goat /ɡōt/noun
a hardy domesticated ruminant animal that has backward curving horns and (in the male) a beard. It is kept for its milk and meat and is noted for its lively and frisky behavior. One of the more difficult livestock to keep due to their curious behavior and keen ability to climb just about anything.
Goats are the second fastest growing livestock animal in the United States, right after chickens. Who can disagree, they are cute, gentle creatures who love to run around and play. There are variety of breeds out there including some mini or dwarf breeds which are great for the city slickers. They are easy to care for and are wonderful yard cleaner uppers. Remember goats are herd animals, so get at least two to socialize or you will have a very loud goat. They tend to call out if all alone.
What foods are safe for goats?
Goats enjoy browsing wooded or heavily brush areas rather than grass.
They need good hay, goat minerals, water and grain (if pregnant or nursing). Hay can either be legume hay (clover or alfalfa) or carbonaceous hay (timothy, brome, orchard grass) mixtures.
Bucks must stay away from corn as it could cause urinary tract infections and/or blockages.
DO NOT feed goats moldy hay or straw as this could lead to a potentially deadly disease listeriosis in goats.
Providing proper shelter for goats
Goats need shelter from the wind and rain as well as protection from predators.
Dog houses are great to use for the dwarf size goats. They love to climb and may stand on top of them at times.
Woven fencing is recommended over welded as the goats could potentially break the welded fence if the stand or rub against it. You will want at least a 4’ high section approximately 10’ x 15’ sq ft per goat.
The fence should be 4” x 6” for regular goats and 2” x 4” for horned or miniature goats, you don’t want the horns to get stuck.
Goat Shelter & Fence
Build
One of our recent builds was truly a “scrap build” Did not even need to venture out to the local hardware store as all of the materials used was actually found on-site, remnants of previous projects around the farm.
Measuring 3’x 5′ our weekend project goat shelter build is complete with upper and lower shelter areas, anti-slip 4×4 ramp and wrap around elevated decking.
Dangerous plants for goats to eat
Weeds toxic for goat breeds
bracken fern, buttercup, common milkweed, foxglove, lantana, locoweed, poke weed, spurge, st johns wart, water hemlock, poison hemlock.
Trees toxic for goats to ingest
cherry, chokecherry, elderberry, plum, ponderosa pine, and yew.
Harmful Plants for goats to eat
azelea, kale, lily of the valley, oleander, poppy, potato, rhododendron, rhubarb, tomato leaves.
Toxic / Dangerous Plants for Goats
Goats are grazing animals and the species in general sets the bar high in comparison to other backyard grazers. Goats love to browse, and unfortunately for them; they will eat just about anything. Including some fairly common plants that can be dangerous for your goat to eat. Having the ability to spot these plants on your property can prove essential to establishing a healthy herd and to prevent unnecessary heartaches.
Our list is not complete, however if you believe on of your backyard goats may have eaten a plant that is toxic / poisonous for your goat, contact your veterinarian immediately . If possible try and collect any of the plant so that they can be identified.
General care for your pet goats
Goats should be wormed, have their shots and hooves trimmed regularly.
Shots can be done at a vet or purchased from a local feed store. Goats (miniature, dwarf & larger breeds) will need 2ccs of C&D with Tetanus at 12 weeks of age and another set 2 weeks later. This is good for a year.
Worming is based upon goat’s weight. Some recommendations are Ivermectin Plus, Safeguard or Zimectrin.
Goat Gifts, Goat Apparel & More!
Looking for a gift for someone who really loves goats? Well alas you have found us! Goat Shirts, Goat Gifts, Goat Apparel and more available in our country store. We continue to update regularly so make sure to sign up for our newsletter and check back often! Looking for something specific? Let us know and we can make it!