GOAT CHECKLIST
GOAT CHECKLIST
BAAAA-D TO THE BONE: NEW GOAT CHECKLIST AND PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Welcome to our ultimate guide for new pet Goat owners! Whether you’re welcoming your first goat or adding another caprine friend to your herd, this new pet goat checklist includes everything you need to get started. From must-have goat supplies to our product recommendations, we aim to make your journey as a goat owner smooth and delightful. Let’s explore how you can create a nurturing and secure environment for your new hooved companion. Do not forget to read this in conjunction with our Goat Care Guide Baaaa-d to the bone (if you click the GOAT photo you can access this easily!) REMEMBER THAT WE WOULD ALWAYS RECOMMEND THAT GOATS ARE KEPT AS A HERD WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO!
SUITABLE Fencing
Here at Elkadiri Mini Farm we prefer to use Goat and Sheep Fence Panels as these are rigid panels designed specifically for small livestock. They have no sharp edges and are constructed to prevent injuries. They are sturdy and tall enough to prevent goats from climbing over or pushing through. We really love this business based in the Lake District - Fowrass Fabrication
2. SHELTER
Providing good housing for goats involves ensuring enough space, proper ventilation, dryness, and protection from the elements. In the UK, you can purchase suitable goat shelters from agricultural suppliers like Mole Valley Farmers and Countrywide Farmers, specialized retailers such as McVeigh Parker, and online marketplaces like Amazon UK. Custom-built options and DIY kits are also available for those preferring tailored solutions.
The Arbor Garden Solutions 12ft x 12ft Mobile Animal Field Shelter is ideal for goats due to its sturdy construction and mobility. The pent roof design ensures effective rain runoff, keeping the interior dry. The skids allow for easy relocation, providing fresh grazing areas and reducing wear on the land. Its spacious size accommodates multiple goats, ensuring ample room for movement and comfort. Additionally, its robust materials protect against harsh weather, making it a durable and practical shelter choice for goat owners.
3. DRY GOAT MIX
Fancy Feeds Complete Dry Goat Food is an excellent choice for goat owners due to its balanced nutritional profile, designed to meet the dietary needs of goats at all life stages. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, promotes healthy digestion with added fiber, and contains high-quality protein sources for growth and maintenance. Additionally, it supports immune health and overall well-being, ensuring your goats receive comprehensive nutrition in every serving.
4. QUALITY HAY
If goats are not on pasture, they typically eat about 2-4 pounds of hay per day, depending on their size, age, and health. This amount ensures they receive adequate fiber and nutrition to maintain their health and well-being in the absence of fresh grazing. For precise feeding requirements, it's best to consult with a veterinarian or a goat nutrition expert. We would recommend buying quality Hay from your local farmer or Farm Supply Shop. You can search Facebook Marketplace to easily find a good supplier. What we would recommend is the Shire Bale Tidy to put your bale of Hay in when transporting from the Farm Supply shop as it stops your vehicle becoming covered in Hay and is great to store your hay in at home also!
5. mineral block
Horslyx Smallholder Block is great for goats because it provides essential minerals and vitamins crucial for their health and productivity, promoting overall well-being and supporting optimal growth and development. Goats require a mineral block to supplement their diet, as it helps fulfill their nutritional needs, particularly for minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and salt, which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and overall metabolic balance.
6. RAISING GOATS FOR DUMMIES BOOK
You should read "Raising Goats For Dummies" if you're a new goat owner because it offers comprehensive guidance on every aspect of goat care, from selecting the right breed to managing health concerns, all presented in an accessible and easy-to-follow format. Its clear explanations and step-by-step instructions empower beginners to navigate the complexities of goat farming confidently, ensuring a fulfilling and successful experience in raising goats. We still refer to ours today after years of experience with goats!
7. NATURAL WORMER
We no longer randomly treat for worms because overuse of dewormers can lead to parasite resistance, and instead, obtaining a fecal test from a vet allows for targeted treatment based on the specific parasite load, promoting more effective parasite management while minimizing the risk of resistance development. We regularly use Verm-X for goats because it offers a natural alternative to conventional dewormers, containing herbs that are believed to support gastrointestinal health and help control internal parasites in goats.
8. HOOF TRIMMERS AND GROOMING SUPPLIES
The best advice for trimming your goat's hooves is to monitor them regularly for overgrowth and signs of discomfort, such as limping or reluctance to walk. Trim the hooves as needed based on individual growth rates and terrain conditions, aiming for a balanced trim that maintains proper hoof shape and minimizes the risk of injury or hoof-related issues. Remember, there's no fixed timescale for trimming; it's a proactive measure that should be done when necessary to ensure your goat's hoof health. Brushing your goat removes dirt, debris, and loose hair, promoting skin and coat health while also enhancing circulation and fostering bonding between you and your goat.
9. DISPOSABLE GLOVES
Disposable gloves are essential for goat owners to prevent the spread of bacteria and diseases between animals and humans, particularly when handling feces, administering medications, or treating wounds, ensuring both animal and owner health and hygiene are maintained. We love these medical grade biodegradable gloves.
10. HIMILAYAN SALT LICK
Goats need Himalayan salt licks because they provide essential minerals such as sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium, which are necessary for maintaining electrolyte balance, nerve function, and overall health. Additionally, the rough surface of the salt lick helps to wear down their continuously growing teeth, promoting dental health and preventing issues like overgrowth or malocclusion.
11. HAY FEEDER
We love the Breuaily Large Hay Rack for goats because it offers a convenient and hygienic way to provide hay, reducing waste and keeping the feeding area clean, while its sturdy construction ensures durability and prevents goats from tipping it over. It's crucial never to use a hay net for goats as they can easily get entangled in the netting, risking injury or even strangulation, posing a significant safety hazard and compromising their well-being.
12. GOAT RECORD KEEPING SUPPLIES
In the UK, keeping a goat record book is mandatory as per your CPH (County Parish Holding) to maintain a comprehensive record of goat movements, births, deaths, and medications administered, ensuring compliance with traceability regulations and facilitating disease control measures. This record-keeping is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the food chain, safeguarding public health, and enabling efficient disease surveillance and outbreak response within the goat farming sector.
13. IODINE SPRAY
As a goat keeper, you need to keep Gold Label - Iodine Spray to disinfect and protect wounds, preventing infection and promoting healing in goats, thereby ensuring their health and well-being. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool in maintaining good hygiene practices within your herd management routine, minimizing the risk of disease transmission and supporting overall herd health.
14. WATER TROUGH
The best water trough for goats is typically made of durable materials like galvanized steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ensuring longevity and resistance to damage from weather and goat activity. Look for a trough with rounded edges to prevent injury, and choose a size that accommodates the number of goats in your herd adequately, ensuring they have easy access to clean, fresh water at all times. Additionally, consider features like drainage plugs and mounting options for convenience and stability.
15. SCRATCHING POST
Goats love a scratching post because it helps them alleviate itching and discomfort, removes loose hair and debris from their coat, and stimulates blood circulation, promoting overall skin and coat health. Additionally, scratching posts provide goats with a form of enrichment and entertainment, satisfying their natural grooming behaviors and reducing stress and boredom.
16. PLAY AREA TOYS ETC
A Jolly Ball is good for goats because it offers durable, interactive play, encouraging natural behaviors like pushing, kicking, and chasing, which helps alleviate boredom and reduces stress in the herd, promoting physical activity and mental stimulation. Good DIY play area ideas for goats include creating platforms, ramps, and tunnels using sturdy materials like wood and PVC pipes to encourage climbing, exploration, and agility, while also incorporating items such as large balls, hanging toys, and treat dispensers to stimulate play and mental engagement, fostering a healthy and enriching environment for your goats.
17. DIATOMACEOUS EARTH - FOOD GRADE
You can use diatomaceous earth for goats by applying it in their living areas, such as bedding and pens, to help control external parasites like mites and lice, ensuring the earth is food-grade quality and avoiding direct inhalation to minimize respiratory irritation for both goats and humans.
Supporting Buttercups Goat Sanctuary:
At Elkadiri Mini Farm, our mission is deeply rooted in supporting animal-loving communities and eradicating cruelty and neglect towards all creatures, great and small. In alignment with our values, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Buttercups Goat Sanctuary, the UK's only registered goat sanctuary dedicated solely to providing relief and a safe haven for goats that have suffered or are homeless.
Buttercups Goat Sanctuary, located in Kent, offers a unique and invaluable service by rescuing goats and providing them with the care and love they deserve. As a sanctuary, they are committed to ensuring the well-being of these wonderful animals, many of whom arrive at Buttercups in desperate need of care and rehabilitation.
Why We Support Buttercups Goat Sanctuary
Our shared values of compassion, care, and commitment to animal welfare make Buttercups Goat Sanctuary a perfect partner for Elkadiri Mini Farm. Here are just a few reasons why we are excited to support their incredible work:
Rescue and Rehabilitation: Buttercups specializes in rescuing goats from neglectful or abusive situations, ensuring they receive the medical attention, nutrition, and social interaction they need to thrive.
Unique Focus: As the only sanctuary in the UK focused solely on goats, Buttercups provides a specialized and essential service that fills a critical gap in animal welfare.
Education and Advocacy: Buttercups not only cares for goats but also educates the public about proper goat care and the responsibilities of goat ownership, helping to prevent future neglect.
How Elkadiri Mini Farm's Community Can Support Buttercups Goat Sanctuary
We encourage our community to join us in supporting Buttercups Goat Sanctuary through various means. Here are several impactful ways you can contribute:
1. Donations
Financial contributions are crucial for the ongoing care and medical treatment of the goats at Buttercups. Donations can be made directly through their website, and every penny helps ensure these animals live happy and healthy lives.
2. Goat Adoption
For just £20 per year, you can adopt a goat at Buttercups Goat Sanctuary. This symbolic adoption helps cover the costs of food, shelter, and medical care for one of their residents. In return, adopters receive a certificate and regular updates about their adopted goat. This is a wonderful way to contribute to the sanctuary’s mission and feel personally connected to one of their charming residents.
3. Goat Experiences
Buttercups offers a variety of hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to engage directly with the goats. These experiences not only provide joy and education but also help support the sanctuary financially. We highly recommend their Goat Husbandry Courses, which are particularly beneficial for new goat owners. These courses cover essential aspects of goat care, ensuring that more goats receive the proper treatment and attention they need.
Join Us in Supporting Buttercups Goat Sanctuary
At Elkadiri Mini Farm, we believe in the power of community and the importance of standing together to protect and care for all animals. By supporting Buttercups Goat Sanctuary, we can help make a difference in the lives of countless goats who need our help. Whether through donations, goat adoption, or participating in their educational programs, there are many ways to get involved and support this incredible sanctuary.
Visit Buttercups Goat Sanctuary to learn more about their work and how you can help. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against animal cruelty and neglect, ensuring a brighter future for all creatures, great and small.