Often goats face an uncertain future , due to people acquiring them without knowledge of their needs and personalities.
There is a misconception that they are resilient animals but they require more care and attention than is realized.
They need their hooves trimmed , good browse to eat , salt licks , company, adequate shelter and are prone to
worms . They also need a supply of fresh water always. Goats detest getting wet , not just because they are fastidious , but because they are thin skinned . As goats have so little fat under the skin , they are very susceptible to chills.
There are also a multitude of plants that are poisonous to goats.
Ideally , your goat should be able to run free within its own paddock with secure fencing. When you subject a goat to a life on a tether, you are making captive one of the most freedom loving animals.
Shelter
Goats detest getting wet and need adequate shelter that protects them from cold winds and rain. In the wild goats have caves and trees for their protection. The shelter can be a shed or even dog kennels , but must be draught free and warm . The following web page has some good information on goat shelters:
Nutrition
Goats have four stomachs as they are ruminants. The stomachs are essentially complex fermentation chambers. These fermentation chambers are filled with a variety of bacteria. When a goat feeds it is supplying the bacteria within their stomachs. The bacteria breakdown the feed and supply nutrition to the animal. Therefore it is essential that the goat have a good balance of fiber and roughage. Goats are browsers and contrary to popular belief will not eat anything. Goats are herbivores and also love to eat fruit and vegetables as treats. Having a paddock full of various browse (weeds, herbs, grass)will keep your goat happy .They will also need supplementary feed in winter such as hay and straw. Salt licks will give your goats needed minerals and a daily ration of iodised salt from your hand does wonders for your goat.
You may also give your goats pruning from trees that are non poisonous for them to eat . Willow is great as a natural wormer and has anti - biotic properties and they love it!
Often, roadside tethered goats suffer from malnutrition as they are forced to primarily eat grass and are forced to go over the same patch of ground.
Water
It is a fallacy that goats do not require water . Every animal needs water and goats are no exception. Fresh , clean water must be available at all times and changed regularly . A spoonful of molasses in warm water is tasty treat for them.
Worms
Worms can be a problem for goats , especially those confined to a small area and those forced to graze the same area. This article has some good information on worms in goats.
Hooves
Through the absence of natural wear and tear , the hoofs grow and become deformed and left untrimmed , the goat is at risk of developing foot or rot or becoming lame. It is important that goats do get their hooves trimmed regularly to avoid this.Some great information ,as well as instructional videos can be found here.
The NEED for companionship and proper care
Introductory information on goats
Tethered goats are often and usually kept alone and neglected . When you do this to a animal such as a goat (or any animal)they are relying solely on you to look after their every need. It can not be stressed enough that goats are social animals that NEED company , preferably of another goat. The tethered roadside goat lives a unhappy , lonely existence and to view a animal as nothing but a "lawnmower" used to keep grass down needs to change , especially when their needs are more complex.
You must ask yourself when thinking about getting a goat , why do i want a goat? do i have a paddock with adequate fencing? Am I prepared to have two goats?
Goats are intelligent , affectionate and fun animals that deserve better treatment and more understanding.
There is a misconception that they are resilient animals but they require more care and attention than is realized.
They need their hooves trimmed , good browse to eat , salt licks , company, adequate shelter and are prone to
worms . They also need a supply of fresh water always. Goats detest getting wet , not just because they are fastidious , but because they are thin skinned . As goats have so little fat under the skin , they are very susceptible to chills.
There are also a multitude of plants that are poisonous to goats.
Ideally , your goat should be able to run free within its own paddock with secure fencing. When you subject a goat to a life on a tether, you are making captive one of the most freedom loving animals.
Shelter
Goats detest getting wet and need adequate shelter that protects them from cold winds and rain. In the wild goats have caves and trees for their protection. The shelter can be a shed or even dog kennels , but must be draught free and warm . The following web page has some good information on goat shelters:
Nutrition
Goats have four stomachs as they are ruminants. The stomachs are essentially complex fermentation chambers. These fermentation chambers are filled with a variety of bacteria. When a goat feeds it is supplying the bacteria within their stomachs. The bacteria breakdown the feed and supply nutrition to the animal. Therefore it is essential that the goat have a good balance of fiber and roughage. Goats are browsers and contrary to popular belief will not eat anything. Goats are herbivores and also love to eat fruit and vegetables as treats. Having a paddock full of various browse (weeds, herbs, grass)will keep your goat happy .They will also need supplementary feed in winter such as hay and straw. Salt licks will give your goats needed minerals and a daily ration of iodised salt from your hand does wonders for your goat.
You may also give your goats pruning from trees that are non poisonous for them to eat . Willow is great as a natural wormer and has anti - biotic properties and they love it!
Often, roadside tethered goats suffer from malnutrition as they are forced to primarily eat grass and are forced to go over the same patch of ground.
Water
It is a fallacy that goats do not require water . Every animal needs water and goats are no exception. Fresh , clean water must be available at all times and changed regularly . A spoonful of molasses in warm water is tasty treat for them.
Worms
Worms can be a problem for goats , especially those confined to a small area and those forced to graze the same area. This article has some good information on worms in goats.
Hooves
Through the absence of natural wear and tear , the hoofs grow and become deformed and left untrimmed , the goat is at risk of developing foot or rot or becoming lame. It is important that goats do get their hooves trimmed regularly to avoid this.Some great information ,as well as instructional videos can be found here.
The NEED for companionship and proper care
Introductory information on goats
Tethered goats are often and usually kept alone and neglected . When you do this to a animal such as a goat (or any animal)they are relying solely on you to look after their every need. It can not be stressed enough that goats are social animals that NEED company , preferably of another goat. The tethered roadside goat lives a unhappy , lonely existence and to view a animal as nothing but a "lawnmower" used to keep grass down needs to change , especially when their needs are more complex.
You must ask yourself when thinking about getting a goat , why do i want a goat? do i have a paddock with adequate fencing? Am I prepared to have two goats?
Goats are intelligent , affectionate and fun animals that deserve better treatment and more understanding.