How To Keep A Goat?: A Comprehensive Guide
Keeping goats involves understanding their needs for shelter, nutrition, health, and companionship. Successfully keeping goats requires a commitment to providing adequate resources and consistent care to ensure their well-being.
Understanding the Allure of Goat Keeping
Goats are increasingly popular livestock choices for small farms and even suburban properties. Their appeal lies in their versatility: they provide milk, meat, fiber, and are effective land clearers. Beyond their practical uses, goats are intelligent, inquisitive animals that can become rewarding companions. However, successful goat keeping demands a thorough understanding of their specific needs and a proactive approach to their care.
Goat Breeds: Selecting the Right Fit
Choosing the right breed is crucial for successful goat keeping. Consider your goals and resources when making your selection.
- Dairy Breeds: Nubian, Saanen, Alpine, LaMancha (Known for high milk production).
- Meat Breeds: Boer, Kiko, Spanish (Prized for rapid growth and meat yield).
- Fiber Breeds: Angora, Cashmere (Valued for their luxurious fiber production).
- Pet Breeds: Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy (Smaller breeds ideal for companionship).
| Breed | Primary Use | Size | Temperament | Special Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boer | Meat | Large | Docile | Susceptible to copper deficiency |
| Nubian | Dairy | Large | Vocal | Requires warm climate or extra shelter |
| Nigerian Dwarf | Pet/Dairy | Small | Playful | Needs secure fencing to prevent escapes |
| Angora | Fiber | Medium | Calm | Requires regular shearing |
Housing Your Goats: Shelter and Security
Goats need protection from the elements and predators. A secure, well-ventilated shelter is essential.
- Shelter: A three-sided shed or barn provides adequate protection from rain, wind, and sun.
- Space: Allow at least 20 square feet of shelter space per goat.
- Bedding: Provide clean, dry bedding such as straw or wood shavings.
- Fencing: Woven wire or electric fencing is necessary to contain goats and protect them from predators. Aim for at least 4 feet high fencing.
Feeding Your Goats: Nutrition is Key
Proper nutrition is crucial for goat health and productivity. Goats are ruminants, meaning they have a four-compartment stomach that allows them to digest cellulose from plants.
- Forage: Goats primarily eat forage such as hay, pasture grasses, and browse (leaves, twigs, and shrubs).
- Grain: Supplement with grain as needed, especially for lactating does or growing kids.
- Minerals: Provide a loose mineral supplement specifically formulated for goats. Copper is particularly important for goat health.
- Water: Access to fresh, clean water is essential at all times.
Goat Health: Prevention and Treatment
Regular health checks and preventative measures are essential for maintaining a healthy goat herd.
- Vaccinations: Consult with a veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule. Common vaccines include CDT (Clostridium perfringens type C & D and tetanus).
- Parasite Control: Implement a parasite control program that includes regular fecal exams and deworming as needed. FAMACHA scoring is a useful tool for identifying anemia due to internal parasites.
- Hoof Trimming: Trim hooves regularly to prevent lameness. Typically, every 6-8 weeks.
- Veterinary Care: Establish a relationship with a veterinarian experienced with goats.
Social Needs: The Importance of Companionship
Goats are social animals and thrive in groups. Keeping a single goat is generally not recommended, as they can become lonely and stressed.
- Minimum: Keep at least two goats together.
- Group Dynamics: Be aware of herd dynamics and ensure that all goats have access to food, water, and shelter.
- Enrichment: Provide toys and activities to keep goats entertained and prevent boredom.
Common Mistakes in Goat Keeping
- Inadequate Fencing: Weak or low fences are easily breached by goats.
- Poor Nutrition: Failing to provide adequate forage or mineral supplementation can lead to health problems.
- Lack of Hoof Care: Neglecting hoof trimming can cause lameness and infections.
- Insufficient Shelter: Exposure to extreme weather can lead to illness and death.
- Ignoring Social Needs: Keeping a single goat can result in behavioral problems and poor health.
- Failure to Deworm Regularly: Leads to parasite overload that weakens the goats and makes them more susceptible to disease.
- Overfeeding Grain: Can lead to bloat and other digestive problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Goat Keeping
What are the essential supplies I need to start keeping goats?
You will need secure fencing, a shelter, feed and water troughs, mineral supplements, hoof trimmers, a first-aid kit, and a relationship with a veterinarian. Plan to acquire these items before bringing any goats home.
How often should I deworm my goats?
Deworming frequency depends on your farm’s parasite load and management practices. Perform regular fecal egg counts to determine if deworming is necessary. Overuse of dewormers can lead to resistance, so use them strategically. Use the FAMACHA scoring system.
What is bloat in goats and how can I prevent it?
Bloat is a life-threatening condition caused by gas buildup in the rumen. Prevent bloat by providing high-quality forage, avoiding sudden changes in diet, and providing access to fresh water. Consider offering free choice baking soda.
How can I tell if my goat is sick?
Signs of illness in goats include loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, coughing, nasal discharge, and abnormal behavior. Take your goat’s temperature (normal range: 101.5-103.5°F) and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect illness.
What is CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis)?
CAE is a viral disease that affects goats, causing arthritis, encephalitis, and pneumonia. It is primarily transmitted through colostrum and milk. Test your goats for CAE and practice strict hygiene to prevent its spread.
Can goats be house-trained?
While difficult, some people have successfully house-trained goats, particularly smaller breeds like Nigerian Dwarfs. Requires early training, positive reinforcement, and consistency. They are most successful if started very young.
What are some common goat predators?
Common goat predators include coyotes, dogs, foxes, bobcats, and eagles. Protect your goats with secure fencing, guard animals (such as dogs or llamas), and by keeping them enclosed at night.
How long do goats live?
The average lifespan of a goat is 10-12 years, although some goats can live longer with proper care. Breed, genetics, and environment all play a role in longevity.
What are some signs that my goat is pregnant?
Signs of pregnancy in goats include cessation of estrus cycles, weight gain, abdominal enlargement, and udder development. Pregnancy can be confirmed through blood tests or ultrasound.
How often should I trim my goat’s hooves?
Goat hooves should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks, or more frequently if needed. Overgrown hooves can lead to lameness and infections.
What is the difference between hay and browse?
Hay is dried grasses and legumes, while browse consists of leaves, twigs, and shrubs. Goats thrive on a combination of both. Browse provides essential vitamins and minerals.
What type of fencing is best for goats?
Woven wire fencing is the most effective for containing goats, especially if it is at least 4 feet tall. Electric fencing can also be used as a deterrent. Regular fence maintenance is key to prevent escapes.