Hoegger Goat Supply: Goat Care Guidelines

GOAT CARE GUIDELINES

There are some basic guidelines that you will find very helpful for your day to day care of your goats. The will help your productivity and decrease illness and other problems. A sickness in one goat or your whole herd can cost 10-20 times more when you have to treat it as opposed to the cost of prevention to begin with. Remember! Some health problems can't even be treated with any success, no matter how much you pay. Then, prevention is your only defense.

Keep your barn and all equipment clean and safe. Do not allow debris such as scrap metal, old cars, etc., to accumulate in and around your barn and pasture. You are asking for trouble in the way of illness or injury when this type of debris is allowed to collect. Nails protruding from boards in an area where goats can rub or climb means big trouble for you and your animals.

Cleanliness is the name of the game. Feeders and waterers must be periodically scrubbed and sanitized to keep them free from contamination and bacteria. This will also help in controlling parasites, as well as disease.

Soiled bedding must also be removed and disposed of regularly. Spread a layer of powdered household lime into the dirt before distributing the clean, dry bedding. This will help eliminate bacteria and worm eggs and neutralizes offensive odors. By eliminating ammonia from urine, you are also helping to eliminate respiratory ailments, parasite infestations and other ills.

Balanced nutrition is essential. The ration you feed must be correct for goats. This aids in keeping your goats free of digestive disorders and is a goat's best defense against disease and illness. Of course, pasture is important, too. You may want to consider planting to improve your pasture. If you cross-fence your pastures and wooded areas, goats may be rotated from one site to another. This does much to aid in the control of parasites when done in conjunction with your regular de-worming program. Never let your goats eat grass that is short and close to the dirt unless you are prepared to fight a continuous worm problem. Consult your county extension agent regarding plants in your area that are toxic to goats. Some, such as mountain laurel, azalea and cherry are deadly and must be removed from the premises.

Stay up to date on the latest information on goat illnesses and herd management. It will be beneficial to build a library of books and publications written about goats by reliable authorities. Attending workshops and seminars that are offered by local colleges, goat clubs and county agents are invaluable. Talking with other goat owners may be helpful, but often proves to be confusing since opinions vary widely on goat care.

Keep good records. Milking records are your most valuable marketing tool when selling a doe or her kids. Medical records are a MUST. You may think you will remember when you last wormed or did some other medical procedure, but, all too often, memories fade and you fall down on the job.

Know a veterinarian that you can call. Don't wait until an emergency. A qualified vet with whom you have a working relationship is an invaluable resource, both for his diagnostic services and his treatment, as well. Make sure the vet you contact is interested in working with goats. Some plead total ignorance when it comes to goats, in which case, contact someone else.

MAILING ADDRESS:
HOEGGER SUPPLY COMPANY
P.O. Box 331
Fayetteville, GA 30214

PHONE: 770-461-6926 FAX: 770-461-7334

ONLINE: TheGoatStore.com