Setting Up Your Goat Housing

A proper goat shelter keeps animals dry, protected from wind, and comfortable in all weather conditions. Good housing prevents illness and helps goats thrive. For a portable option, check out our guide on how to build a portable goat shelter.

Housing Dimensions and Features

Each adult goat needs 15-20 square feet of indoor space. A shelter for two goats should measure at least 6x8 feet.

The shelter must have proper ventilation through roof vents or windows to remove moisture and provide fresh air. Place vents high up to avoid drafts at goat level.

Doorways should be 4 feet wide and 6 feet tall. This allows easy access for cleaning and prevents goats from getting stuck.

Goat housing needs to be secure with strong walls and a weatherproof roof. Use treated lumber for the frame and metal or plywood for walls.

Bedding and Maintenance

Layer the floor with 2-3 inches of absorbent bedding like straw or wood shavings. This keeps goats dry and comfortable.

Clean bedding needs replacement every 1-2 weeks. Remove wet spots daily to prevent bacterial growth and odors.

Set up raised platforms or climbing structures inside the shelter. Goats love to climb and need spots to rest above ground level.

Install feed bins and water containers off the ground to keep them clean. Use containers that attach securely to walls to prevent tipping.

Nutrition and Feeding

Proper goat nutrition requires specific types of feed, essential minerals, and constant access to clean water. A balanced diet helps prevent health issues and promotes optimal growth and milk production.

Understanding Goat Diets

Goats need 2-4% of their body weight in dry feed daily. They are browsers rather than grazers, preferring to eat leaves, twigs, and woody plants over grass.

Fresh water must be available at all times. Adult goats drink 1-3 gallons per day, with lactating does needing even more.

The base of a healthy goat diet consists of quality forage like hay or pasture access. This provides essential fiber for proper digestion.

Types of Feed and Forage

Good quality grass hay forms the foundation of goat nutrition. Alfalfa hay adds extra protein and calcium, making it ideal for pregnant or nursing does. Learn more about the best hay for goats.

Grain feed supplements provide extra energy and nutrients. Common options include:

• Rolled oats
• Cracked corn
• Commercial goat pellets
• Barley

Fresh browse and forage lets goats express natural eating behaviors. Safe options include:

• Tree leaves
• Brambles
• Woody shrubs

Want to know if goats can eat specific foods? Check out our guides on feeding bananas to goats and can goats eat apples.

Supplements and Minerals

Goats require specific minerals for health and productivity. A free-choice mineral mix designed for goats should be available at all times.

The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is 2:1. This balance supports bone health and milk production.

Key supplements include:

• Loose minerals
• Salt blocks
• Copper boluses
• Selenium (in deficient areas)

Vitamin supplements may be needed in winter when fresh forage is limited. For budget-friendly feeding options, see our guide on feeding goats on a budget.

Health Care and Maintenance

Regular health checks and preventive care keep goats healthy and productive. Learn to recognize normal behavior so you can spot problems early.

Basic Health Care Tasks

Hoof Trimming

Trim hooves every 6-8 weeks to prevent foot rot and lameness. Learn the proper technique in our guide on how to trim goat hooves.

Signs hooves need trimming:

• Limping or favoring feet
• Overgrown, curved edges
• Soft, spongy sole material

Deworming

Internal parasites are a common health challenge. See our complete guide on how to deworm goats for detailed instructions.

Follow these deworming best practices:

• Check FAMACHA scores monthly
• Rotate pastures to break parasite cycles
• Keep feeding areas clean
• Use appropriate dewormers as needed

Vaccinations

Essential vaccinations include:

• CD&T (Clostridium perfringens types C and D + tetanus)
• Additional vaccines based on local disease risks

Common Health Issues

Learn to recognize and address common goat diseases. Key health concerns include:

Bloat

A potentially fatal condition where the rumen becomes dangerously distended. Learn prevention methods in our guide on how to prevent bloat in goats.

Symptoms include:

• Swollen left side
• Difficulty breathing
• Depression
• Loss of appetite

Mastitis

An infection of the udder that affects milk production. Regular udder checks help catch it early.

Signs to watch for:

• Hot, swollen udder
• Abnormal milk
• Reduced milk production
• Fever

First Aid Kit Essentials

Keep these items on hand:

• Thermometer
• Wound spray
• Electrolytes
• Probiotics
• Basic bandaging supplies

For serious health issues, always consult a veterinarian experienced with goats.

Breeding and Kidding

Successful breeding requires careful planning and proper care of pregnant does. Most goats breed seasonally from late summer through winter.

Planning Your Breeding Program

Consider these factors before breeding:

• Doe's age (at least 8 months old)
• Body condition (healthy weight)
• Available facilities
• Market timing for kids

Signs a doe is in heat:

• Tail wagging
• Vocalization
• Decreased appetite
• Swollen vulva
• Mounting behavior

Pregnancy Care

The gestation period is approximately 150 days. During pregnancy:

• Increase feed quality in final trimester
• Provide exercise opportunities
• Monitor body condition
• Keep up with vaccinations
• Prepare kidding area

Learn more about caring for pregnant goats in our detailed guide.

Kidding Process

Most does kid without assistance. Know these stages:

1. Early labor (pawing, nesting)
2. Active labor (pushing)
3. Delivery (usually 30-60 minutes)
4. Afterbirth (within 2-3 hours)

When to call a vet:

• Labor over 30 minutes without progress
• Abnormal kid presentation
• Excessive bleeding
• Retained placenta

Kid Care

Newborn kids need immediate attention. Follow our guide on caring for goat kids for complete details.

Essential care includes:

• Ensuring colostrum intake
• Dipping naval in iodine
• Checking for nursing
• Monitoring temperature

For bottle babies, see our guide on bottle feeding baby goats.

Business Aspects

Turn your goat farming hobby into a profitable business with proper planning and market research.

Business Planning

Start with our comprehensive goat farm business plan to understand:

• Initial investment needs
• Operating costs
• Revenue streams
• Marketing strategies
• Legal requirements

Revenue Streams

Multiple income sources increase profitability:

Dairy Products

• Raw milk (check how to sell goat milk legally)
• Cheese (explore profitable goat cheese recipes)
• Yogurt
• Soap

Meat Production

• Market kids
• Adult goats
• Learn about selling goat meat online

Additional Products

• Breeding stock
• Show animals
• Fiber (for specific breeds)
• Fertilizer (goat manure as fertilizer)

Cost Management

Control expenses while maintaining quality:

• Feeding goats on a budget
• Bulk feed purchases
• Preventive health care
• Labor efficiency
• Equipment maintenance

Understanding the cost to raise 10 goats helps with financial planning.

Seasonal Care

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Goat care needs change with the seasons. Plan ahead for weather challenges.

Winter Care

Follow our guide on preparing goats for winter:

• Weatherproof shelter
• Extra bedding
• Increased feed
• Unfrozen water source

For cold climates, learn about heating goat shelters in winter.

Summer Management

Prevent heat stress with these tips from how to prevent heat stress in goats:

• Shade access
• Clean, cool water
• Salt/mineral availability
• Proper ventilation

Spring and Fall

Focus on seasonal feeding adjustments for goats:

• Spring: Gradual pasture introduction
• Fall: Preparing for breeding season
• Both: Parasite management

Maintain pasture health through how to rotate goat pastures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements for raising goats?

Essential needs include:

• Secure fencing (at least 4 feet high)
• Weather-proof shelter
• Clean water source
• Quality feed and hay
• Regular health care
• Companionship (minimum 2 goats)

Learn why proper fencing is crucial in why do goats jump fences.

How much space do goats need?

Space requirements per goat:

• Shelter: 15-20 square feet
• Outdoor area: 200-250 square feet
• Additional space for exercise and grazing

What should I feed my goats?

A balanced diet includes:

• Quality hay (70-80% of diet)
• Pasture access
• Grain supplements (if needed)
• Fresh, clean water
• Mineral supplements

Check our guide on best hay for goats for detailed feeding information.

How do I protect my goats from predators?

Protection measures include:

• Strong fencing
• Guardian animals
• Secure night housing
• Motion-activated lights
• Regular monitoring

What common health issues should I watch for?

Monitor for these issues:

• Parasites
• Bloat
• Hoof problems
• Respiratory infections
• Mastitis

See our complete guide on common goat diseases.

How profitable is goat farming?

Profitability depends on:

• Market demand
• Production costs
• Management efficiency
• Product diversification
• Scale of operation

Review our goat farm business plan for detailed financial analysis.

Conclusion

Raising goats can be a rewarding venture, whether for profit or pleasure. Success requires:

• Thorough preparation
• Consistent care routines
• Regular health monitoring
• Proper nutrition
• Safe, secure housing
• Business planning (if commercial)

Start small, learn from experience, and expand gradually. Remember that each goat has unique needs and personalities, making goat farming both challenging and enjoyable.

For specific aspects of goat care, explore our detailed guides:

• How to milk a goat
• How to trim goat hooves
• How to deworm goats
• How to prevent bloat in goats

With proper care and management, your goat farming journey can be both successful and fulfilling. Keep learning, stay connected with experienced farmers, and enjoy the process of building your goat herd.