The complete goat care guide
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- 2 Aug 2023
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As social animals, goats require ample space for exercise and roaming, along with adequate shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions, particularly during the colder season. They are unique and intelligent animals that are relatively easy to keep but do best in pairs or herds.
When housing goats, ensure the shelter is big enough for them to move around comfortably. Smaller breeds need at least 135 square feet per goat, while larger breeds need double that. The shelter should be dry, draft-free, and well-ventilated, with a door that can be closed. The ground should be covered in soft material and the fences outside should be at least four feet high and made of chew-proof material to keep goats enclosed.
What to feed your goats
In addition to providing adequate housing, it is also essential to provide your pet goats with plenty of fresh water and food. Goats are herbivores and need a diet of hay, grass, browse, and supplements. They should also always have access to clean water.
- Hay is the most important part of a goat's diet. It provides them with roughage, which is essential for their digestive system. Hay should make up the majority of a goat's diet, and they should be able to eat it freely throughout the day.
- If you have pasture available for your goats, they can graze on grass throughout the day. However, if you do not, you can provide them with fresh grass hay.
- Browse is the term for leaves, twigs, and other plant material that goats eat. Goats love to browse, and it helps to keep their teeth healthy. You can provide them with browse by planting trees and shrubs in their enclosure.
- Goats may need additional supplements depending on their age and breed, such as vitamins and minerals.
What should goats not be eating?
- Goats should not eat human food, particularly junk food such as sweets, crisps or cookies. These foods are not nutritious and can make your goats sick.
- Nightshades are a group of plants that are poisonous to goats. These plants include tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.
- Grapes and raisins are particularly bad for your goat's health, as they can cause kidney failure.
Conducting your Goat MOT
When caring for goats, and any other animals, you should maintain a regular routine to check for any signs of ill health.
- The eyes and nose should be clear of discharge and clean
- The mouth needs to be free of sores or lesions
- The ears should be free of debris and clean
- The skin should be free of lesions or parasites and smooth.
- The coat should be shiny and free of mats.
- The hooves must be clean, free of cracks, and trimmed regularly to the correct length.
Your goat’s behaviour can tell you a lot about its health, which is why it is an important factor to consider when checking over your 4-legged friends. They should be showing signs of alert and active behaviours, not acting lethargic.
If you are concerned about your goat’s health, always speak to a veterinarian to seek advice on what to do.
