"Mastering the Art of Goat Care: Real-World Tips from Our Backyard Homestead"
Learn the ins and outs of goat care, from feeding and fencing to health checks and kidding season prep.
As a homesteader, I've learned that goats are some of the most rewarding and challenging animals to care for on our property. With their curious nature, agile bodies, and mischievous personalities, it's no wonder why many of us fall in love with these caprine critters. But before you bring home your first goat, it's essential to understand the basics of goat care and management.
In this post, I'll share our real-world experiences and practical tips on how to care for your goats, from feeding and fencing to health checks and kidding season prep. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the world of goat care and management.
I. Feeding Your Goats
One of the most critical aspects of goat care is feeding. Goats are ruminants, which means they have a four-chambered stomach that requires a diet rich in fiber and nutrients. Here are some tips for feeding your goats:
- Hay: Provide high-quality hay, such as alfalfa or timothy hay, as the main staple of their diet. Aim for 1-2% of their body weight in hay per day.
- Grain: Offer grain, such as oats or corn, in moderation (about 1/4 cup per goat per day). Be sure to introduce grain gradually to prevent digestive upset.
- Minerals: Provide a free-choice mineral supplement, such as loose minerals or a block, to ensure your goats receive essential vitamins and minerals.
- Water: Ensure access to clean, fresh water at all times.
II. Fencing Your Goats
Goats are notorious escape artists, so it's essential to have sturdy fencing to keep them contained. Here are some tips for fencing your goats:
- Height: Build fences at least 4 feet tall to prevent jumping and climbing.
- Material: Use durable materials, such as wood or metal, to prevent damage and wear.
- Gates: Install gates that are securely fastened and easy to open and close.
- Electric fencing: Consider using electric fencing to deter curious goats from escaping.
III. Health Checks
Regular health checks are crucial to maintaining the health and well-being of your goats. Here are some tips for performing health checks:
- Daily checks: Inspect your goats daily for signs of illness or injury, such as lameness, diarrhea, or discharge from the eyes or nose.
- Vaccinations: Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your goats.
- Parasite control: Learn FAMACHA scoring and treat individual animals, not the whole herd on a calendar. See the note below — this is the one piece of goat advice that has changed most in the last twenty years.
- Dental care: Regularly inspect your goats' teeth and provide dental care as needed.
Do not deworm on a schedule. This post used to say "use deworming medication as needed," which is too vague to be useful and points the wrong way.
University of Maryland Extension states it flatly: "No longer is it recommended that sheep/goats be dewormed preventively or based on the calendar. Nor is it recommended that all animals in a group be dewormed at the same time." Calendar-based and whole-herd deworming is what "caused the worms (especially the barber pole worm) to develop resistance to the dewormers." Their rule of thumb: dewormers "should be given to treat clinical disease, not prevent it."
The tool that replaced the calendar is FAMACHA — a colour card you hold against the inside of the animal's lower eyelid to estimate anaemia, which is the main sign of barber pole worm. Score 1–2, do nothing. Score 3, judgement call. Score 4–5, treat that animal. You need training and a card to use it properly; your extension office or vet can point you at a session.
This matters more than it sounds. Every time you deworm a goat that did not need it, you kill the susceptible worms and leave the resistant ones to breed. Herds have been run out of working dewormers doing exactly that.
Sources: UMD Extension, When should I deworm my sheep/goats? · American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control — FAMACHA.
IV. Kidding Season Prep
Kidding season can be a stressful time for both goats and humans. Here are some tips for preparing for kidding season:
- Pregnancy checks: Regularly check your goats' pregnancy status to ensure they are due to kid around the same time.
- Kidding area: Prepare a safe and clean area for kidding, complete with bedding, water, and a heat source.
- Veterinary care: Consult with a veterinarian to ensure you have a plan in place for any potential complications during kidding.
- Support system: Build a support system of fellow goat owners or a veterinarian to help with kidding season prep and emergencies.
In conclusion, goat care and management require attention to detail, regular health checks, and a commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment. By following these practical tips and real-world experiences, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of goat care and enjoying the rewards of raising these wonderful animals on your homestead.