OK, so you bought a goat, preferably two as they are herd animals and will do much better with a companion. Now what should I do before I actually bring them home. The best advice I can give on top of all this is to purchase A guide to Raising Dairy Goats, this book is packed with information and advice on illnesses, disease, feed, housing, breeds, and so much more. Pick it up before you get your goat home, it will save you time, and money, and most of all from being stressed.
Step One: You have to build a shelter for them to stay warm in cold weather, dry in wet, and cool in hot. The shelter can be made simply of some free pallets, some plywood, 2X4's and some paint. The dimensions can be 4x4x4, or as big as you care to go. the size mentioned will house two goats easily. It might not be great for your back as you will be bending over to clean it out from time to time.
Step Two: You need a tank for water, this should be no less than a 25 gallon tank, but a nice 75-100 would be better. Less refilling (Unless you have a goat who loves to poop in the water, lol) I am dumping my tank every morning and filling it. Knowing this is the routine I don't fill it completely.
Step Three: You need some basic health supplies on hand; thermometer, some 18g syringes for injections, Clostridium (CDT) shots (Can be bought at any local livestock store), iodine, if milking some udder balm, mastitis test strips, clean rags (purchase bulk white wash cloths). These need to be refrigerated! Some deworming medication for your yearly shot, and you need some livestock Amoxicillin on hand again, this needs refrigerated. This is for colds, external wounds that might get infected, respiratory issues and so forth.
Step Four: You will need to consider your feed. When doing so please be aware that you must keep you alfalfa dry at all times. If it gets wet, it gets moldy. You will also need a bag of good sweet grain (Rocky Mountain) makes a great one. A mineral block for the goats to lick on when they need, and free choice minerals. Free choice, meaning that you leave it out and filled all the time.. The grain & minerals can be purchased at local livestock store. I would do some calling around for Alfalfa, as most feed stores charge outrageous amounts for it. The typical price is from $6-10 a bale. One bale will feed one goat for 4 days. 2 flakes a day is about what you want you goat eating.
Fifth: You will need some tools; a stanchion, hoof rasp, hoof clippers, a collar (no metal, the plastic break free type), a pick for getting the dirt out of the hoof.
These are just a few of the basics you should have on hand at all times. There are many, many more items, but they are for another blog post!
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