Basic Dairy Goat Supply List

Starting out with animals can be a bit overwhelming to help being prepared on your end before you bring those first members home can help. This goat supplies list will give what you need for each area of goat husbandry.

How to Raise Dairy Goats that are healthy and happy by having the tools you need nearby.

Are you thinking about raising dairy goats? If so, welcome!

Goats are something I enjoy more than any other homesteading animal. Dairy goats are amazing livestock not only because they are comical and friendly, but they give back to a homestead giving them the distinction of earning their keep.

Getting started in any new venture can be a bit overwhelming especially if that venture revolves around a living and breathing creature.

There is a lot you will need to know before you bring your first goat home and your head may be swimming with questions.

What do goats eat?
What type of shelter do they need?
How do I milk them?
What if they get sick?
Do I have to take care of their coat, their hooves, their teeth?

The good news is that, yes, there is a basic list that you will want to have before you bring your first goats home. A basic beginner list of the equipment from hoof care products to hay storage solutions.

I am going to list all the items to help you get started on the right foot in taking good care of your goats while enjoying the dairy they will produce.

Goat Supplies List

Goats can require a lot of things, but as long as you cover the basics, you can raise a herd that is healthy and happy.

a herd of goats grazing in a pasture copy 3

Shelter

Before you do anything else, you will need to be sure you have a the correct shelter ready and that it is big enough for the goats you are starting out with.

How big of a shelter do you need for goats?

The size of the shelter will depend on the number of goats you have. As a general rule, each goat should have at least 10-15 square feet of indoor space in the shelter. This provides enough room for them to move around comfortably and also allows for proper ventilation.

Goat Shelter Options:

#1. A Barn

If you already have a barn this is a great option for housing your goats. A barn is built with livestock care in mind giving you the foundation for a good and reliable shelter. You may need to do a bit of internal work to set things up for milking and other needs.

#2. A Shed

If a barn is not an option, you can take a shed and turn it into a suitable goat barn. This is what we did, and it not only saved us quite a bit of money but also worked better because we could really customize the setup we needed.

a red goat barn with a pasture fence nearby

#3. Lean-To

Another option is a lean-to. This is a shelter that has 3 walls with the 4th being open to the outside. This option will work well if you only plan on raising 1-3 goats or you live in a mild-weather area.

Bedding

No matter what shelter your choose, your goats will need a clean and dry place to rest. You can use any type of bedding that is available in your area.

Straw
Wood Shavings
Sawdust

Pasture

A pasture is a dedicated grazing area that is enclosed in a fence. A pasture is not a requirement for raising dairy goats but it will save you money by not having to rely on purchasing all the feed for your animals.

If you only have 1-3 goats, an acre will be enough pasture to raise them. The more goats you plan to have the more pasture you will need.

If you do not have a pasture, you will need to purchase hay for them to eat and possibly grain. We will talk more on feed in a bit.

Fencing

Goats are very curious animals, and if you do not want them wandering all over your property and possibly your neighbors, you will need to have a fence.

Fences are essential for keeping your goats contained and safe from predators. Depending on your budget, fencing can be made of wood, metal, or even electric.

A woman feeding leaves to a goat in a pasture

We prefer to use a comibination of electric and metal fence to keep our herd safe. If you are not sure of the fences options you can read any of our guides for more information.

Feed and Water

Next to a shelter, water and food are top items to understand before you start raising goats. Feeding your goats the right food affects the amount of milk and its quality.

What do dairy goats eat?

A goat’s primary source of nutrition should come from high-quality forage, such as hay or pasture. Alfalfa hay is particularly beneficial for lactating goats due to its higher protein content but it is not widely available in all areas.

The most common pasture is grass such as orchard or timothy and goats will do quite well on either.

In addition to forage, grain is sometimes offered to does in milk to help them keep up with the energy demands.

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Goats also need minerals and vitamins. What you give will all depend on where you live. Finally, fresh, clean water should always be available.

Grooming and Health Care

Goats require regular grooming and health care to stay in good condition. Luckily, caring for goats is not only easy, it’s fun. There are tools you will want to have to help make that care easier for you and them.

#1. Hoof trimmers: Goat’s hooves are like our nails, and without routine trimming, they will continue to grow. Overgrown hooves can cause issues with walking or lead to infections.

Trimmers are easy to use, and goats do quite well standing still while you work on them as long as you have treats or grain to distract them.

#2. De-wormer: It’s important to de-worm your goats a few times a year to keep them free from parasites. You can choose to use a chemical dewormer or go the natural route and use herbal. Either will work and the choice is up to you.

#3. Vaccines: Consult with your veterinarian on which vaccines are necessary for your goats, and make sure they are up-to-date.

SLCG Pro Tip: Schedule a visit with your livestock vet. Have them come out and show you how to do routine maintenance on your goats. Things to have them show you are:

How to trim hooves.
How to tag ears.
How to give vaccinations.
How to take blood.
How to dehorn.

General Tips

Below are a few final tips on raising healthy, happy, and hardy dairy goats.

#1. Space: Make sure you have enough space for your goats to roam and graze. A general rule is to have at least 10 square feet per goat.

#2. Shelter: Have a shelter for your goats to get in and out of the weather. A shelter is also good to have for them to sleep in at night that is protected from predators.

Finally, if you live in a colder climate, make sure your goats have a good shelter that will keep them warm and dry during the winter months.

Dairy Goat Milking Guide+Bundle Goat Care Calendar Goat Fencing Bundle

#2. Socialization: Goats are social animals and do better when they have companions. If you are only going to raise one goat, be sure there is another animal with them, such as a sheep, horse, or donkey.

#3. Cleanliness: A dirty shelter is a health hazard for any livestock. Be sure to regularly clean out their pens and provide clean bedding to prevent the spread of diseases.

#4. Attention: Goats are intelligent animals and love to be around people. Make sure to spend time with them and provide them with toys or enrichment activities.

Raising dairy goats can be a fun and rewarding experience for any homestead. Being prepared before you begin will reduce the nervousness you might have getting started in this new venture.

Refer to this list of dairy goat essentials and get started setting up a home for your future herd. , but it also requires dedication and hard work.

goat supplies list