How to Care for Boer Goats in Texas

If you have decided to raise Boer goats on your property in Texas, you have chosen an excellent breed. Boer goats got their start in South Africa, but were imported to the United States from New Zealand. With male Boers weighing up to 350 lbs., these goats are known for their quality meat products. Boer goats often are used to manage pastures as they help cattle ranchers clean land behind the cows. To be successful at raising Boer goats, keep them properly nourished, perform regular health checks and provide a safe pasture for your goats to flourish.

Things You'll Need

  • Hoof trimmer
  • Thermometer for liquids up to 150 degrees
  • Hay
  • Three-sided corral
  • Feeding bottles
  • Microscope with light
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed properly. Allow Boer goats to graze in a pasture, but keep them away from the poisonous wild cherry, hemlock, azaleas, or species of the laurel family. An ideal Texas pasture for Boer goats contains alfalfa and bromegrass or

      a mixture of clover and timothy, along with access to hay. Do not allow access to an overabundance of alfalfa as this can lead to bloat during spring and fall months in Texas.

    • 2

      Provide milk and water. Older Boer goats need plenty of water. Feed kids colostrum milk from a bottle rather than allowing them to suckle the doe. Put milk in a feeding pan when the kid is stronger. A kid can be fed cow's milk within a few days of birth. Heat milk for kids to 100 degrees. Provide no more than six oz. of milk every four hours on day one, eight oz. four times a day on day two, then 10 oz. four times a day for the next 10 days. For the next two months, the kids can be given 10 to 12 oz. of milk three times a day. Gradually reduce to twice a day, then once a day. A suggested schedule is available online (see resources).

    • 3

      Perform health checks and health maintenance. Purchase a microscope to perform fecal sample tests once a week to keep an eye out for parasites (see resources). If excessive amounts of parasites (more than 20 eggs) are present, the goats should be given a de-worming medication, which can be purchased at a local farming supply store. Inspect eyelids and gums to confirm they are a healthy shade of pink. Provide regular vaccinations. Kids should receive a tetanus shot before reaching 10 days old. Consult your vet on setting a schedule for shots. Trim hooves as needed. Some Boer goats need trimmings as often as once every other month. Other Boer goats may only require their hooves to be trimmed once a year, depending on how fast the hooves grow.

    • 4

      Protect the goats from inclement Texas weather by providing a shelter. A well ventilated corral is ideal. Provide room in the shelter for hay so it can be kept free of rain. Allow access from the shelter to the pasture.

    • 5

      Keep them company. Goats do not like to be alone and some will show signs of depression without companionship. Keep your Boer goat happy by providing at least one other goat.

    • 6

      Keep good records. Note when medications and vaccinations are administered, as well as dates hooves are trimmed. Record weights and herd information, such as when a kid is born. If you purchase or sell a Boer goat, keep records for your taxes.