12/05/2026
Here are ten essential tips for successful goat farming:
1. Invest in Robust Fencing
Goats are legendary escape artists. If a goat can get its head through a gap, the rest of the body will likely follow. Use high-tensile woven wire (often called "no-climb" fencing) rather than simple strands of wire. Ensure it is at least four to five feet high to discourage jumpers.
2. Start with a Minimum of Two
Goats are highly social herd animals. A solitary goat will become stressed, loud, and potentially destructive. Always keep at least two goats; they depend on one another for emotional well-being and security.
3. Focus on Parasite Management
Internal parasites (especially the barber pole worm) are the leading cause of death in goats. Avoid "calendar worming" (worming everyone on a set schedule), which creates drug-resistant parasites. Instead, learn the FAMACHA system to check eye membranes for anemia and only treat the goats that need it.
4. Provide Proper Ventilation
Goats are prone to respiratory issues like pneumonia. While they need a dry, draft-free place to sleep, their housing must have excellent ventilation. Ammonia buildup from urine can damage their lungs quickly if the air is stagnant.
5. Prioritize Hoof Care
Goat hooves grow continuously, much like human fingernails. Depending on your terrain, you will need to trim them every 6 to 10 weeks. Overgrown hooves cause pain, promote rot, and can lead to permanent lameness.
6. Understand "Browse" vs. "Graze"
Unlike sheep or cows that graze on grass, goats are browsers. They prefer eating "from the knee up," favoring brush, weeds, and tree leaves. If they are forced to eat close to the ground, they are much more likely to ingest parasite larvae.
7. Mineral Supplementation is Vital
Goats have high mineral requirements, particularly for copper, selenium, and zinc. Most soils are deficient in at least one of these. Provide a loose high-quality goat mineral "free choice" (available to them at all times) rather than relying on mineral blocks, which are often too hard for their tongues.
8. Secure Your Feed Storage
Goats are opportunistic eaters but have sensitive digestive systems. If they break into a bag of grain, they can overeat and suffer from "grain overload" or enterotoxemia, which is often fatal. Always keep grain in latched, metal containers.
9. Build a "Goat First Aid" Kit
Emergencies often happen after hours. Keep a kit stocked with:
A digital thermometer (a goat's normal temp is 101.5\text{--}103.5^\circ\text{F})
Antiseptic spray
Electrolytes
Bloat treatment (like liquid dish soap or Co-Ral)
Hoof trimmers
10. Buy from Reputable Breeders
Avoid "sale barn" goats if you are starting out. These animals are often stressed or carrying hidden diseases. Buy from breeders who test for CAE, CL, and Johne’s disease, which are chronic conditions that can ruin a herd before it even begins.
