School me on goats!! | Animals | Forums

Goats are some of the more labor intensive animals I have owned. Its not true that you can just toss them out and let them be. They have specific feed and mineral needs, especially copper. They need regular hoof trimming and worming. Worm overloads are responsible for more goat deaths probably than anything else. They need vaccinations and clean feed and water. They are not touh like cows and need decent shelter with good ventilation.

All that said.... they are the sweetest creatures on earth and if you have a heart you will love them. Your heart will break when you lose one.... They are one animal I would tell you to know more than the basics before you even get the first one. When you do go to buy... buy from somebody straight off the farm...no sale barn animals. By from a herd certified tested negative for CAE, CL, and Jonnes. CL  is a nightmare disease, CAE a little less so. Buy at least 2 at a time as they are herd animals. One goat is an unhappy goat.

I hope I haven't discouraged you, but wanted to be honest about the many responsibilities of goats. I just sold the last of my French Alpines this year. Strictly cows here now, which are much hardier.... and have much less loveable personalities, lol.  Good luck on your goat ventures!!!