goat care checklist
Taking care of a herd might feel overwhelming at times, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This Goat Care Checklist is your go-to guide for keeping your goats happy and healthy.
Whether you’re just learning how to raise dairy goats or you’ve been doing this for years, a solid routine makes all the difference. From daily tasks to monthly check-ins, this guide will help you stay on top of your goats’ needs with confidence.
When I was younger, I’d drive past those beautiful farms with animals grazing peacefully in the pastures. I used to dream about having a farm of my own someday. It always amazed me how these cows and goats seemed to be managing just fine on their own. But, as it turns out, even though you couldn’t see it, a whole lot of work was happening behind the scenes to keep those animals thriving.
Fast forward to our own little homestead. When we decided to add goats to the mix, I quickly learned that owning livestock isn’t as hands-off as it might look. Goats need daily care and attention, and there’s also a list of routine tasks we need to stay on top of to make sure our herd stays healthy, safe, and strong. It’s a learning curve, but it’s one that’s so rewarding when you see your goats happy and thriving.
Goat Care Checklist
When it comes to your goats’ care, some tasks need daily attention, while others only pop up a few times a year. But how do you keep it all straight? This Goat Care Checklist breaks it down for you so you can create a routine that works perfectly for your homestead, your herd size, and the time you have to dedicate to their care.
Daily Goat Care Tasks
Taking care of goats is a daily commitment, but it’s what keeps your herd happy and thriving. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to do each day to keep things running smoothly.
- Start each day by checking on your goats. Watch to see if everyone is up, moving around, and acting like they usually do.
- Next, refresh their water. Dump out the old and fill it with new.
- If they are not on pasture, add fresh hay to the feeders.
- If your herd is on grain, give them their daily portion. Here’s a great tip: If you have each goat on a specific diet, you can use Tethered Feeding to ensure everyone eats their own food.
- Don’t forget to check their minerals, topping them off if they’re running low.
- Pay attention to any changes in how your goats are eating or acting. A loss of appetite is often one of the first signs that something might be wrong.
- And finally, spend some time interacting with your goats every day.
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SLCG Pro Tip: The more hands-on you are with your goats, the friendlier and more comfortable they’ll become. This makes routine care like hoof trimming, milking, or giving medications much easier. Here’s a simple tip to help your goats get used to your touch: take advantage of feeding time. While they’re distracted by food, gently pet or stroke them. It’s the perfect time to build trust and strengthen your bond.
Are your goats still skittish? If so, read our guide on How to Raise People Friendly Goats for some easy and helpful tips.
Weekly Goat Care Tasks
Keeping your goats’ shelter area clean is an important part of raising a healthy and hardy herd. Here’s how you can tackle your weekly care tasks with ease.
- Clean up the pens. Dry is the key here. Spot clean any messy areas and add fresh bedding as needed. A clean indoor area keeps your goats dry and reduces the chances of illness or worm outbreaks.
- Wash feed and water bowls. Scrub out all feed and water bowls using a mix of soap and water. Be sure to rinse them well and leave them to dry in direct sunlight. Not only does the sun dry them quickly, but it also works as a natural deodorizer and sanitizer.
- Check for parasites. Take a look at the inside of your goats’ eyelids. You want to see a healthy watermelon-pink color. Keep an eye on their poop too – it should look like firm little berries. If you notice anything unusual, like runny stool, it’s time to dig deeper and look to see what the cause might be.
- Feel for body condition. Spend some time petting and touching your goats. This helps you monitor their body condition and spot any changes early on. It’s also a great way to help your animals get used to feeling your touch or having you near.
- Restock supplies. Make sure feed, vitamins, minerals, and supplements are all topped up. Running out of essentials midweek can create unnecessary stress for you and your goats. Check your feed room for anything you may be running low on so you can stock up.
- Vitamins and supplements. If you rely on natural care, weekly is a good time to give supplements or herbal wormers. Keep a routine in place so you don’t forget. Here’s a handy tip: use bananas to give your goats their supplements. Goats love the taste, making it a stress-free way to deliver medications or care products.
Weekly care is all about cleanliness. The cleaner their housing, the healthier everyone will be overall.
Monthly Goat Care Tasks
Monthly care is more focused on your individual animals and their health. This list also might take a little extra time, but it’s well worth the effort to keep your goats feeling their best. Some of these tasks are easier when you have an extra pair of hands to help, so don’t hesitate to recruit a friend or family member if needed.
SLCG Pro Tip: Want to make these tasks less stressful? Bring snacks. Goats love treats, and offering food during care can help them associate these activities with something positive and enjoyable. It’s a simple way to help make these monthly tasks smoother for everyone.
Here’s a helpful to-do list to tackle each month:
- Hoof checks and trims. Look at your goats’ hooves and trim them as needed. This keeps their feet healthy and prevents discomfort or bigger issues down the road. Read our guide on How to Trip Goat Hooves for a helpful overview.
- Udder clipping. If you’re milking, trim the hair around their udders with clippers to keep things clean and make the process easier for both you and your goats. Just a tip on this, goats are very sensitive on their udders, and sometimes the clippers tickle. Just be aware of kicking legs when you do this for the first time.
- Health check. Take a good look at their eyelids and gums, checking for a nice, healthy pink color. If they look pale, it could be a sign of anemia or worms that need attention.
- Check Teeth: It is also a good idea to check your goat’s teeth to be sure there aren’t any issues that can affect their eating.
- Rotational Grazing. If you use a rotational grazing plan in your herd, move your goats to the next paddock on your plan. This will help the pasture to replenish and grow, reducing worm and parasite issues in the herd.
- Fence inspection. Walk the fence line, keeping an eye out for weak spots or damage. Make a note of any issues or repair them on the spot. Remember, sturdy fencing not only keeps your goats safely inside but also helps to keep predators out.
- Pen maintenance. Check inside pens for any broken, sharp, or hazardous items. A quick repair now can save a lot of trouble later.
- Airflow care. Dust off fans and clean vents to keep fresh air moving. Good circulation is important for healthy goats and helps reduce lung issues in a herd.
- Feed adjustments. This is a great time to reassess your goat’s diet. Make sure they’re eating a balanced mix that supports their health and well-being.
When you stay on top of these monthly projects, they don’t feel so overwhelming, and your goats will be healthier and more comfortable for it. Plus, it’s a great excuse to spend some quality time with your herd.
How often should you check your goats’ teeth?
You should check your goats’ teeth regularly to ensure they are not causing pain or discomfort. Goats do not have upper teeth in the front of their mouth, so you will mainly check their lower teeth, where they have 8.
If you have a goat who is losing weight, check its teeth for any issues.
Seasonal Goat Care Tasks
Seasonal goat care often comes with some big milestones, like breeding, birthing, and managing bucks during rut. Tackling these tasks with a bit of planning can make things go much smoother for everyone.
- Set up for rut season. If you have bucks, make sure you have a separate area ready for them during rut. This will help protect your does from accidental breedings or overly excited young bucks.
- Prepare for breeding. Before breeding season starts, take a close look at your goats’ diet and overall condition. Adjust as needed to help set your does up for successful pregnancies.
- Get ready for birthing. If you’re expecting new arrivals, set up a goat birthing pen. This is a private, protected space for your pregnant goats. This will give them a comfortable area where you can monitor their labor and step in if help is needed.
- Electric fence training. If you have new goat kids, now’s the time to start training them on the electric fence. It’s important to teach them early to respect the boundaries of their space.
- Reorganize your herd. Seasonal care is also a good time to sell any offspring you don’t plan to keep and look into purchasing new stock to strengthen your herd or meet your goals.
SLCG Pro Tip: Keep a journal for your herd with a section dedicated for each goat. Jotting down key details like breeding dates, due dates, and health notes can save you a ton of guesswork later. It’s especially handy during kidding season to track any patterns or issues that might come up.
Seasonal tasks may seem like a lot at first, but by breaking them down and planning ahead, they’re easier to manage. Plus, you’ll be setting the stage for a happy, healthy, and productive herd as the seasons change.
More Goat Kidding Resources:
Raising goats on your homestead can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires regular care and attention to ensure your goats are happy and healthy. By breaking down your care tasks by timeframe, you can ensure that each aspect of goat care is taken care of in a timely and organized manner.
Remember to routinely check for any changes in your goats’ behavior or health – early detection can prevent larger health issues down the road.
