What are the Basics of Raising Goats?

Goats are affectionate animals and can be raised for food, milk, textiles, or as an unusual pet. With the proper care and feeding, a person can raise a goat that will produce offspring of its own. There are a number of important elements to raising goats, including choosing the right animals, providing a comfortable place for them to sleep, feeding them the right food, and helping them to stay healthy. Raising goats can be a rewarding activity if they are cared for properly.

It's best to buy goats from 4-H clubs or breeders so the buyer can thoroughly check over the animal. Auctions are noisy, fast-paced affairs, and an inexperienced buyer may end up with a sub-par goat. When choosing a goat, the buyer should comb through for lice, check the eyes for clarity, and make sure the coat is smooth and shiny. The goat should appear well-fed, happy, and alert. The breeder should be able to provide immunization records and a medical history.

Although goats like to roam around during the day, they need a clean, dry place to sleep. A sturdy goat pen should be built out of good, solid wood. It should have a secure gate for the goat to go in and out, and to make cleaning the pen easier. The goat owner should construct a pen that is big enough to hold an extra goat or two, just in case he wants to add more.

The pen should include a roof to keep the goat dry; alternatively, the pen can be kept in a barn or shed. A layer of hay, straw, or grass should fill the pen, and be changed at least weekly. Larger goat farms should be fenced in with at least a 4 or 5 foot (1.2 to 1.5 m) wire fence. In cold climates, the pen should be well insulated and goats should be kept indoors in the winter.

In the wild, goats subsist on scrubby grass and small plants. Raising goats requires a more nutritious diet. Domestic goats enjoy alfalfa hay. Full-grown adults will consume about 5 pounds (2.26 kg) of hay every day. While doe goats are pregnant or nursing, it's a good idea to feed them a protein-rich grain mix as a supplement. The mixture should contain about 15% protein.

A mineral brick should be provided to keep goats in good health. Angora goats are finicky eaters, and need cottonseed cake and yellow corn as additional supplements. Food should be stored somewhere where the goat can't soil it; a raised hay manger is a good idea to keep the hay off the ground and make it easier to fill. Goats are grazers and will snack on grass, weeds, and other plants, too.

Buck goats can be temperamental and difficult to keep. When breeding season rolls around in September and October, a local stud can be hired to come service the doe goats for a few days. If the owner wants to raise a male goat himself, he should make sure to keep the buck in a separate pen.

In most cases, a local veterinarian can ensure a goat receives important vaccinations. Goats also need to have their hooves trimmed regularly. When raising goats, the most common health problems are parasites and pneumonia.

Worms can be treated with drugs, but parasites are becoming more resistant to medicines so it's best to focus on prevention. A balanced and nutritional diet is essential to keep a goat's immune system in tip-top condition — all the better to fight off parasites. Also, parasites are easily passed along, so goats should not be kept too crowded in their pen and grazing areas.

Goats require a balanced diet, fresh water, shelter, and secure fencing. Nutritionally, they need hay, pasture, grains, and minerals. Shelters protect them from weather extremes and predators. Regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and deworming, is crucial. According to the American Goat Society, goats also need social interaction, so raising at least two is recommended for their well-being.

Space requirements for goats vary depending on breed and activity level. Generally, each goat needs about 200-250 square feet of outdoor space. For indoor housing, plan for 10-15 square feet per goat to ensure comfort and reduce stress, as recommended by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

A sturdy, well-ventilated shelter that provides protection from wind, rain, and sun is best for goats. It should be dry and draft-free, with ample space for all goats to rest comfortably. Bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, helps absorb moisture and maintain warmth. The shelter should also be easy to clean to prevent disease.

Proper goat nutrition includes a diet of quality forage, hay, a balanced grain mix, and free access to minerals. Fresh, clean water should always be available. The nutritional needs vary by age, size, and purpose (dairy, meat, or fiber), so consult a veterinarian or a goat nutritionist to tailor the diet accordingly. The National Research Council provides guidelines for nutrient requirements of goats.

Common health issues include parasites, respiratory infections, and hoof problems. Preventative measures include regular deworming, vaccinations, proper nutrition, and clean living conditions. Regular hoof trimming prevents foot rot and other hoof diseases. Monitoring your goats for signs of illness and consulting with a vet when necessary is key to maintaining their health.

Goats are known for their ability to escape, so sturdy fencing is essential. Woven wire fencing with openings no larger than 4 inches is effective. The fence should be at least 4 feet high to prevent jumping. Electric fencing can also be used as a deterrent. Regular fence maintenance is necessary to prevent gaps and weak spots.