Feeding
We mostly provide a grass/alfalfa mix hay. Some breeders recommend straight alfalfa
especially for the does but we feel our hay supply has a nice proportion of alfalfa & grass. We
also provide grain to the does twice daily (approx 1/2 cup each - more for the does in milk) and
we provide alfalfa pellets on the extremely cold days. Fresh water is provided at all times.
Occasionally animal crackers are provided as special treats.
Housing
All goats have at least a 3-sided run in; the does all have indoor barn access; barn stalls with
heat are used for kidding and for kids.
Vaccines
All goats are given CDT vaccines at 6 weeks of age plus at 5 weeks prior to kidding and/or
annually.
Worming
Females are given herbal wormer on a weekly basis so as to not interfere with milking; males
are wormed twice yearly.
Disease Management
All goats added to the herd are carefully screened. Thus far goats have been tested for TB &
Brucellosis for interstate/international shipping and all test results have been negative! Our
herd is isolated and since we have not done any showing thus far, the herd has not been exposed
to any other goats, sheep, etc. We had our first whole herd disease tested for CAE, CL &
Brucellosis. We are working with the Federal Vet to achieve the TB-free Herd Accreditation
which will allow for interstate transfers to certain states without having to incur the costs and
hassles of having each goat TB tested. Additionally, we are enrolled in the Scrapies
Certification Program and underwent our first whole herd inspection in August, 2007.
Kid Care
All our kids are bottle raised and given colostrum and milk from their dams. All kids are
disbudded at approximately 5-7 days of age; the majority of our bucklings are wethered (via a
band) at approximately 6 weeks of age; just a few select bucklings are permitted to stay in
tact and become bucks. The following is the approximate feeding schedule we follow for the
kids:
- Days 1-2 - colostrum on demand (approx. 4-6 times per day)
- Days 3-14 - goat milk 4 times per day; also introduce small amounts of hay and
fresh water during week 2.
- Weeks 3-4 - goat milk 3 times per day
- Weeks 5-8 - goat milk 2 times per day; also begin to introduce small amounts of
creep feed during this period.
- Weeks 9-10 - this is the weaning period so the kids just get goat milk 1 time per
day and/or 1/2 bottles until they are weaned.
- If the kid is small or weak, they will receive be bottle fed for up to 12 weeks.
- A preemie/newborn bottle is used for the 1st week and then they are transitioned
to pop bottles with Pritchard nipples.
- The quantity of colostrom/milk provided to each kid varies - they are allowed to
drink until full when they are younger. At around 3-4 weeks, they are given a 8-10
oz bottle for the Nigerians and 10-12 oz. for the Alpines & Mini-Alpines).
- If goat milk is unavailable whole cows milk can be substituted but it is preferred
that the kids receive goat milk from their dams for at least 2 weeks or as long as
possible.
- All kids live in our home for one to two weeks to receive the maximum human
attention possible. Weather permitting, they spend time outside in close proximity
to the house during this time so they get acclimated to being outdoors and for
exercise & fresh air.
- By two weeks of age, the kids move to kid stalls in the barn which are specially
equipped with a heated/insulated kid hutch*, a bottle rack*, a small water bucket
(to avoid accidental drownings), hay & grain bins, and at least one round log for the
kids to jump and play on.
* Custom built kid hutches and bottle racks can be special ordered and built for
your needs.
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