Getting Ready For Our First Goats: What We're Buying

Feb 12

Welcoming goats onto our homestead is an exciting endeavor that requires thorough preparation. To ensure the health and happiness of our new herd, it's important that we have all the necessary supplies ready before their arrival. This guide provides a comprehensive list of everything we have purchased or plan to purchase to meet the needs to care for our goats, from housing to healthcare and kidding essentials. Everything in bold is what we recommend to be purchased before any goats are on-site. We hope this list helps you create your herd when the time comes!

Housing and Infrastructure
Nigerian Dwarfs Goats require at least 20 sq feet per goat of shelter area. Males older than 12 weeks should not be housed with females and should have a separate designated shelter until time to breed.

We plan to build a 10 x 20 ft lean-to kidding barn, and milking parlor combo structure designed to provide shelter, a safe space for kidding, and a designated area for milking. We will have a 4' x 10' milking parlor, two 5' x 8' kidding stalls, and 8' x 10' indoor and 20' x 6' outdoor shelter area.

Shelter Decor:

Solar Pendant Lights: Lighting solutions for our off-grid goat shelter to be well-lit when needed.
Wall Paper: Used on the back wall of the kidding pens to help make them waterproof and easier to clean and disinfect.

Milk Parlor:

Milk Stand: Essential for safe and efficient milking sessions. I plan to have this on day one, so I can train my bottle babies to get onto it every day, for easier milking when they begin.
Milking Machine: Easier for faster milking that doesn't hurt my hands. This will come later down the road, but we are definitely planning to invest in a machine.

Fencing & Pasture Maintenance

Fencing: Secure your grazing areas to keep your goats safe. We plan to use Premier 1 PermaNet 12/48/3 Fencing.
Electric Fence Energizer: Premier PRS Pro 100 Solar Energizer - Can energize 5-7 rolls per the Premier 1 website.
Goat Pasture Forage Seed: Location specific pasture and forage seed.

Nutrition and Feeding Equipment

Pasture Feeders and Wheeled Feeders: These feeders help distribute feed evenly and can be easily moved for rotational grazing.
Mineral and Baking Soda "Feeders": We plan to use these 4" PVC pipe feeders to house our minerals and baking soda.
Goat Minerals: Ensure your goats receive all necessary vitamins and minerals.
Baking Soda: Ensure you have baking soda available to your goats at all times for self-serve if they need if for an upset stomach or to balance their rumen.
Alfalfa Hay: Provide plenty of hay to aid digestion and keep your goats healthy. (Female goats only).
Timothy Hay: Recommend for wethers and bucks.
Orchard Grass Hay: Recommend for wethers and bucks. I mix 20% into my alfalfa for my does.
Goat Feed: Invest in high-quality feed that is specifically formulated for goats. (Only for pregnant and lactating goats, I will not feed my goats "feed" any other time).
Feed Storage Bins: Keep your hay and feed dry and protected from pests.

Water Supplies

Rain Catchment System Barrels: Food grade barrels and gutters to provide water to the automatic waters.
Automatic Water Buckets: Ensure your goats always have access to fresh water, which is vital for their health.

Maintenance and Monitoring Tools

Security Cameras: Install cameras to monitor your barns and ensure the safety of your livestock. We use blink camera
Goat Hoof Tools and Trimmers: Regular hoof care is essential to prevent foot ailments.

Health, Hygiene, and Emergency Medical Supplies

Microscope and Fecal Testing Kit: Perform on-site health diagnostics to manage parasites effectively.
Goat Shampoo: Regular baths will keep your goats clean and help prevent skin issues.
Digital Thermometer: A quick and accurate way to check a goat’s temperature. Always have a dedicated animal thermometer.
Veterinary Stethoscope: Essential for listening to heart and lung sounds, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions like pneumonia or monitoring heart health.
Precision Tweezers: Useful for removing foreign objects such as thorns or splinters from a goat's skin.
Medical Scissors: Used for cutting bandages or trimming hair around a wound. Ensure they're sharp and made of stainless steel for durability and hygiene.
Latex or Nitrile Gloves: To maintain hygiene and protect both the caregiver and the goat during treatment.
Cotton Balls and Swabs: Useful for applying medications or antiseptics to small areas.
Self-adhesive Bandages: These bandages stick to themselves but not to fur, making them ideal for securing dressings without causing discomfort when removed.
Gauze Pads: Useful for covering wounds to absorb fluids and protect from dirt and bacteria.
Vet Wrap: Flexible and water-resistant, vet wrap helps secure bandages in place and provides support and protection for injuries.
Iodine Solution: Used for disinfecting wounds, iodine solution is a staple for cleaning cuts or abrasions before bandaging.
Chlorhexidine Solution: An alternative to iodine, this antiseptic is effective against a variety of pathogens and is less irritating to skin and wounds.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Useful for cleaning wounds initially, but should be used sparingly as it can damage new tissue.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Injectable on hand is essential for treating or preventing polioencephalomalacia, a life-threatening condition in goats caused by thiamine deficiency that can lead to severe neurological symptoms and requires immediate intervention.
Vitamin B Complex: This is crucial for goats, especially in times of stress, illness, or recovery. Vitamin B complex helps improve appetite, energy levels, and proper digestion. It is particularly important for goats recovering from illnesses or for pregnant and lactating does, as it supports overall health and vitality. The choice between oral and injectable forms usually depends on the specific health condition being treated, the speed at which treatment is required, and ease of administration. For routine supplementation, oral solutions are generally preferred, but for acute care, injectables are more effective. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the best form and dosage for your goats' health needs.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes are essential, especially when goats are dehydrated or suffering from diarrhea. They help maintain fluid balance, support healthy nerve and muscle function, and can quickly restore vital minerals and hydration lost during heat stress or sickness.
Calcium: Important for pregnant and lactating does, calcium supports bone health and is crucial for proper milk production.
Probiotics: These supplements help maintain a healthy gut flora, which is essential for digestion and overall health. Probiotics can be especially beneficial after antibiotic treatment or during digestive disturbances.
Selenium: Prevents and treats White Muscle Disease, especially critical in regions with selenium-deficient soil. Supports immune function and enhances overall health.
Vitamin E: Often administered with selenium to enhance its effects. Supports immune function and overall health, and is crucial for preventing oxidative damage in body tissues.
Zinc: This mineral is vital for skin health, wound healing, and overall immune function.
Permethrin Spray or Pour-On: To treat lice
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): To prevent lice and other mites.
Fenbendazole (Safeguard or Panacur): Effective against a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal parasites including stomach worms. Fenbendazole is often chosen for treating pregnant does as it is considered safe during pregnancy. Available as a liquid or granules that can be mixed with feed.
Valbazen: Broad-spectrum dewormer effective against tapeworms, liver flukes, and lungworms, in addition to the usual gastrointestinal worms.
Cydectin: Effective against a broad range of internal and external parasites, including those that are resistant to other dewormers. Pour-on, injectable, and oral drench forms.
Clostridium Perfringens Types C&D Antitoxin: critical for immediately neutralizing toxins from overeating disease, especially during high-risk periods like purchasing new goats, breeding, kidding, or dietary changes, ensuring rapid response to prevent fatal outcomes.
Various Sizes of Syringes: Include a range from small (1-3 ml) for vaccines or precise medication dosages, to larger sizes (10-20 ml) for administering oral medications or drenches.
Needles: A variety of gauges and lengths to accommodate different types of injections and uses. Common sizes for goats include 18-22 gauge needles, which can be used for administering vaccines or medications.
CD&T & Rabies Vaccines: Protect your goats against common diseases.

Kidding Supplies

Emergency Contact Information: Have contact information readily available for a vet or an experienced goat breeder who can provide assistance or advice during complicated births.
Kidding Pens: Provide a safe and warm environment for goats during the birthing process. There should be a separate area for the kids if needed. I recommend a 5x5 area for a Nigerian Dwarf Goat doe and a 3 x 5 area for the kids that are connected to one another, if possible.
Heat Lamps: Essential for keeping newborns warm and preventing hypothermia. Please be fire wise.
Towels and Blankets: Keep newborns dry and warm immediately after birth. I try to have two towels per possible kid.
Gloves: Sterile gloves are essential to maintain hygiene during the birthing process, protecting both the doe and the newborn kids from potential infections.
Lubricant: A veterinary-grade lubricant is used to facilitate a smoother delivery, especially in cases of difficult births. It helps protect the doe's health and reduces stress during labor.
Iodine Solution: Iodine is critical for disinfecting the newborns' umbilical stumps. Applying iodine right after birth helps prevent infection, promoting healthy recovery for the kids.
Chlorhexidine Solution: An alternative to iodine, this antiseptic is effective against a variety of pathogens and is less irritating to skin and wounds.
Colostrum Replacer: Have this on hand in case the mother does not produce enough colostrum.
Feeding Bottle and Nipples: Bottles and nipples designed for newborn livestock are needed in case you have to feed the kids, especially if they are weak or the mother rejects them.
Scale: A small scale for weighing the kids can help monitor their growth and health. Weights can be critical for determining the correct dosage of medications or milk if supplement feeding is required.

By securing these supplies, you can create a safe, efficient, and nurturing environment for your goats. Proper preparation not only makes the transition easier for your new animals but also ensures they thrive on your homestead. Whether you're a new goat owner or looking to improve your current setup, this list covers all bases, ensuring your goats receive the best care possible.