So you've set up your fence, conditioned an optimal pasture, and invested in some high quality facilities to start your own goat herd.
Well done, you're off to a good start! However, creating the proper environment is only the first step in caring for these lovable animals.
By following a few simple guidelines, your goats will live happy and healthy lives.
With newborn offspring, you want to make sure and give them plenty of attention.
By starting them off with proper care young, they will grow into healthy adults, so make sure not to neglect this part.
Make sure the area the kids spend time in is clean and comfortable for lying down.
Care for the cords by using an iodine for solution, and monitor their feeding from the mother to make sure then entire litter is getting enough milk.
As far as food, giving your goats adequate nutrition is a fairly simple process.
Making sure they have enough grain at all times will do plenty to help them grow to a healthy weight and enhance their bodily defense systems in order to ward off any disease.
In particular, you want to make sure the mother goat is eating properly so she can produce enough milk for the kids.
Also supplement your goats' meals with salt and minerals on a daily basis.
It's important to make sure all your adult goats are properly vaccinated.
Pregnant goats in particular are susceptible to diseases such as tetanus and enterotoxemia.
It's best that vaccination be done on a yearly basis.
Establish a relationship with your local veterinarian as soon as you acquire your first goats so their medical records can be properly and adequately tracked.
Hoof trimming for your goats should be done once about every 4 to 6 weeks.
If your goats are kneeling a lot while eating, this is a sure sign that they are ready for a trimming.
Maintaining healthy hooves will help to ward off arthritis.
By following these simple tips, your goats will live long happy lives, and raising them will prove to be a rewarding experience.