NOTE: All new buyers receive detailed care sheet that we put together to help you get started. It includes information on management and health care.
New owners welcome but please make sure that you can provide proper care and facilities. We are happy to answer your questions. Excellent homes, serious inquires please.
fencing for large areas
Info on Baycox/Toltrazuril from https://horseprerace.com/
Baycox helps prevent cocciodiosis in young kids. Preventative dose is 1cc/5 lbs every 21 days. Over time goats develop natural immunity but young kids are particularly susceptible esp. during times of transition and stress. I recommend a fecal from a vet and they will usually prescribe treatment and dose with anticoccidial.
Helping new kids adjust to pasture:
Lightweight portable Shelter can be moved around the pasture or pasture can be attached right to their pernmament shelter. It will give them a "home base" (goats always should have shelter from rain and a place for shade)
Even on sunny days when not grazing goats like to lay in shade on straw bedding so spread any type of bedding inside/around the shelter. Also any kind of platform for them to lay on to sun themselves. Make sure they always have fresh clean water.
Bottle fed goats can be very attached to humans. Right now humans = security and eventually one of them will become the herd leader and will form their own little group and not be so needy. They definitely do settle into new routines, and the good thing is, once they get into a routine they love it. The more consistent the better.
Goats: flaky skin
Often caused by a mineral deficiency (usually copper, zinc, selenium).
Always ensure a high quality loose mineral (formulated specifically for goats) available at all times. SweetLix Meat Maker Goat Mineral (local feed store) or Manno Pro Goat Mineral (Tractor Supply). Feed free choice.
BOSE (vitamin E/selenium gel from Veterinarian)
Dosage 1 cc/40 lbs subQ (use larger size needle, 20 guage)
Copper bolusing (1 gram orally per 22 lbs, every 4-6 months)
Replamin Gel Plus gel (2-5 ccs per goat, weekly or monthly as needed)
Manna Pro Goat Balancer (Tractor Supply)
ZinPro (I can't find this locally but if its available in your area, other goat farmers say it is effective)
Also must be stated that too much of anything can cause toxicity, so be cautious dosing too many at once or too much. Loose minerals can be fed free-choice because goats are smart and will know what their body needs.
Use BOSE, copper bolus, and Replamin Gel with caution. Copper bolus 6 months apart. Replamin Gel weekly or monthly. BOSE 1x or 2x a year.
Dose according to weight. Go with a lower dosage and see if there's improvement.
If it's mineral deficiency you will see an improvement in skin and itching in 1-2 months. Common for goats to get flaky skin at certain times of the year, and may happen to one goat but not the others for no apparent reason.
Also consider lice or mites. Dust the goats with Diatomaceous Earth powder (from Tractor Supply). I put a handful in a nylon stocking and rub it over their coat, 2 applications a few days apart. Avoid breathing in the dust. If that doesn't take care of, recommend a shot of Ivomec (subQ) is the next step for treating lice/mites.
Goat: upset stomach
Did they eat anything out of the ordinary lately? Stress, change of diet, new home and surroundings can upset rumens.
Administer Probios gel (feed store or Tractor Supply) for a few days. Daily shot of Fortified B-Complex Vitamins will help their rumens too.
Don't feed grain for a couple days. It can upset their stomachs further if they are "off." Keep feeding them free choice hay and fresh warm water. Make sure it's tender 2nd cutting. Sick goats will crave fresh roughage like tree branches to get their stomachs back on track.
Consider treating for coccidosis and deworm. Take fecal samples to a veterinary clinic. Put small clumps of fresh poo in ziploc bag labeled with your name and goat info. The vet will do a fecal and advise you if they need treatment for an overload of anything.
If you notice a goat standing hunched or think their stomach is bloated, you might want to have a vet look at them. Is anyone grinding his teeth (sign of pain)? Are they drinking water as usual? Can you take their temp? A digital thermometer in their rectum. 101-104 is normal for goats. Higher than that may have a fever/infection that may require antibiotics. Lower than that could be stomach problems. Dehydration is a concern if he's not drinking, and a vet can give fluids through the skin.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:
Podcast on iTunes: For the Love of Goats
Hoegger Farmyard Goat Health Center: http://hoeggerfarmyard.com/the-farmyard/goat-health
Fiasco Farm: http://fiascofarm.com/
Feather and Scale Farm: http://featherandscalefarm.com/goats/
Goat Health Care, by Cheryl K. Smith
 |
Covers a wide range of topics; a great introduction to everything goat-related. Recommended resource for new owners of goats, particular Nigerian Dwarfs. |
Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats, by Jerry Belanger
Another classic. It's a
great introduction to raising dairy goats.
The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable,
by Juliette de Bairacli Levy
by Juliette de Bairacli Levy
We feel it's important to raise goats as naturally as possible. This book covers beneficial herbs to feed as supplements for general health as well as natural remedies. If you are interested in learning more, check this one out.
This is where it all started! Kizzy and Cala were raised by Emilee Smalley in Brandon, VT. A beautiful family and location, their care and affection for their goats was an inspiration to us and a perfect beginning. Down on the Farm
Christine writes a wonderful blog on Life on the Backyard Farm. Trillium came from Capsand Creamery and has been a great addition to our herd. Christine's dedication to gardening and homesteading is inspiring. She makes amazing caramel and fudge too!