
• Goats are browsers and enjoy munching on brush. If you can, providing them with a space to do so is an added bonus but not necessary. Please do your research on the subject and be sure to avoid the many toxic plants and flowers.
• Do not feed treats. One or two animal crackers once a day would be okay, but not at all necessary. Even treats labeled for goats are mostly unhealthy and can cause health problems possibly leading to death. Acceptable and healthy “treats” would be fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples in moderation.
• Probiotic paste is a great product to give and keep on hand for use after anti-biotics, wormers, vaccinations, change in diet, and in times of stress. It helps to keep the good bacteria in their gut when stress may deplete the amount they naturally have.
Minerals
• Goats will also require loose minerals (not blocks) that are specifically formulated for goats. Goats tongues are not able to get the proper amount from a mineral block. Correct mineral balance is extremely important for goats over-all health. Specifically we like Sweetlix or Manna Pro brands available at most farm and feed stores. We also offer free choice baking soda to our does. Does that are in milk will be getting extra grain which can cause too much acid in the rumen. Baking soda helps balance acid build-ups. We do not give male goats baking soda because it interferes with the ammonium chloride in their loose mineral. Ammonium chloride helps keep urinary calculi at bay. We recommend only putting out small amounts of loose mineral at a time in order to keep it fresh.
Housing
• A dry, well ventilated shelter that blocks the wind and rain/snow is sufficient.
• I personally believe that goats are happiest/healthiest when allowed to roam in a closed pasture, but that isn’t always a possibility. Just be sure to provide your baby with enough space to play and have an area where it can be safe from the weather. Goats WILL test fences, so make sure that your fence is goat proof before releasing your baby into the enclosure!
• NEVER leave tied up goats unattended. Goats are very prone to tragic and unnecessary accidents when tied that can easily be prevented by not tying!
Grooming
• Goats need to have their hooves trimmed every 1-2 months. It is crucial to do this so that the goat can walk properly. Learn from a mentor or do internet research and invest in a pair of good hoof trimmers. Feed stores like Family Farm and Home sell good, inexpensive trimmers.
• Goats are especially prone to lice in the fall and winter. Don’t worry. Goat lice can not spread to people or other animals, but they can be a pesky problem in goats. If not treated, goats with poor resistance and young goats, may become anemic and sick. Check your goat for lice if it shows any signs of itching and scratching. Diatomaceous earth can treat goat lice and resolve this issue very quickly. Supplementing your goats’ water occasionally with apple cider vinegar can also help to deter lice and other nasties from your goats.
When to use de-wormers:
• The best way to control parasites is to have a vet check manure samples in the spring and fall to see if worming is necessary. It’s a good idea to research and learn the “FAMACHA” method to monitor parasite loads throughout the year.
• Fecal checks at most vet clinics can get costly especially when checking several goats. We recommend mailing samples to MeadowMist lab services. Their website has instructions on how to prepare and mail the package. www.meadowmistlabservices.com
Supplements
• Be aware that most soils in the US are deficient in selenium, so local hay will not contain enough. There are many options for supplementing selenium. Depending on the quallity of your hay, their daily free choice loose mineral may be sufficient.
• Copper supplementing is usually necessary at least once a year. The total mineral intake from hay and water in a goats’ diet can greatly influence the frequency and necessity of giving copper.
Signs of a sick goat
Its said that a healthy goat is an annoying goat! Your goats will let you know when something’s wrong, but you need to recognize the signs. You need to investigate further or begin taking action if you see the following signs of illness:
• Not regularly chewing cud
• Not getting up
• Pressing their head against a wall or fence (sign of pain)
• Not eating
• Feces are not pelleted/clumped (diarrhea)
• Not urinating or straining to urinate
• Not drinking
• Pale or gray eyelids or gums
• Limping or staggering
• Walking in circles
• Ears held oddly
• Isolating from the herd
• Grinding teeth (sign of pain)
• Coughing
• Runny nose or eyes
****The above information is based on what we have learned through experience in goat-keeping. Please note that this is only meant to be a guide highlighting the very basic essentials of goat care. There is still much more to know about goat care. Please, please, please do your research!