So you're bringing home a goat! Congratulations, now don't go getting carried away (that's my job- I'm the queen of over preparing! There's a lot available for sale, but not a lot you really need....
Fencing
I could, and should, write a separate post about fencing. But basically you need a fence to keep your goats in, and safe from wandering, and a fence to keep predators out, where they can't hurt your goats. (Notes for later: 1 way gates and 2x4 horse woven wire)
Shelter
This can be as fancy as a horse barn, or as simple as a lean-to. Pintrest has tons of great ideas. For bedding in our shed we use Pine Shavings.
Feed
Another new post is needed here! But at its most basic I feed B&G vintage feeds; Dairy Goat/Pro Sheep to my does in milk and Equinox horse to the dry does and kids. They now do NOT contain added minerals, I top dress with TruCare and have SweetLix available free choice with baking soda.
Basics
Here's a list, and I'll add links, of the most basic needs for your goats:
-A local goat vet. Call around, see who treats goats OFTEN not just "she will see them if needed." Introduce yourself, save their number, and ideally schedule a wellness visit.
-Hoof trimming sheers JeffersPet.com
-Hoof brush and pick CaprineSupply.com
-Divided mineral feeder JeffersPet.com
-Small feeding trough JeffersPet.com
-Safety/Breakaway Collars CaprineSupply.com
-Water buckets TractorSupply.com
Milking?
-non-return teat dipper JeffersPet.com
-chlorahexadine
-SS wide/shallow dish JeffersPet.com
-Milk filter/funnel CaprineSupply.com
-Disc Filters CaprineSupply.com these are a little than what I bought last
-Jar for milk CaprineSupply.com
*I milk into a SS pail and store milk in mason jars
Bottle Feeding?
-Pritchard lamb/kid teat JeffersPet.com
-CocaCola branded bottle
-raw goats milk or whole cow's milk
*warm milk on the stove in a pot of warm water, never in a microwave.
Resources
I began my research by checking out EVERY goat book my library's region had: its amazing how much variety is available when you source every library in the networks! I read through many, and bought my own copies of my favorite two, which happened to be:
-Your Goats, A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing by Gail Damerow
-The Goat Handbook by Ulrich Jaudas
A great podcast is Goat Talk with the GoatDoc and the best website out there is FiascoFarms which is also who I order herbal goat supplements from.
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