Goat Keeping : What you need

So now you know you're getting your goats, where are you going to keep them and what are you going to feed them?

Housing

I read somewhere that you should allow a minimum of 8ft x 4ft for two goats. Off the top of my head, I can’t remember quite how big ours is but we made it slightly bigger, just ‘incase’. We also added a large store room to one side of it to store bags of food and hay – make sure these are kept securely locked up because they’re incredibly nosy/greedy and really will try to much their way through in no time at all!

Again, google is your friend. Take the time to have a look at how other people house their goats.

Some people leave their goats out all night with a field shelter in their enclosure. This is obviously personal preference but I personally wouldn’t and we found that the farm we purchased from was of the same opinion. Enclosed housing helps them to shelter from the heat or cold or wind and rain (goats hate rain!). Not only that but its also peace of mind for you to know that they’re safe.

Ensure your housing is sturdy because they will itch themselves against the walls and play, knocking themselves into the walls. For bedding you can use wood shavings and straw. Ours push their straw to the corner, underneath the hay rack, and settle down for the night.

As with any animal, it is really important to keep the hut as clean as possible. We give ours a full sweep and clean out once a week with a general clean out as required.

It should also be mentioned that they generally like to sit up off the ground. We have some old straw bales that we’ve popped in to a corner and ours love to jump and sit on there too.

Inside, they will need access to food and water. We have a trough for their feed, a hayrack on the wall. A mineral lick and a bucket held upright inside a tyre.

Feed

Always check what the current owner is feeding them! The bacteria in a goats stomach will react badly to sudden changes in their diet. We have tried ours on a number of different foods, mainly so we can work out what we can use as bribery treats. Our method – Google first to see what information we can find, try them on a small bit and see what the reaction is, check their droppings between then and the next day (as best you can!). If everything looks ok and they like it, its ok!

We were lucky that the farm we purchased our goats from used the same animal feed supplier, which has meant continuity in their diet. They have a small tub full of dry goat mix with a handful of sheep nuts thrown in. They also have access to a hay rack throughout the day. Our boys do seem to prefer eating straw, which the vet has assured us is fine, so we also leave some straw about for them.

You should also ensure they have access to a mineral lick. We use a Rockies Red Mineral Lick, you’ll find they give this a lick now and again.

Nearly everyone I speak to about goats thinks they’ll do a great job of keeping the grass ‘mown’ and destroying the plants and trees. This hasn’t been the case for us! Goats are grazers and will nibble here and there. Ours love the leaves that are currently falling!

A word of warning, its worth having a look at plants and items that are poisonous to goats. Whilst small amounts can be tolerated (so I’m told), others can cause serious illness and even fatality. Leylandi are one such item and we have a hedge that adjoins the neighbours garden. Fortunately it is behind the electric fence and out of their reach.

Other

Other items you’ll need include a collar and lead for transporting them home securely. Its also a good way of keeping control of them for trimming their hooves or vet visits. I haven’t found many goat suppliers out there but I have used Homestead Farm Supplies who were very helpful and also have a reasonable range of products available.

You will need to trim their hooves regularly so make sure you have a pair of garden shears or hoof shears. Its personal preference which you use, the vet said garden shears were fine and so that’s what we use. Trimming the hooves isn’t something I do, I get the task of holding them whilst its done. Our boys will happily sit on my lap like a dog, enjoying a good fuss whilst my boyf trims. Have a look on You Tube for some how to videos or ask your vet who will be more than happy to show you.

I think that’s everything! If you have anything to add or any tips you would like to share, please don’t forget to leave a comment!

Also, the RSPCA have an excellent booklet available online, all about goat keeping. Its a fairly big booklet but it is well worth a thorough read.

NB: This isn't a definitive list but should definitely get your started!