Would you like to enjoy a small group of goats as pets? Have a family milk/soap supply? Keep goats as part of a large acreage weed control effort? Become a breeder of a particular breed and exhibit them at shows? Perhaps you would like to begin a new venture with meat or fiber goats, but don't know where to begin? Or, is it possible that as a new goat owner you find yourself feeling as though almost all of your goat keeping efforts, whether it be housing, feeding, or various preventative maintenance routines are being done as the old saying goes,"by the seat of your pants" ? To follow are a few tips to help the new goat owner be proactive rather than reactive when considering appropriate goat tending.
Plan ahead before buying.
Do some initial research on the breed you are considering by contacting breeders, purchasing books on livestock, breed-specific periodicals or all-breed publications, and reading online. Contact the clubs and registries for that breed with a list of basic questions to begin learning about the breed's history, hardiness, overall care, written standards, personality traits, uses, etc. Ask about shows in your area, so that you might attend and learn about how the animals are evaluated, discuss the breed with exhibitors and others, and see quality goats firsthand. This will help in the decision on whether to purchase registered show stock, breeding stock, backyard companion pets, or grade (unregistered) animals, since prices can vary widely depending on your intentions. The show may be an opportunity to meet a knowledgeable and reputable breeder, even if your plan includes a couple of inexpensive backyard pets. Animals purchased from responsible breeders are very likely to be healthy and hardy and will come with basic instructions on care, as well as support after the sale. Note: Purchasing from sale barns, flea markets, or exotic animal sales should be cautioned against. While you may indeed be saving the life of a nice looking goat at the auction barn, you could also very well be bringing home diseased, ailing, health-compromised animals, which may require extensive and expensive veterinary medical attention, or ultimately tragic results. In addition, the chances of bringing home contagious organisms that will contaminate your farm's environment and other livestock is a definite concern. Remember that there is almost always a valid reason why the goats found at auction barns are there-they are likely being culled due to poor health, unproductiveness, contagious disease, age, or genetic defect in many cases.
Plan proper pens/housing/fencing/feeders.
After discussions and research regarding sturdy shelter alternatives, adequate pen/pasture area, safe and secure fencing options, and reliable, safe feeder choices, decide what the budget will handle and where and how to begin your setup. Acreage, terrain, type and size of goat that is being considered, purpose(s) of your goats, and whether or not goats are horned or hornless should all be considered, since the options are many, including electric fence, chain link, livestock panels, welded wire, large barn, utility shed, three sided lean-to, or calf hutches, just to name a few. Whatever the choice, the containment should securely keep the goats in and predators out, and not allow horns, heads or feet to become snared or entangled. All goats are curious, playful manipulators, and will find ways to escape, jump, open or otherwise destroy that which they can, and in doing so could seriously harm themselves!
Plan for periodic routine maintenance.
Hoof trimming, vaccinations, fecal testing, deworming, will all require scheduling and that the proper supplies be on hand. Use a calendar to track the timing of upcoming maintenance chores and periodic fecal exams to test for parasites. Using a calendar is a simple but very important tool because it will help keep your goats up to date on these necessary requirements, and it will be an historical record, preventing time from slipping away, forgetting when or even if something was done, without having to rely on memory. We all realize how those weeks and months slip by, and before we know it, hooves are overgrown again, vaccinations are overdue, fecal samples have not been checked in months and we can't remember which dewormer we last used! Purchase supplies beforehand and store them in a clean, dry place to be able to use when needed, rather than a panicked search when you can least afford it. Disposable needles, syringes, hoof trimming shears, latex gloves, balling gun, dewormers, antibiotics, vaccines, ointments, probiotics, electrolytes, etc., are all used by virtually every goat keeper, and an up-to-date supply should always be kept available.
Find a vet
Search out a good veterinarian (or two) ahead of time, so that a relationship can be established and phone numbers stored and easily accessed when the need arises, rather than phoning several in the midst of an emergency, only to be told that "we don't handle goats, sorry."
Plan feed supply and storage availability.
Learn what types of feeds are appropriate for the goats you intend on keeping, and have enough on hand, stored away from goat access and in airtight containers, free from mold, moisture, insects, mice and other varmints. Plan on how much hay and bedding materials will be needed, what type of hay to feed, where/whom your local source is, how much can be safely stored out of the weather, and how long that supply will likely last.
Market yourself and your herd.
Once a healthy herd is established and good recordkeeping is in place, marketing becomes necessary to expose others to your efforts, if your goal is to show, breed and sell. Learn how to market yourself as a responsible herd keeper. Become involved in breed clubs, registry associations and local fairs as a source for quality stock and as a supportive resource in your area. Simple inexpensive flyers or business cards posted locally at veterinary offices, feed and farm supply stores and in local newspapers can bring your endeavor to the public and peek the interest of those contemplating buying. National acknowledgement may take more time and expense, but with sound practices and quality foundation animals it is certainly attainable as a solid reputation grows.
As with any new hobby or entrepreneurial business, a bit of research and planning ahead is crucial so that tragic mistakes and steps backward are minimized. Whether your choice be a couple of backyard pets, family milkers, weed control livestock, meat, fiber, or show and breeding stock, develop a plan according to what will fit your lifestyle, acreage and budget. The right setup, some knowledge of the species and breed, healthy stock from reputable breeders, a network of supportive colleagues (other breeders and your vet), and good maintenance with recordkeeping will be huge factors in the long term for successful enjoyment of your new goats!
Ms. Putnam has more than 30 years experience in livestock husbandry and enjoys contributing to this and other publications with a focus on herd health and management, including maintaining a by-lined column in "The Goat Magazine" entitled "Beginners Basics." She and her registered herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats reside in southeast Wisconsin. Visit Prairie Oak Miniatures online at http://PrairieOak.com, post to the message board there, and inquire about "The Basics & Beyond; Goat Care and Management," now in its third edition.
