Trestle Creek Farm
Pygmy Goat Basic Care
Feed.
*FREE CHOICE:
Pasture to browse
Hay - good quality mix with alfalfa
*OPTIMAL GRAIN MIX:
Purina Show Goat Chow with AC and DQ
I feed at the recommended rate on the label…2 lbs a day for a 60lb. goat, ect….
Minerals.
*FREE CHOICE:
Best -Loose Goat Blend . Acceptable -Loose Cattle
Treats.
None.
An animal cracker once a day would be okay, but not at all necessary.
Treats, or “scraps”, are unhealthy and can cause health problems, possibly leading to death.
Wormer.
WHEN TO WORM:
The best way to control worms is to have a vet check manure to see if it’s necessary.
Wormers I’ve used:
valbazen
Ivomec cattle injectable – Ivomec Pour-on
Tramsil sheep wormer
safeguard
With most wormers, re-treat in 2 weeks to kill the eggs.
Vaccinations.
-CD/T.
A series of 3 initial shots, followed by a shot annually.
Very crucial… goats are highly susceptible to Tetanus and enterotoximia.
-BO-SE
Housing.
A house that will protect from heat and cold, and can have air circulation in the summer months, with good drainage.
Important Notes.
-It is important to always keep a constant diet. A sudden switch causes an imbalance in the rumen which can be instantly fatal. If a change is made, do it very slowly over a 2- 3 week period.
- Wethers and Bucks should not have any sweet feed, it can cause urine calsi., stones, etc.. A feed containing AC will aid in the control of this often fatal illness.
-If no pasture is available, I recommend feeding a blend made specifically for goats(Purina Show Goat Chow), without molasses, along with good quality hay, minerals, free choice. I would call your vet, and ask if additional nutrients are needed.
-Give clean water every day. Goats enjoy this simple measure, plus it helps ensure cleanliness, and keeps parasites down.
-Keeping feed and hay off the ground also keeps parasite, and disease under control
-Probios is a great product to give and keep on hand for use after anti-biotics, wormers, vaccinations, change in diet, and in times of stress. It helps keep the good bacteria in the gut when stress may deplete the amount they naturally have.
These are just a few basics, I recommend keeping your vet. in mind for all of your concerns, questions, and all health issues.
