Housing

Goats need a place to be dry and warm.  They need clean bedding and also, they are very social animals and do not do well alone.  At Creekside Farm we do not sell kids to people who do not have goats already unless they purchase 2 kids.

Food

Feed wethers, bucks, and dry does a high quality grass hay. Lactating or pregnant does need hay with at least some alfalfa in it. A grass/alfalfa mix is good.  In the summer if they are out on pasture hay feeding can be cut down.  Lactating and pregnant does need to be fed a good grain.  Look on the label for the amount to feed.  Dry does and bucks do not "need" grain but here we feed them a little as a treat each day. A good quality loose goat mineral needs to be availible to the goats all the time. Keep baking soda out as well.  They eat it as they need to keep from getting too acidic.   VERY IMPORTANT:  Feed your bucks and wethers a grain ration that is medicated with Ammonium Chloride to keep them from developing urinary problems.

Water

Goats need fresh water at all times.  They are picky about hay or dirt floating in their water and will not drink as much if is is dirty.  In the winter it is good to take them warm water twice a day. They will drink more that way, which is healthier for them.  If you own A wether or a buck, it is a good idea to add 1/4 cup of apple cider vineger to their water buckets to help avoid urinary problems common in wether and bucks.

Veterinary Service

It is important to find a good vet BEFORE you need one.  Not all vets know about goats. Find out from your local vet how many goats he/she works with and then ask local goat farmers their opinion of where you should go.