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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