Buying goats for my kids and need some info for a newbie. Please help!

[browneyebuttafly]

We decided to buy some goats that are Pygmy/Nigerian Dwarf mix. I believe both are whethers 8 weeks old. I've been researching for hours on this site and other online sites. I keep getting different answers on things. I basically need to know EVERYTHING about raising goats. Some people say feed alfalfa hay all year around while some site said only in the winters. I also read that in the winter feed them pellet food, then again to feed year around. So I'm very confused on what to do. Also, she is asking $50 for each of them....is this a good deal. We were already at her farm and they seem very well cared for and in a clean environment and they are current on vaccinations. They are very sweet! So can somebody tell me all the info I need to know (food, vaccinations etc.) or give me a link as to where to get this information? I'm still going to continue my search It's very much appreciated!

 

[cmjust0]

You're not going to find a single source of "correct" information. You're going to read one thing here, and another thing there, and the two things are totally going to conflict with one another, which means you're going to have to decide which one makes the most sense to you, and for your particular situation.

Two sites that are frequently recommended to newbies are:

Fias Co Farm and Tennessee Meat Goats...

...but keep in mind that I could take you right this second to bad information on both sites.

Fias Co's probably the better of the two for beginner basic stuff, though, and most of the wrong stuff I've found there is actually fairly benign..

The TMG site -- while it contains a lot of pretty decent technical information -- also contains some really disasterous advice...like, resting pastures for a mere three weeks to let barberpole larvae die off.

If not for the idea that people actually read that and apply it as a parasite control strategy, it would be utterly laughable.. Since people listen, though...it's frankly kinda scary.

So...ya...run through Fias Co, first.

 

[browneyebuttafly]

Thanks so much! I just want to make sure I do everything right for these babies. I do have a nice fenced in area for them and a dog box that I had built for my Lab/Boxer mix and an English Mastiff. Now that I got rid of the Mastiff, I don't need it because I can keep my Lab in the house for long periods of time if need be. Anyways, I was just worried about giving them too much or too little of the necessary foods they need. I'll continue my search and will also get information from the breeder when I pick them up. Thanks for your help. I'll check those sites out right now

 

[glenolam]

Here's more info to confuse you!

I often find myself telling people the most basic info I think is needed to know is this:

Hay free choice.

Water free choice.

For wethers, grain is not a necessity, but if you want to give it to them, they really don't need much. I feed 1/2 cup - 1 cup (depending on the season) and I mix alfalfa pellets in my wether's grain as it helps with UC (similar to kidney stones in humans).

Hoof trimming is necessary - I do it when they need it.

CD&T shots should be given at 4 weeks and 8 weeks (ages vary depending on who you talk to), then every 6 months after or annually, depending on what works for you. Dose is 2 ml regardless of age/size.

Kids should be dewormed for coccidia at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 9 weeks (you can search this forum for coccidia and see the different treatments). If your wethers weren't treated, they may be OK, but it probably won't hurt to deworm them if they haven't.

Worming for different parasite/worms depends on whether or not your kids have worms to begin with. Everyone will tell you that fecal exams are the best way to determine if you actually need to worm your goats or not.

Lots of love and attention! Give those boys some stuff to play on and have fun!

 

[browneyebuttafly]

Thanks We already have a kids play gym to put in there pen. i've heard that they like to climb on it and even go down the slide lol. I also plan on getting some big rocks or logs to put in there too. They will definately be spoiled rotten!

 

[glenolam]

One of the best toys I made was with a 2x4 and 2 logs the same height. Nail the 2x4 to the top of the logs and viola - a balance beam!

 

[browneyebuttafly]

Wonderful idea!!! Easy and fun

One of the best toys I made was with a 2x4 and 2 logs the same height. Nail the 2x4 to the top of the logs and viola - a balance beam!