NEW KID CARE |
I've been raising Pygmy goats for about 9 years. I hope y'all will find this helpful. When you purchase a goat, ask about its diet. I advise everyone to not feed horse feed because of the copper content. Purina Goat chow (sold at Hertzler's) is the best goat feed I've found. When introducing any new feed, start them out gradually. Don't overfeed! Just be careful of mold in feed and hay. Feed a good quality hay. My goats like the white salt bricks, so I keep those available. For treats, they love saltine crackers and bread. Symptoms of toxic reaction: vomiting, frothing at the mouth, crying, rapid breathing, trembling, staggering....try to identify what the goat has eaten and call a veterinarian immediately. I call Deer Creek Veterinarian Service....598-3759...for house calls... routine shots (tetnaus, rabies,) and emergencies. I've found it is best to call when the first signs of illness are noted...usually it gets worse, not better without treatment. Keep the water supply fresh and clean. This is especially important if you buy a wether (castrated male). Goats should be wormed . Check with your Vet. about a good wormer to use. ( I use Zimecterine for all my goats EXCEPT the pregnant does.) Check for holes in your fencing. My goats and kids try to get under, rather than over fences.. Some of them can open gates too! If you chain your goat, check on it occasionally. It needs water, shade, shelter and protection from dogs. TRIM HOOVES WHEN NEEDED. Goats can become cripple if their hooves aren't trimmed. |
GOAT BOOKS: PYGMY GOATS MANAGEMENT AND Veterinary Care AIDS TO GOATKEEPING RAISING MILK GOATS SUCCESSFULLY THE PYGMY GOAT PET OWNERS' MANUAL is a good reference book. I usually have a few extra in case new pet goat owners want to buy one. My cost, including postage to get the book is $8.00 and that's the price I sell them. |
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