  Animal Care - Goat Care |
Goat CareGoats climb. They like to climb on cars, rocks, roofs, and anything that seems climable. They are clever and will learn to open gates if not securely latched and will find places to escape if fences are not secure. Fences should be at least five feet tall. That means five feet taller than any rocks next to the fence that goats will climb and jump off of. One rule to remember with goats is that if you give them an inch, they'll take an acre. Goats should not be left tethered without supervision. This is more dangerous for them than it is for dogs.Goats eat lots of roughage. This means they like tree bark and branches, so protect your trees! Goats also eat just about all plants they can find. Make sure the plants in their reach are not hazardess to their health, potentially fatal. Some of the common plants to watch out for are; Azaleas, Rhododendron, Oleander, Potatoes, and Rhubarb. On the West Coast, good forage hay is the best feed available. Alfalfa is too rich. Goats do not need food in the form of pellets. Sweet mix is a treat best given very sparingly, if at all. An occasional carrot makes a great treat. They will also need a mineral block and lots of fresh clean water. Goats need to have their hoofs trimmed regularly unless they walk on very rocky soil. Goats need yearly vaccinations and worming. Unaltered male goats smell and can be aggressive. Male and Female goats are very stubborn. Goats are herd animals. If they don't have other goats to live with, they will want to be with their humans as much as possible. Goats live 15 to 20 years. Goats cannot have their horns removed except when they are very young, before the horns grow. If dehorned before they grow, they may grow anyway. Goats must be protected from coyotes, dogs, rain and heat. They need an inside place. Cement floors are not good for goats, or any animals really. They are cold and hard, causing arthritic conditions. Goats can become susceptible to respiratory illness, so keeping them dry and warm is important. As with all animals, fresh air and sanitary conditions are important. Straw is one of the best beddings for goats. Though they will eat it. The added roughage is actually good for them. Please contact us for any additional information regarding goats! We're here to help! You'll Need Adobe's Acrobat Reader To Print |
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