Are you considering getting some goats? Goats are not only lots of fun; they can be a great source of milk and cheese. Goat keeping isn’t necessarily difficult, but it’s important to know what you are doing, and what your hooved pals need to stay healthy and safe. It’s unfortunately all too common for novices to dive in without really understanding what they are getting into. Read on as a local vet lists a few common pitfalls to avoid.

Not Getting A Proper Goat Shelter

Goats are quite hardy, to say the least. However, don’t make the assumption that domesticated goats can withstand the type of weather that wild goats can. For one thing, wild goat breeds tend to be specifically adapted to certain climates. The rugged Mountain goat can survive frigid temperatures on nearly-vertical slopes, while the heat-loving Galla is more suited for the desert. All domesticated goats will need shelter from the weather.

As far as shelters go, you would need, at the very least, a three-sided shed. A barn is better. You’ll need to keep it clean, of course, which means removing waste daily and regularly adding fresh bedding.

Proper ventilation is very important. Otherwise, you run the risk of your goats developing respiratory issues. Inadequate ventilation can also contribute to mold and mildew, which can bring a whole slew of issues on their own.

Improper Diet

A good diet is the cornerstone of any decent pet care regimen. While you may have heard anecdotes about how goats will eat everything and anything, this actually isn’t the case. Improper nutrition can lead to a variety of health issues, including the following:

• Stunted Growth
• Lower Milk Production
• Poor Reproductive Rates
• Lower Immunity

Goats need good forage, which can be supplemented with grains and suitable supplements. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Not Enough Veterinary Care

Just like any other animal, goats need regular veterinary care to stay healthy. The good news? Most goats will be fine with annual exams and wellness care, though you will need to keep up with parasite control in-between visits. Follow your Derby, KS vet’s advice.

Not Getting The Right Fencing

As the saying goes, sometimes the devil is in the details. Choosing the right type of fencing isn’t just a matter of aesthetics. You’ll need something that will keep your buddies in their pen or paddock. Given that goats are great climbers who also are notorious for going under, around, and sometimes through things, this is an area where you don’t want to cut corners.

You’ll need something that’s tall and sturdy. Once you have the fencing installed, you’ll need to inspect it regularly. Don’t just check for weak spots, but also keep an eye out for things like sharp splinters and nails sticking out.

Skipping Hoof Care

Billy’s hooves are crucial to his mobility, which in turn impacts nearly every aspect of his health and well-being. However, it’s one of the most easily overlooked aspects of goat care. You’ll need to have your goats’ hooves trimmed and shaped regularly.

Making sure that your goats have clean, dry conditions is also important for preventing hoof issues, such as foot rot, which is a bacterial infection that causes pain, inflammation,  and lameness.

Too Many Goats

Another common issue? Putting too many goats in one place. Overcrowding doesn’t just lead to sanitary issues: it also causes friction between them. This in turn increases the risk of injuries. Diseases and infections are also more common in crowded conditions. 

Each goat will need at least 20 square feet of inside space and 200 square feet of pasture space. However, the more room you have, the better.

Lack of Parasite Management

Parasites are no fun to deal with, but they aren’t just a nuisance: they pose extreme risks to the health and safety of your herds. They can cause anemia, weight loss, skin infections, and even death. You’ll need to have a rigorous parasite control program. That should include not just deworming, but also fecal tests, pasture management, and proper sanitation. Rotational grazing can also help with this. (Giving pastures a chance to rest is also simply good land management.)

Overlooking Signs Of Illness

Goats can be tricky, in that sometimes they can get very sick very fast. It’s important to keep a close eye on them, and pay attention to even small signs that something is amiss.

Billy is susceptible to a whole slew of illnesses and injuries. Here are some of the most common ones: 

• Scrapie
• Peste des petits ruminant (Ppr) 
• Goat Pox
• Contagious Ecthyma 
• Viral Pneumonia 
• Enterotoxaemia
• Tetanus 
• Brucellosis 
• Mastitis 
• Metritis
• Dermatophytosis 
• Conjunctivitis 

Each of these of course has different symptoms. It’s worth your while to do some research and find out what to watch out for. That said, there are some general warning signs to look for.

Here are a few key ones:

Withdrawal

Goats live in herds in the wild, so they are quite social by nature. Even the goat that is at the bottom of the barrel as far as the pecking order goes will stay with or at least near the rest of the herd. Goats that don’t feel well often isolate themselves.

Lack Of Appetite

Goats are known for eating, well, pretty much everything. If you notice one or more of your goats aren’t eating, take immediate action.

Lethargy 

Healthy goats are pretty active, which is one reason they are so much fun. If you notice a goat that seems to be lying or sitting all the time, or just doesn’t seem to have much zest, there could be something wrong.

Unusual Vocalizations

Billy is pretty talkative normally. He’ll speak his mind with bleats, baas, and other noises, and may adjust his volume depending on how urgent his message is. A goat that is in pain may cry or vocalize in a distressed manner, which often sounds quite different than the typical goat noises. 

Bloating

Bloating can be a sign of several serious issues, including parasites and digestive problems. This can also be caused by a poor diet. For instance, if a goat eats too much rich food, like grain or alfalfa, they could get bloat. Take note if you spot a swollen abdomen.

Posture

Pay attention to your goats, and get to know what is and isn’t usual body language and posture. If your goat is sitting or standing in a stiff or awkward position, or appears hunched over, something could be wrong.

Trembling

Trembling isn’t something that we usually see in healthy goats. If you notice one of your goats trembling, contact your vet right away.

Discolored Gums

Pale, purplish, or bright red gums can also be signs of medical issues in goats.

Dull Coat

Healthy goats should have clean, fairly shiny fur. If Billy’s coat appears to be dull, greasy, or matted, or you see missing patches, there may be something wrong.

Here are a few other signs to watch for: 

• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Blood in stool or urine
• Vomiting
• Nasal/ocular discharge
• Abnormal breathing
• Abnormal swelling 
• Paralysis
• Fever
• Prolapses

The sooner an issue is diagnosed and treated, the better! Any of these things would warrant an immediate call to your Derby, KS veterinarian. We would also recommend that you immediately quarantine any goat or goats that you know or suspect may be ill. This may help prevent the spread of disease or infection to the rest of the herd. 

Make An Appointment At Our Derby, KS Animal Clinic

Do you need a great veterinarian that handles goats and livestock? Please do not hesitate to contact us anytime. As your local Derby, KS animal clinic, we are here to help.