KW Farms

Herd Management

Manageing our herd of goats can be quite time consuming and costly, but rewarding when done correctly and sufficiently. Since we have a large herd, we had to learn how to properly care and manage these little goats. I put this together, for general reference only, and to show potential buyers how our herd is cared for and what your new animal will have had. 

I disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this information and offer no guarantees of its effectiveness. I am not a veterinarian and do not intend that this be replaced or used as professional advice.

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Observing

Our goats are quite time consuming, but in taking the time to spend with them it ensures the herd will stay healthy and happy. Each day, we spend at least 30 minutes a day "goat gazing", basically just watching for any changes in mood, behavior, posture, etc. In doing so we can detect any health problems and get them treated quickly.

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Feed

Does: Our does are kept on high, dairy quality alfalfa/grass mix. This is fed free choice and we try to have hay available at all times through the year. We try to keep the them on pasture most of the late spring and early summer, but sometimes this is not always possible so the hay works well as a substitute. Lactating does and their kids get a special blend of grain from kidding to weaning. We like to use a mix of Show Goat by Nutrena, mineral and vitamin pellets, alfalfa pellets, and sometimes I add a little mollasses, sweet feed, raisins, or chopped apples.  

Bucks: Our bucks are kept on quality grass hay and put on pasture  and I like to add just a little alfalfa each morning, but not in the evening. During breeding season they get extra hay and I also like to put them on show goat mixed with vitamin and mineral pellets.

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Salt and Minerals

I like to have just a plain white salt lick available at all times. I also like to keep a tub of free choice minerals out in the passture and a seperate tub of baking soda that they can lick free choice. During kidding season and in winter months I like to have a Sweetlix block available for extra protein and calories. I also, will sometimes ad goat vitamin powder to the minerals such as Revitilyte Plus.

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Deworming

I like to deworm the entire herd, generally, twice a year. This has seemed to work well. I usually like to use dewormers such as Invermec Plus, Valbazen, or Cydectin. There is a good website on dewormers that has lots of valuable information, http://www.fiascofarm.com/goats/wormers.htm . You should consult with your veterinarian about what would work best for you and for your climate since different areas will have different types of worms.

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Hooves

I like to trim hooves about every 3 months and have never had a hoof problem. We like to use a small nipper, you can usually find one at your local feed/tack store. We also use a small horse rasp and pick. If you can find a pick with a brush on the other side, those work pretty well and will get all dirt and debris out of the hoof. Before showing, we like to take a hose and spray and lightly scrub the hoof clean.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Shaving/Clipping

In late spring/summer months, (June, July, August) we like to shave our goats with a show style clip. This lets us take a better look at the animal's conformation, but also keeps the goat cool in the hot sun, and helps prevent lice and fleas. In our region it can get up in the high 90s on a typical day, during the summer so shaving really helps them. We also like to bathe the goats after shaving so it get any loose hairs, dirt, etc. out of the coat. They may hate the bath, but they will be much happier once they dry off and realize how much nicer it feels with a clean coat. However, we will bathe our goats only once a year, unless there are certain circumstances. Goats hate getting wet and we feel that bathing them more than once a year can cause unecessary stress.

Here are a couple examples of our goats shaved and ready to show...

 

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Other Care

During stressful times such as going to a new home, harsh weather, moving pens around, weaning, etc. I like to give the goats Probiotic Plus Paste and/or Power Punch, both are given orally.

I tend to give Bo-Se shots twice a year, 5 weeks before kidding and a month or two before breeding season.

Bottle Feeding: We prefer not to bottle feed unless it is necessary, like if the mother rejects the kids or doesn't have enough milk supply for all the kids, etc. Bottle babies are cute and fun when they are little, but when they get older, they seem to be very mouthy, loud, and just plain annoying.

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Kidding Season

To prepare for kidding season we like to use moveable hog panels. These work very well since the bottom of the panels are small so the kids can't get their heads stuck or slip through to get out. We always have fresh straw available to keep the babies and mothers warm and cozy. We choose straw over shavings since it tends to make a cozier bed and keeps the warmth in, although the straw is harder to clean than shavings. We try to be there for every birth, but sometimes that just isn't possible. If we are there though, we have lots of towels on hand to help if needed. All we usually have to do is dry off faces to ensure the babies quickly receive air and don't suck any "goop" into their lungs. It is always so fun to watch the babies find their feet and search for that first meal. Once the mothers have delivered, we like to give them warm water (cold if in summer) mixed with a dab of molasses, fresh hay, and a treat such as alfalfa pellets or sweet feed. They have definately earned it!

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Kid Care

If purchasing a kid from us, this is what they will have before leaving, unless otherwise noted.

Day One: We like to be there at birth to wipe noses, make sure the kids are strong and healthy, and make sure they get a good amount of colostrum, and also dip navals. Also, once they are dry and are standing well we will handle them, hold them, and basically desensitize them so that when they go to their new home and are grown, they will trust people and be easy to handle and play with.

Day 3-6: I like to give them a dose of Probios to make sure they are getting all the "good bugs" and are off to a good, healthy start.

Week 1-3: We will disbud the kids somewhere between this time depending on the horn growth rate, size, etc.

Week 1-3: We tattoo the kids 

Week 3: We generally treat for cocci

Week 5: BoSe shots

Week 8-10: Band bucklings that will be sold as wethers

Week 8: CD&T shots

Week 10-12: CD&T Booster

Week 10-12: The kids will be dewormed with Valbazen dewormer.

Week 10-12: The kids will have already been weaned if going to a new home

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If you have any questions feel free to ask. I usually know of  some good websites on goat care too. You can also check out our Links page for goat care and management website.