Dairy Goats 101 resource library

If you want to learn how to raise dairy goats, we have all the resources you need to get started. Raising livestock for the first time can be a bit overwhelming with all the information out there. Getting first hand tips from a midlife homesteading woman that needs things to be easy on her time and her body is the best way to learn.

There is so much to sift through to get the information you need, and Simple Living Country Gal is here to help, from goat kids, breeding, feeding, pasture care, milking and more.

I have been raising my herd of goats for over 8 years and I am the first to say I am no expert. My learning has been a combination of research, talking to local goat farmers, and learning in the moment.

Having a place to go with resources on care, breeding, milking, and housing would have been a huge help back in the day, and that is what this page, I hope, will be for you—a resource that you can come to whenever you need help with the care of your goats.

Keep up to date and informed so your goats have the best care possible.

Need something you don’t see? Please comment below and I will do my best to get a post done on the subject you request. I get quite a few emails, so please be patient!

If you are starting out and this is your first stop for gathering information, then you can get a great overview of what to have and what to expect for your new goat herd: Raising Goats for Beginners. This guide will help you to prepare for your first goats so you can make that transition as stress free as possible.

How to raise dairy goats

Before you bring your goats home, you will want to have things set up and ready. This will help them have a smoother transition into their new home. Goats get stressed easily, and if you are calm, they will mirror that behavior as well. Before we start, there are a few Goat Terms you will want to be familiar with.

What shelter do you need for goats?

Your shelter will depend on where you live and the predators in your area. For mild climates year-round, a lean-to shelter is all you may need. For areas where there are wet springs and cold winters, a barn or shed will be required. The purpose of the shelter is to keep your goats warm and dry and protected from dogs, coyotes, and other threats.

Dairy Goat Shelter Setup

Next, let’s talk about creating a safe space for your goats to enjoy while they are outside. Don’t let this part overwhelm you, just a few steps and you can have a great pasture that your goats can use to get access to fresh graze and grass.

Feeding Dairy Goats

A healthy herd all starts with the feed. These articles will walk you through everything you need to know from hay to grain, and minerals. Be sure you have storage for your feed that will keep rodents and mold out, giving your goats the best nutrition. We use these Livestock Feed Storage Containers and find they work great for storing all our livestock feed.

How to setup a Goat Feeding Schedule
Feeding Kelp to Your Animals
What is the Best Hay to Feed Goats
What Hay do Goats Eat?
What are the Best Minerals for Goats
Rotational Grazing Goats
Best Dairy Goat Diet
Best Treats for Goats
What to Plant for Goat Pasture
Goat Watering Ideas

Primal Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Treats, Made with Goat Milk The Goat Treats for Cats, 2 oz Manna Pro Goat Mineral Supplement – Made with Vitamins & Minerals to Support Growth & Development – Contains Ammonium Chloride – Microbial Blend for Digestion – 8 lbs Hamilton Pet & Equine Hamilton Nylon Goat Lead with Brass Snap, 3/4 by 7-Inch, Black Goat Collars Plastic Chain with Metal Quick Link 20 VCZONE 2 Packs Goat Hay Feeder Bag, Hay Feeder Bag with 1680D Oxford Cloth Fabric, Hanging Feeder Bag for Horse Sheep Donkeys Cattle (Black)

Breeding Dairy Goats

Breeding your goats is another crucial part of raising healthy and happy goats. My best tip is to work to keep everyone healthy so you do not have to deal with bigger problems later on.

Raising Dairy Goat Kids

If you have goat kids coming soon, let’s go over what you want to have ready before the kids arrive. Kids are important to a dairy farm as they are what keeps the milk flowing. Their care is different than older goats, but with a few tips, you can raise a healthy group of goat kids.

Raising Healthy Goats

Doing what you can to ensure your herd is healthy and resilient to with stand outbreaks is the best approach to herd management, but sometimes things happen. These articles will give you an overview of the more common issues that affect goats.

Disclaimer: In accordance with FDA guidelines, the information and products offered on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am not a medical professional. Before administering any medications to your animals please contact a veterinarian first.

Signs of Urinary Calculi in Goats
How to Create a Goat Deworming Schedule
Goat Care Checklist
Daily Goat Care Routine
Introducing New Goats to the Herd

Milking Dairy Goats

The best part of raising dairy goats is all that amazing milk. Try out these tips to ensure you are getting the most milk that tastes amazing every time.

If you are having trouble milking your goat, Goat Hobbles Use will give you our top solution for a rowdy goat on the milk stand.

Keeping Goats Entertained

Another important part to raising goats that are healthy and friendly is giving them space to play, climb and explore. Luckily building a climbing area for goats is easy and inexpesnive!

Seasonal Goat Care

Goats that live in areas with all four seasons may need additional care to help them cope with the temperatures. We have tips you can use for summer, winter, and more.

Training Dairy Goats

Teaching your goats to listen is not only helpful it is crucial for a safe herd. Not all goats can be trained, however, these tips will help you to get started teaching your herd to listen and, in turn, create a safe setup for you and your family.

Yes Can Train Goat
How to Have People Friendly Goats
Keeping Animals Cool Hot Weather
Tethered Feeding Goats
How to Train a Goat to Come When Called

Raising dairy goats on your homestead is a great way to add milk and dairy to your lineup. Bookmark this page for help on how to raise dairy goats. A great and useful resource you can use all year long.

How To Raise Dairy Goats