Essential Tips On How To Take Care Of Goats

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These are some of the essential tips on how to take care of goats.

• Find out as much information as you can about taking care of goats. Get some books, research online and find some people who have or who are currently raising and taking care of goats for a living.
• Consult with more than one breeder. See which one would give you a good deal on a goat. Find out about vaccinations and other things you need to know before you seal the deal.
• Make preparations for your goat prior to purchasing one and bringing it home. They will need a secure shelter, water and food.
• From day one, you will have to put your best foot forward with taking care of your goat. Try to stick to the same daily schedule. Spend time with the goat so that they can get used to your presence.
• Have a regular schedule that involves preventive maintenance that includes hoof trimming and maintain their coat. Their coat should always be cleaned and well groomed.
• If you don’t do anything else, always remember that goats are more content when they have company (other goats). They don’t like to be alone.
• Do not breed the goats past ten years old. If you do, they won’t live as long. The average life span is about 12 years, but some of them can live longer, up to 18 years. This is because they stopped breeding when they were supposed to. Breeding can take a lot of energy out of a goat. By the time they decide to settle down, they don’t have much energy left.
• When you put up fencing, make it so where the goat cannot easily access getting out. If you have easy access, the goat will be able to get out of the fence and roam elsewhere.
• If you have trees and bushes on your property, keep the goats away from them. They like trees and bushes. If they get near them, you won’t have them much longer. You won’t have to prune them yourself because they will do it for you.
• Don’t give goats more hay that what they will eat. It is part of their makeup to eat less than what you give them. Study them to see how much they eat. Then you can adjust your portions accordingly.
• Don’t be scared of your goat. There are times when they are aggressive. They will know when you are timid and can take advantage of that. Once they know that you can play their game, they will buckle down and act right.
• Your first goat should be a female (doe) goat. They are easier to deal with than male (buck) goats. Male goats require more energy and more experience for you to handle. They can be aggressive; if the male is a billy goat, they tend to emit a strong odor that you may not be able to handle right away.
• Keep your goat secured in the event of predators, such as a dog or a coyote. If they should get violated by one of them, check for injuries and take them to the veterinarian as a precaution.
• Always keep a clean and cool supply of water. Always keep a clean and fresh supply of bedding; when it gets soiled, change it immediately.
• Keep a set of hoof clippers and a brush for regular foot maintenance.
• Always keep a fresh supply of hay for them to eat. Keep healthy treats on hand, such as fruit or vegetable peelings, corn, black oil sunflower seeds and various grains.
• Make sure that the area for your goat is secured and fenced-in at all times; this can prevent them from running away as well as keeping out predators.

For more information on raising goats, click here.