How to Care for Goat Breeds

Goats are intelligent, comical and clean farm animals bred for their milk, fur and, sometimes, meat. They are a popular 4-H project and may be shown at fairs around the country during the summer months. Keeping goats is a full-time, year-round job that many adults enjoy as a hobby. Generally, all goat breeds have the same general needs to remain healthy. These needs include food and water, shelter, maintenance of their coats and hooves, housing and veterinary care. Preventative care and tending to the goat's needs will help keep the goat healthy and less likely to succumb to illness.

Things You'll Need

  • Grain
  • Mixed grass hay
  • Straw
  • Water heater
  • Water bucket
  • Water
  • Hoof trimmer
  • Shears
  • Blanket
  • Fencing materials
  • Goat-and-sheep salt lick
  • Vaccines
  • Wormers
  • Ventilated shelter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your goat 1 lb. of grain per pound of weight. If the goat has access to pasture, you may be able to feed him less grain. During the winter, give the goat extra grain if you live in a cold climate. This will help him maintain energy and stay warm. Allow access to a mixed grass hay. Alfalfa hay may cause digestive upset and diarrhea.

    • 2

      Provide access to warm drinking water. Goats prefer water that is room temperature or about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not let them drink cold water or they will become too cold. In the winter, the water may need to be heated if you live in a cold climate.

    • 3

      Allow free access to a salt lick. Use the same kind of salt lick available for sheep. Do not use a salt lick made for cattle. Put it where they will not go to the bathroom on it.

    • 4

      Provide your goats with ventilated shelter and clean bedding. In the winter, the ventilation prevents moisture buildup, which can cause the goats to get respiratory illnesses.

    • 5

      Arrange to have your goats sheered once or twice a year, depending on the breed. If it is cool outside, keep them in the barn or put a warming blanket on them until they get used to their new short coat.

    • 6

      Trim the goat's hooves every 2 months or 8 weeks. Failure to maintain the hooves can lead to deformities or injuries and infections.

    • 7

      Keep your goat's pasture free of poisonous plants. Some of these plants include conifers, iris, azalea, rhubarb leaves, laurel, privet, milkweed, white betony and beet leaves. Call the vet if you think your goat may have been poisoned. Make sure the goat walks around until the vet arrives. This prevents the goat from chewing its cud.

    • 8

      Vaccinate your goats on a regular basis. Every goat needs to be vaccinated against clostridial diseases, such as enterotoxemia and tetanus. Goats should be wormed in the spring or as directed by your vet.

    • 9

      Build a fence using woven horse fencing with 2-inch by 6-inch grids. The grids are too small for the goats to put their heads through, and horse-fencing wire is a heavier gauge. The fence should be at least 4 feet tall with fence posts placed 8 feet apart. The fence posts should be supported to keep the fencing taught.