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M & M GOAT RANCH
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M & M GOAT RANCH -- LIST OF SUGGESTIONS
URINARY CALCULI PREVENTION: ( Wethers)
1. Make sure the feed you are using has ammonium chloride added ( check the label on feed sack )
2. You may want to add ammonium chloride to feed as an extra precaution (1/2 teaspoon per goat per day / mix with feed )
3. Make sure water is CLEAN. They need water and may not drink enough if it is not clean.
4. It is a good idea to use a feed that is also medicated to prevent coccidiosis.
5. Provide daily free access to hay. If using Alfalfa hay, give it in limited amounts.
6. Make sure feed does not contain milo.
7. A ration of 2:1 (two parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus ) in the feed greatly reduces the chance of urinary calculi.
FEEDING AND WATERING:
1. In addition to the above you may want to keep baking soda available as free choice for belly aches.
2. Feed twice a day of commercial pellet type feed. ( 14 to 18 % protein )
about 6 to 8 ounces each time for up to 30 lb kid ( some feed sack labels include suggested amounts )
about 10 to 12 ounces each time for a 60 lb kid
about 1 lb each time for a 90 lb. and up kid.
3. Change water daily or more often if needed to keep CLEAN. Clean, fresh water at all times is VERY important.
4. Keep feeders clean. They will not eat from a feeder that has goat poop in it.
5. You may want to add a little Showbloom to feed around 30 days before the fair. (read directions on label for amount for goats ) -- If you are close to weight limit do not use.
6. Try to keep records of weight gain on a weekly basis so you will know if you are feeding too much or too little. ( some goats grow faster than others )
7. If changing feed types or brands, do so gradually. Sudden changes in feed can make them sick.
8. If you are raising 2 or more goats that are not the same size or age, you may need to feed them separately in order to keep one from getting all the feed.
9. READ the feed sack label. If your feed does not contain salt, you may want to have some available free choice.
10. If you use an all stock feed, it may fill them up, but they may not get all the nutrients they need.
11. On average, a goat kid with the right nutrition should gain 2 to 3 pounds per week.
OTHER ITEMS TO CONSIDER:
1. Trim hooves when needed to keep them growing straight and correct.
2. If your goats have access to pasture, you may want to treat them for worms every 30 days. ( this is usually not a major problem if confined to a pen with no grass )
3. WATCH them urinate. If a wether and they are having trouble urinating, immediate attention is needed.
4. Work your goat in short sessions. Don't over work them, but they do need to be worked and exercised.
5. You can use Permethrin to keep flies off. (available at most feed stores)
6. It's a good idea to brush them often. This also gets them used to you and keeps their coats clean.
7. Keep medication on hand for cuts or punctures.
8. Keep an eye on your goats. The tail should be up and the head should be up and alert. If not, it may not be feeling good or may be getting sick.
9. Goats DO NOT like rain. Make sure you have a shelter of some sort for them. They may sleep in the hot sun, but they need to get out of the rain.
10. Goats are herd animals. It is harder to raise a single goat by itself. It is a lot better to raise at least 2.
DEHORNING OR TIPPING:
1. Most rules allow tipping the horns to the diameter just larger than a dime. This is what we suggest. We believe that dehorning completely will set your goat back . We also believe the horns help keep the goat cool in the Summer. If they must be de-horned completely, it should be done when they are just a couple of weeks old.