Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the age of your kid, you will need various supplies ready. For bottle babies, you will need whole cows milk, a bottle, and probiotics. You will want to start these babies on a high quality grass hay and then transition over to alfalfa once they are older. They will need to have access to fresh water and loose minerals at all times. I recommend having activated charcoal on hand as well in case they eat something they shouldn't. It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

No, goats are herd animals so you will need at least two goats for them to be happy and safe!

Goats can do well in various types of shelters. I prefer shelters that have at least three sides so they have an option to get out of the elements when they want to.

As long as the doeling is of adequate size, she should be able to be bred at approx. 8-10 months of age. The gestation period is five months, and after that you will have your own kids and delicious, fresh, goats milk!

Goats do not need coats or heat lamps. I actually advise against these. A draft-free shelter and deep straw bedding goes a long way in helping to keep them warm. Plus, they get quite fluffy in the winter!

This is a complete myth. They love to taste test everything, but are actually very picky with what they eat. They need high-quality hay as they will not eat or do well on low-quality hay.

Goats should only eat hay from a feeder - never off the ground. When they eat hay off the ground or low-cut grass they are exposed to parasites. Proper parasite control in a goat herd is a must as parasites can be detrimental to their health.

For young kids, feeding high-quality orchard grass is ideal. As they age, you can transition them over to horse-quality (preferably 2nd or 3rd cutting) alfalfa. Milkers need to be fed alfalfa and a dairy goat grain to help support their milk production and overall health.

Many predators will view goats as a tasty snack. Coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, bears, wolves, and more will want to go after your goats. You likely either need to have a Livestock Guardian Dog or a very secure, fully enclosed shelter that the goats are put into each night.