how to prepare for goats
If you want to add livestock to your homestead, this guide on how to prepare for goats will get you started off right. Learn our easy approach to raising dairy goats that will get you excited to add them to your hobby farm.
How to raise dairy goats in a way that is enjoyable from day one means being prepared before you begin. Knowing what to have ready, what to expect, and what care you will need to give will set you up for a more successful journey with fewer surprises.
So you’ve decided to become a goat owner. Congratulations!
Goats are not only fun to raise they give back to a homestead with milk, weed control, and companionship to other animals.
However, caring for goats is a big responsibility and involves some work and commitment. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know as a brand-new goat owner so you can prepare to raise a healthy and hardy herd from day one.
When I first started raising dairy goats, my experience was minimal. Most of what I learned was in the moment or after I had done things the wrong way. This is not the best way to learn, especially when raising and caring for animals.
And because of that, I like to share my experiences as much as possible so others can start out more confidently.
How to Prepare for Goats
Reading and learning is a great way to prepare for a new experience and this is especially true with livestock. Having a good idea of housing, feed, and medical care will reduce unwanted surprises, making this big adjustment easier on everyone.
Goat housing
First, you will need to prepare suitable housing for your new goats and what you have will depend on a few factors.
- How many goats you plan to raise.
- The weather where you live.
- How much space you have available.
Goats require a dry and draft-free shelter to protect them from the weather. If you live in a warmer climate, a simple three-sided shelter with a slanted roof will work just fine.
If you live in an area with lots of rain or snow, you will want a draft-free shed or even a barn.
Whatever shelter you decide on, make sure it is tall enough to accommodate your goats’ height and has good ventilation for healthier breathing.
Goat Pasture
Goats do much better when they have an area where they can graze during the day. A large open area that is fenced in with plenty of space to graze and roam.
A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 200 square feet of pasture per goat. Be sure to fence off your pasture to keep your goats from wandering off. Depending on where you live and the size of the pasture will determine what fencing you will want to use.
Fencing can be costly, so I have several articles to help you decide. Read over all of our goat fencing ideas to choose the best option for you.
Goat Fencing Resources:
Food and Hay
Goats are herbivores and require a diet that consists primarily of hay and fresh grass. If you are able to give them a pasture, you will really cut down on feed costs.
If, however, your pasture is on the smaller side or you live in a 4-seasoned area, you will want to supplement with hay such as alfalfa, orchard grass, or timothy. Goats will likely consume 2-4 pounds of hay daily, depending on their size and age.
Hay can be purchased locally from a farmer or a livestock auction if one is in your area. The best hay to feed goats is what is called second cut, with the first cut a good option if that is all there is available.
You can also supplement their hay with grain, but be sure to do so in moderation and only with female goats or goat kids. Bucks or wethers (castrated male goats) should only be given grain if required for weight gain or other reasons.
Why is it bad to feed male goats grain?
It is a general rule that male goats should not be given grain as it can cause urinary stones that can turn into Urinary Calculi. This is a potentially serious condition that can block urine from leaving the body.
SLCG Pro Tip: If you must feed grain to your male goats, be sure it has ammonium chloride included that helps deter urinary stones from forming.
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.
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Goat Care CalendarGoat Fencing Bundle
Water
As with any animal, it is important to provide your goats with fresh water at all times. Not all goats drink when they are thirsty, and we have found that the cleaner the water, the more willing they are to drink.
On our homestead, we give fresh water every morning and wash out all water bowls weekly. This routine ensures our goats are drinking the water they need year-round. If going out daily is more than your schedule can do, you can invest in an automatic waterer to put that one chore on auto-pilot.
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READ: How to Encourage Your Goats to Drink More Water
How much water do goats need per day?
Goats can require up to 4 gallons of water per day, depending on the size and age of the goat. The amount of water will also vary depending on the weather. In the hot summer months we will give fresh water a few times a day to our goats.
Not only does hydration lead to healthy goats it also increases milk production in dairy animals.
First Aid Care
Just like any other pet, goats can get sick or injured. As a goat owner, it is your responsibility to provide them with proper first aid care. Be sure to have a basic first aid kit on hand that includes items such as probiotics, antiseptic ointment or spray, and a thermometer.
It is also important to have a good relationship with a local veterinarian specializing in livestock. They can guide you on properly caring for your goats and diagnose any health issues that may arise.
Many times, your vet will advise you by phone so you do not need to bring your goats into the office or ask for a farm visit, which can be expensive.
Over the years, we have learned quite a bit from our livestock vet, and we have turned that into a helpful goat health checklist. Bookmark that guide so you can refer to it whenever you need help with your goats.
Minerals and Supplements
A variety of minerals and supplements, such as selenium, kelp, and probiotics, can also help keep your goats healthy. Know what your area is deficient in before incorporating a routine.
You can call your local vet, your county extension office, the 4H group in your area, or other goat farmers in your area. I learned more from our neighbor, who also raised goats, than from any book I ever read.
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Since local care varies in each area, make friends with the people near you so you can ask questions or get advice on what is the best approach to take with your animal’s care.
Basic Care
As a beginner goat owner, educating yourself on the basics of goat care is important. This can include things like proper grooming, clipping, hoof trimming, and parasite control.
If you can set up a routine for their care, you will raise a healthy and happy goat herd. I learned early on that it is easier to encourage health in goats than to treat issues such as worm overload or illness.
Make a Goat Care Routine
Make a list of routine care and block off time each week on your calendar.
- Hoof care – Hooves are like nails on humans and need to be trimmed routinely to keep them from overgrowing.
- Parasite check – Do routine fecal tests to catch worm issues before they get out of hand.
- Udder care – Check udders to prevent mastitis or overly-dried teats.
- Body condition – Fur can mask weight loss, touch your goats routinely to watch for any changes.
- Teeth – Be sure they have no issues that can keep them from eating.
- Skin care – Check for parasites such as biting lice.
SLCG Pro Tip: Touch your goats and pet them often. We like to do these whenever we are feeding as the food helps to distract them. Many times, their fur can mask weight changes, which can be your only clue that something is off.
Taking care of goats requires work and routine; however, by reading up on their care now, you will be better prepared once they arrive. And being prepared can help you and your new herd to settle in more comfortably.
I’d like to get some goat, thanks much for your help.