How to Care for a Nanny Goat

Although they have been known to nibble on paper products on occasion, the stereotypical image of nanny goats contentedly munching on tin cans couldn't be further from the truth. Also called does, nanny goats (adult females) require special care, including a forage-based diet and regular preventive health care, particularly if they are pregnant or giving milk. Whether you're planning on maintaining a herd of commercial meat does or you just want to get one or two nannies to keep your other livestock company, understanding the basic care requirements for a nanny goat is essential to keeping your caprine companions in good health.

Things You'll Need

  • Hay
  • Grain
  • Water
  • Minerals
  • Baking soda
  • Plastic sandwich bag
  • Hoof trimmers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your nanny goat forage (plant materials) every day. As ruminants (animals with a four-part stomach), goats need to consume pasture or hay daily in order to remain healthy. High-quality alfalfa hay is a good choice for milking or pregnant nanny goats, since it contains extra protein that their bodies need. Less expensive grass-based hay, such as timothy or bromegrass, works just as well for pet nannies as long as it's not moldy. Keep your hay feeder or manger full of hay at all times; your nannies will eat as much--or as little--as their bodies need.

    • 2

      Provide grain and water. Nanny goats must have 24-hour access to clean, fresh water, especially if you're milking your does. Give a grain mix that is specially formulated for goats. According to Gail Damerow, author of "Your Goats," you should provide your nonlactating nanny with 1/2 to 1 lb. of grain each day, depending upon her body condition. As a general rule of thumb, give a milking doe about 1/2 lb. of grain for every pound of milk she produces.

    • 3

      Give your nanny goat free-choice minerals and baking soda. Make sure you provide your goat with trace minerals formulated specifically for goats in order to ensure that she's getting the essential minerals she needs, such as copper, iodine and selenium. Baking soda helps balance the acidity level in your goat's stomach, keeping her from getting upset stomachs. According to Damerow, goats typically consume 2 tbsp. of baking soda daily.

    • 4

      Check your goat for internal and external parasites. Goats are particularly susceptible to stomach worms, especially Haemonchus contortus, a worm species that sucks your nanny's blood and can cause anemia, weight loss and death. Check the inside of your nanny goat's lower eyelid once weekly for color; ideally bright pink or red, it will be pale pink or grayish if your goat has a heavy load of stomach worms. Collect a sample of your goat's manure in a plastic sandwich bag right after she gives birth and again during the fall so your veterinarian can run a worm check and provide you with worm medication to control them, if necessary.

    • 5

      Trim your nanny's hooves once every one to two months, depending upon how quickly they grow. Using hoof trimmers, carefully slice away small sections from the base of her hooves, making sure you keep the bottom of the hoof trimmed parallel with the hairline at the top of the hoof. Stop trimming when you see faint tinges of pink through the center of the hoof flesh.