Showing Boer Goats

[QHlover]

I'm gonna get a bottle baby this coming spring and was wondering what care I have to give it from the very beginning. I'm new to goats any information as to how to care for them and what fencing I should use. This little guy would be a buddy for my horse (and yes she does get along with goats) and a 4h goat. I would prefer a doe just because there is a program here where you can sell your baby goats to other 4h kids. I would also prefer the kid to be a Boer. Thanks!

 

[Mf628]

Well first word of advice, be sure that the farm you are buying from is free from any contagious disease, including CL and CAE. Ask the breeder about how often they're dewormed, how often they get hooves trimmed, feeding, etc. When you go to pick up the goat, if it doesn't look healthy - don't bring it home! If the breeder tells you that the goat is "getting over" something, tell them you'll be back to get her when she's better

If you are getting a bottle baby, just remember that there's a reason why she's being bottle fed. It could be that the mother had more than she could care for, disease prevention (an uncommon practice for boer goats), or maybe the kid was sick. Again, don't buy an animal that looks weak or unthrifty. Make sure the kid has recieved an ample amount of colostrum. If you're using a commercial milk replacer, read the instructions on how much to feed and I reccomend feeding 3x a day. Be sure to get the kid started on grain and hay ASAP for optimal growth.

Good luck getting started!