Happy Healthy Goats
Goats are amazing additions to any homestead, offering milk, meat, or just great company. However, keeping them healthy and happy requires care and attention. Here are my top 10 tips for success:
Key notes
- Shelter: Goats need a dry, draft-free space with good ventilation.
- Diet: Offer quality hay, forage, and goat-specific minerals.
- Water: Always provide fresh water; prevent freezing in winter.
- Companionship: Goats are herd animals; keep at least two together.
1. Provide Adequate Shelter
Goats need a sturdy, dry, and draft-free shelter. Ensure your goats have a sturdy and comfortable space to call home. If you’re looking for shelter kits, this one has been a great choice for many homesteaders especially because many have gates lying around.
2. Feed a Balanced Diet
Goats thrive on high-quality hay, fresh forage, and a balanced grain mix if necessary. Avoid toxic plants like azaleas or rhododendrons in their grazing area. Overall just pay attention to what grows naturally in your pasture and make sure they have enough of it a goat needs to forage about 3-4% of their body weight a day. During the winter if you’re giving them grain or feeding goats out try to use the Clemson feed calculator it is a great help.
3. Offer Clean Water
Always provide fresh, clean water. In winter, use a heated waterer to prevent freezing in the winter and ensure they stay hydrated. Most big heated waterers come with a head count to make sure your water is the correct size for your herd. If it’s too big it may freeze in winter because of not enough mouths drinking from it. A simple heater for 45$ fixes this issue. This is the waterer I use I have no problems with it I absolutely love it.
4. Supplement with Minerals
Goats need loose minerals (not blocks) specifically formulated for their dietary needs. Deficiencies can lead to serious health issues. Again I can’t stress this enough check out the Clemson feed calculator
5. Maintain Hoof Health
Trim your goats’ hooves every 4-6 weeks to prevent overgrowth, infections, or lameness. It’s a key part of their overall health. When feeding grain keep a close eye on hoof health. Something good to look at when purchasing goats from sale-barn as well. Trimming hoofs is super easy don’t let it intimidate you get a good sharp pair of trimmers and check out this YouTube I found it helped me a lot.
6. Create a Secure Fencing System
Goats are escape artists! Small goats especially Invest in strong, tall fencing to keep them in and predators out. Electric fencing works particularly well as a temporary fence or for keeping your brush eaters confined to a certain area. Once your goats know the fence is there as long as they have food and water they won’t try to escape.
7. Socialize Your Goats
Goats are herd animals and need companionship. Always keep at least two goats together to prevent loneliness and stress. Go out and play with them there just dogs with horns.
8. Practice Regular Parasite Control
Keep an eye out for signs of worms (like weight loss or diarrhea) and work with a vet to establish a deworming routine. Regular fecal checks are a must. Learn how to check the eye for worms. If it’s pink it’s healthy if it’s white it has worms not always but the vet said it’s a solid bet.
9. Know Basic First Aid
Equip yourself with a goat first-aid kit that includes supplies like electrolytes, probiotics, and wound care products. This can save you in emergencies. Goats are simple to take care of and very hardy don’t be upset if something happens there’s a good chance it’ll come out of it.
10. Build a Relationship
Spend time with your goats daily. Knowing their normal behavior will help you spot problems early and build trust.
Final Thoughts
Raising goats takes commitment, but their playful personalities and benefits to your farm make it worthwhile. Start with a small herd, follow these tips, and you’ll have happy, healthy goats bringing joy to your homestead!
What are your favorite tips for raising goats? Let me know in the comments!
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