Raising Healthy, Happy Goats

Congratulations, you bought a goat. What now?

1. Make sure you have the paperwork in order.
Registration Papers or Bill of Sale (ask seller)
Health papers if needed (are you crossing state lines?) Ask your Veterinarian.
2. Do you have a way to transport her?
Truck, trailer, or car? Goats aren't picky - they are very good riders. If you are using a pickup, make sure she is cross-tied securely with a good collar that won't come off over her head.
3. Do you have a place to put her when you get home?
She needs a fenced area that is escape proof and a draft free shed. Provide clean water and a hay feeder that she can't climb in, tip over, or mess in.
A separate place to milk a fresh (milking) doe is best. A stanchion with a headlock and a grain pan work well. A large can with a lid can be used to put her grain in and a 1# coffee can works great for a grain scoop. Make sure that the goat(s) can't get into this can or they will make a mess and possibly kill themselves from overeating.
4. What equipment do you need?
Is this a milker or a dry animal?
You need a milk bucket, a wash bucket, teat dip, paper towels, and patience for milkers. Other equipment needed for all animals - hoof trimmers, lead ropes, collars, brushes, buckets, thermometer, first aid supplies, betadyne, and many other misc. items.
5. Where can I get equipment?
There are many good supply houses that carry everything you could ever need for goats. Your local farm supply store will have some things, but usually they are not geared toward goats.
Here are some goat supply catalogs:

Caprine Supply - All kinds of goat supplies
P.O. Box Y
DeSoto, KS 66018
(Phone orders) 1 800 646-7736
(FAX orders) 1 800 646-7796
www.caprinesupply.com

Hoegger Supply Company - All kinds of goat supplies
P.O. Box 331
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(Phone) 770 461-6926
(FAX) 770 461-7334
(Orders) 1 800 221-4628
www.hoeggergoatsupply.com

Parmak Electric Fence - Solar Electric Fencers -My Parmak is still going strong after 11 years of continuous use!
Parker McCrory Mfg. Co
2000 Forest Ave
Kansas City. MO 64108
(Phone) 816 221-2000
(FAX) 816 221-9879
(Toll Free) 800 662-1038
www.parmakusa.com

www.baygard.com

Premier - Lots of fencing supplies and ideas. Mostly sheep supplies but some good goat stuff. Supplier of Official Government Scrapie Tags for your goats & sheep (order through the State Vets Office)

2031 3000th Street
Washington, IA
(Phone) 800 282-6631
(FAX) 800 346-7992
www.premier1supplies.com

info@premier1supplies.com

Hamby Dairy Supply - New and used dairy equipment
2402 SW Water ST.
Maysville, MO 64459
(Phone) 800 306-8937
Www.hambydairysource.com

Hds@ccp.com

Register's Sheep & Goat Supplies - Lots of goat supplies
3398 Gabe Smith Rd
Wade, NC 28395
(Phone info) 910 484-9606
(Phone orders) 888 310-9606
www.goatsupplies.com

f.register@worldnet.att.net
-----------------------------------------------
By Leslie A. Applegate
The Goat Source
13611 NCR 9
Wellington, CO 80549
Copyright by The Goat Source
August 8, 2005
All Rights Reserved
No part or portion of this publication may be reproduced by any means
mechanical, or otherwise without express written consent of The Goat Source.

www.goatsource.com

goatsource9@cowisp.net

Good Luck and enjoy your new goat!!

Leslie, The Goat Source