The Goat Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Your Hooves Dirty
Howdy, y'all! Welcome back to Feathers + Family! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of goats. Whether you're dreaming of a backyard herd or just curious about these charming creatures, we've got you covered with everything you need to know before welcoming goats into your family. In fact, this quick guide would have came in handy before we decided to grab our goats a few years back.
Space Matters: Before bringing home your new caprine friends, make sure you have enough space for them to roam and graze. Goats love to explore, so a securely fenced area is a must.
Companionship Counts: Goats are social animals and thrive in the company of their own kind. Consider getting at least two goats to keep each other company and prevent loneliness. We are so glad we brought two home when we did because they are great friends. It is also very entertaining to watch them play together.
Feeding Frenzy: Goats are natural foragers and enjoy a diet of hay, fresh grass, and browse. They also need access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Health and Wellness: Like all animals, goats need regular check-ups and vaccinations to stay healthy. Establish a relationship with a local veterinarian who is familiar with goat care.
Shelter from the Storm: Goats need shelter from the elements, including rain, wind, and extreme heat or cold. A simple shelter with good ventilation will keep them comfortable year-round.
Fencing Fun: Goats are notorious escape artists, so invest in sturdy fencing that can withstand their curiosity and climbing abilities.
Grooming and Maintenance: Goats need regular grooming to keep their coats clean and healthy. They also need their hooves trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrowth.
Training and Socialization: Goats are intelligent animals that can be trained to do simple tasks and enjoy human interaction. Spend time with your goats every day to build a strong bond. This truly makes a difference.
Breeding and Reproduction: If you plan to breed your goats, do your research and be prepared for the responsibilities of kidding and raising baby goats.
Local Regulations: Check with your local government or homeowners' association for any regulations or restrictions on keeping goats in your area.
Owning goats can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared for the commitment. By considering these factors before bringing goats into your family, you'll be well on your way to a happy and healthy herd. Our little herd of two, Reese and Buster, are wonderful for vegetation control around our property and for family companionship. And, although they cannot officially protect our chickens from predators, they love hanging out right outside of the chicken run. We are convinced that their presence alone actually does discourage predators in the area from getting too close to our ladies in the hen house. It has been a win-win for our little growing farm.
Stay tuned for more tips and tricks from Feathers + Family, where we're always ready to talk all things feathers, fur, and family!
'Til next time, friends!
Blaina Jo
P.S. Check out our adorable goats the day we first brought them home. Reese and Buster were so tiny then and we sure didn't know what we were doing. Thankfully, they have stuck it out with us along our learning journey and have become such a special part of our family.
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