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Goats
General Care
 

Goats are herd animals and for that reason we suggest that you should keep at least two goats. A solitary goat will tend to call for a herd mate and be lonely.

Goats should be fed twice a day and they should always have fresh water at their disposal. They are fastidious animals and will not eat or drink anything that has been soiled. Providing goats with mineral salt is essential to good health. We use a loose mineral salt. Baking soda is also provided on a daily basis to help neutralize the rumen and aid in preventing bloat. They will only eat it if they need it. Any and all food changes and additions should be done very slowly weaning them onto the new food items. Our neutered males (wethers) are not fed any grain and are kept on a low protein hay. This will help prevent urinary calculi which can be problematic in wethers. We do not have any intact males (bucks) because being a rescue we do not breed animals. Our does (females) are usually dry (not producing milk) and receive very little grain. We feed Orchard hay and Tifton 44. They enjoy occasional treats such as apples, bread and raisins in moderation. Goats being browsers get tree trimmings as well. Be sure to check with your local veterinarian or County Extension office to find out what plants and trees are toxic to goats.

The shelter you provide for your goats will vary according to the region in which you live. Goats must be kept out of drafts. We are located in Florida so our shelters are three sided and open in the front. Goats dislike the rain so by having the front of the enclosure open allows them to get out of the rain while allowing ventilation during the hot summer.

Annual vaccinations are recommended. Please consult your veterinarian. Most dog and cat veterinarians do not care of farm animals. It is important that you find one that does prior to needing one. Since goats are prone to lice check their coat periodically for them. A goat that rubs up against a fence as though it is itchy may have lice or could be shedding it’s winter coat. We brush our goats every couple of days and check them all over. During that time we take the opportunity to check their hooves to see if they need to be trimmed. We usually trim hooves about once a month.

Goats are very intelligent, fiesty and curious. They are very determined and usually accomplish any task that they set their mind to. Do not underestimate them. They have a lot of personality. Goats make great pets in the right setting. Please bear in mind they are a seven day a week twenty four hour a day responsibility. Their average life span of 8 -15 years.

Normal Values for Goats
Rectal Temperature:   102 - 104 degrees
Respiration:  15 - 30 breaths per minute
Heart Rate /  Pulse:  70 - 90 beats per minute
Ruminations:  1 - 2 per minute