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Frequently Asked Questions - General Goat Care

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to all things goats! Whether you're seeking a beginner's guide to dairy goat keeping, eager to dive deeper into the essentials of getting started with a dairy goat herd, or expanding your goat-keeping knowledge, you've come to the right place. Our 15 years of experience holistically raising Nigerian Dwarf goats for our hobby dairy farm has given us a great deal of information and insights and we are happy to share with you to make your experience with Nigerian Dwarf goats as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. Explore our FAQs to gain valuable knowledge that will empower you on your goat-keeping adventure. We also share our daily experiences on Instagram so be sure to give us a follow if you you're looking for micro-learning opportunities... and also cute baby goats!

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Goat Care & Keeping

What do I need to know/have to care for my new baby goat?

Whether you're a farmer, a hobbyist, or simply an animal lover, you're going to want to give your baby goat the best possible start in life. This article goes into detail about what we recommend prior to bringing your new baby goats home.

What do goats eat?

We all think of those iconic goats chewing on a tin can when we think, "what can goats eat?" However, goats actually have very specific dietary needs and restrictions. While they can and will eat weeds, this alone is not a suitable diet and you will have sick goats on your hands very quickly. We have written a very detailed article about what goats need and what we feed our herd. 

What kind of housing/shelter/fencing do goats require?

Goats require protection from the elements and predators. Here in our area, we have coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raccoons, and even bears. We employ two livestock guardian dogs, or LGD’s, who are on patrol 24/7. This is a predator-friendly way of protecting our animals (and humans!) without having to harm the predators. Read our comprehensive guide to building predator and weather proof housing for your goats

Can I have goats in a small backyard?

While our miniature goats are small and do not need as much space as larger livestock, they still require sufficient space to run and play. Goats penned in small spaces 100% of the time are not as healthy and happy as those who have the freedom to roam. More importantly, usually, people with “small backyards” are not in areas zoned to legally have livestock animals. Goats are not considered pets by most cities. You will need to contact your local zoning commission to see what your property is permitted to have.
 

Read our comprehensive guide to building predator and weather proof housing for your goats

Can I bottle feed my babies? And how do I go about doing it? Are you wondering if bottle babies are right for you?

This detailed overview of bottle feeding schedules and requirements is a good place to start to see if bottle babies are a good fit for you. Bottle feeding your new baby goat is going to give you a huge payback for your time in their temperament. We bottle train all of the kids but unless there are special circumstances, they stay with their moms until they wean/go home. The ideal age to get them is 3-4 weeks old and then bottle feed 2-3 times per day. This makes for very friendly but well-mannered goats. Some people want them while they are fully dependent on bottles. In this case, we usually wait about a week to make sure they are developing well and really ready to go home.

How often do we need to trim our goat’s hooves?

Trimming a goat's hooves is an essential part of regular care. The frequency of trimming depends on various factors, including the goat's age, breed, diet, and the environment in which they live. For example, goats who are kept on a rocky, hard ground will need fewer trimmings than goats kept on sandy soils. In general, most goats require hoof trimming every 6 to 10 weeks.

Can I remove a goat’s horns after they have grown in?

Sometimes, even with the best prevention methods in place, horns or scurs can develop. However, once a goat's horns have fully grown, removing them is a difficult, invasive procedure that requires surgery and carries risks like infection, pain, and complications. It is our opinion that these methods are inhumane and we generally do not recommend them unless absolutely necessary for the goat's safety or health.
 

A “popular” albeit, inhumane method to remove large scurs and horns is to use castration bands around the base of the horn. This cuts off the circulation to the horn causing it to eventually fall off. This is an intensely painful procedure that takes months of pain in order to be effective. We have talked to breeders who have used this method and while it does work, the goat was never the same after experiencing so much pain for weeks.

Preventing horns through disbudding (when the goat is a few days old) is a much safer option.

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Read more about goat horns in our detailed article on Goat Horns.

What is the difference between disbudding and dehorning?

Disbudding is the process of preventing horns from growing by removing horn buds when a goat is just a few days old. It is a relatively quick and safe procedure when done properly. Dehorning, on the other hand, is the removal of fully grown horns through surgery, which is invasive and carries more risks, such as pain, infection, and complications.

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Read more about goat horns in our detailed article on Goat Horns.

Are horns dangerous for goats or their handlers?
Yes, horns can pose a danger. Goats with horns can accidentally injure other goats, humans, or even themselves. Horns can get caught in fencing or other objects, leading to injury or escape attempts. While some goat owners prefer horns for aesthetic or natural purposes, it’s important to consider safety, especially in mixed herds.

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Read more about goat horns in our detailed article on Goat Horns.

What are scurs, and how do they differ from horns?
Scurs are small, irregular growths that can occur after a goat has been disbudded. They are not full horns and typically don’t grow in a normal shape. Scurs are usually softer and more brittle than horns, but they may require occasional trimming to prevent them from causing discomfort or injury.

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Read more about goat horns in our detailed article on Goat Horns.

Should I get goats with or without horns?

This is largely a matter of personal preference and management style. Horns can add to the goat’s natural appearance but may pose risks in terms of safety and management. Many breeders and pet owners choose to disbud their goats to prevent horn growth, making them easier to handle and reducing the risk of injury.

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Read more about goat horns in our detailed article on Goat Horns.

What should I do to care for my goat after disbudding?
After disbudding, it’s important to monitor your goat for any signs of infection or excessive discomfort. Keep the disbudded area clean and dry, avoiding excessive handling or exposure to dirt. Some breeders recommend applying an antiseptic spray like Vetricyn to the area to prevent infection. Monitor the site for any swelling, redness, or discharge, which could indicate infection. Goats usually recover quickly, but make sure they have a clean environment and aren’t stressed during the healing process.

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Learn more about caring for your goats in our article on Caring for Your New Baby Goat.

Do goats need to be bathed?

In general, goats do not require regular bathing. Some people who handle and snuggle their goats, especially when babies, like to give them a bath every week or so. But as a whole, their coats are designed to shed dirt and debris naturally.

 

Additionally, frequent bathing can strip the natural oils from their hair and skin, leading to dryness and potential health issues. There are situations where bathing may be necessary such as a show goat, a sick goat or a goat who had a messy delivery. Spot cleaning and even shaving are good options when a goat needs to be cleaned up for medical or health reasons such as blood or feces on their coat.

 

If you do deiced to bath your goats, be sure to use the most natural and gentle shampoos available and gently blow dry them all the way to their skin to prevent a chill.

Do goats need their ears cleaned?

Goats typically do not require regular ear cleaning. However, there are specific situations that may necessitate ear attention. If goats show signs of excessive scratching, head shaking, or dark discharge, it could indicate the presence of ear mites or ticks, prompting the need for cleaning. Additionally, ear infections or the buildup of earwax might require gentle cleaning, especially if signs of redness, swelling, or unpleasant odors are observed. In such cases, using a goat-safe ear cleaner and seeking veterinary advice can help address these special situations effectively.

How long until the scrotum falls off a wether after banding?

When banding a male goat (wether) to create a castration effect, a strong rubber band is typically used to cut off the blood supply to the scrotum. The scrotum will then atrophy and fall off over time. The process usually takes a few weeks, but the exact timing can vary. In most cases, it may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for the scrotum to completely slough off after banding. During this time, it's essential to monitor the goat for any signs of infection or complications. Ensure that the goat is kept in a clean environment to minimize the risk of infection.

What should I do to care for my wether after banding?

Caring for a wether (castrated male goat) after banding is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications. The first 24 hours are when the goat is the most uncomfortable. You can ask your vet or breeder for pain management. We have started to give banamine as a part of our banding procedure. There are also now banding rings with slow release pain medication available! When you get your wether home, provide a clean environment and monitor for complications. As they tissue dies, it will begin to separate from the healthy tissue. This is when it is important to inspect the scrotum daily to ensure the tissues stay healthy. We recommend spraying it with Vetricyn daily to help prevent infection and speed healing.

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Learn more about caring for your goats in our article on Caring for Your New Baby Goat.

Do I have to milk my goat if I get a girl?

Goats are mammals and like all mammals, only females make milk and they must give birth to make the milk. It is very easy to keep does (females) without having to milk them. There are rare exceptions to this rule. Some female goats will develop what is called a precocious udder and produce a milk like substance. This is indicative of a major health problem and should be treated by a veterinarian. 

 

We also highly recommend all goat owners acquire a milk stand regardless of the gender or purpose of their goats. It is essential to be able to contain your goats to provide them with  necessary care. Hoof trimming, medication/vitamin administration, examination, bathing, blood work all require a restrained goat and the best way to do this is what a milk stanchion. Be sure to use the stand often and teach your goats to feel safe by giving treats in the stand.

What vitamins and supplements do goats require?

Do goats need vaccines?/ What vaccines do goats need?

Vaccines can be a vital part of keeping your goat herd healthy, but it's important to consult your vet to determine the specific needs of your goats based on their environment and management. One of the most commonly recommended vaccines is the CDT vaccine, which protects goats from two deadly diseases: Clostridium perfringens types C and D (enterotoxemia, also known as overeating disease) and Clostridium tetani (tetanus).

  • Enterotoxemia often occurs when goats consume high-carbohydrate diets or experience sudden diet changes, leading to sudden death. The CDT vaccine helps prevent this by building immunity against Clostridium perfringens.

  • Tetanus can be introduced through wounds and injuries, causing severe muscle stiffness and spasms, which can be fatal if untreated.​

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Another vaccine sometimes used, especially for goats that are shown or kept in larger herds, is the Mannheimia haemolytica or Pasteurella multocida vaccine, which helps protect against pneumonia. Your vet can advise if this or other vaccines are needed for your herd based on exposure risks.

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While vaccines are important, maintaining proper herd health also relies on practices like gradual diet changes, clean housing, proper wound care, and parasite management.

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Learn more about goat care in our Caring for Your New Baby Goat article.

How hard are goats to keep? Do they require a lot of maintenance?

Goats are relatively easy to care for as long as their needs are met, but they do require regular attention to keep them healthy. Contrary to the common misconception, goats can't live on weeds and garbage as portrayed in movies. They need species-appropriate feed, including quality hay, minerals, and supplements. Routine hoof trimming (every 6-10 weeks), parasite management, and clean, weather- and predator-proof housing are also key to keeping goats healthy.

 

When it comes to vaccines and parasite prevention, it’s important to consult your vet about the risks specific to your region and herd rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Providing fresh water, safe shelter, and a balanced diet will ensure your goats thrive.

 

Learn more about What to Feed Your Goats, Shelter and Fencing Requirements for Goats, and Caring for Your New Baby Goat.

Will my goat run away?

​Goats are curious and social animals that tend to stay close to their herd or familiar environment. While they generally don’t "run away" like other animals might, they are excellent escape artists. If fencing isn’t secure or if there are enticing food sources nearby, goats may wander off to explore. Keeping your goats in a secure, well-fenced area and providing them with mental stimulation and adequate food will help prevent them from wandering.

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Read more about goat shelters and fencing in our detailed article on Shelter and Fencing Requirements for Goats.

How many goats per acre?

The number of goats you can keep on an acre depends on several factors, including the type of land, available forage, and your management style. For Nigerian Dwarf goats, you can typically keep 6 to 10 goats per acre if you provide supplemental feed such as hay. These goats need room to roam, graze, and exercise, and giving them sufficient space reduces the risk of illness and stress. If you're practicing rotational grazing, you may be able to increase your stocking density by rotating goats between pastures.

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It’s important to also check your local zoning laws, as each county or city has specific regulations about the number of livestock that can be kept on a property. Be sure to consult your local zoning or agricultural office to verify that your property is zoned for livestock and that you’re compliant with any animal density limits.

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Read more about goat shelters and fencing in our detailed article on Shelter and Fencing Requirements for Goats.

How to contain a goat with good fencing?

Goats are agile and curious, making secure fencing essential. Woven wire or welded wire fencing with a height of at least 4 to 5 feet is recommended to prevent escapes. Electric fencing can be added for extra deterrence, especially along the top or bottom of the fence. Always ensure the fence is taut and sturdy, as goats may lean or climb on it. Regularly check for any weak spots or gaps where a goat could squeeze through.

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Read more about goat fencing in our detailed article on Shelter and Fencing Requirements for Goats.

Does my goat have worms/parasites?/How to treat my goat for worms/parasites.
Internal parasites, especially worms, are a common concern for goat owners. Signs of a worm infestation include weight loss, diarrhea, poor coat condition, anemia (pale eyelids), and reduced energy. Regular fecal testing is essential to monitor worm loads. Common worm types include barber pole worms and roundworms, which can cause severe issues if left untreated.

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Conventional treatments often involve the use of dewormers, such as fenbendazole or ivermectin, based on fecal test results. Deworming should be done strategically to avoid resistance. Always consult your vet for a deworming schedule and product recommendations tailored to your herd.

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Natural treatments focus on preventing worms through rotational grazing, maintaining clean pastures, and using herbal dewormers such as garlic or wormwood blends. Adding copper boluses can also help reduce worm burdens, as copper deficiencies are linked to increased parasite loads.

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Learn more about internal parasites and prevention in our upcoming article on [Parasite Management for Goats].

Does my goat have lice/mites/fleas?/How to treat my goat for lice/mites/fleas.

External parasites such as lice, mites, and fleas can cause itching, hair loss, and discomfort in goats. Lice infestations are often visible around the neck and shoulders, while mites may cause crusty skin and severe itching, especially on the legs and ears.

 

Conventional treatments for lice and mites include topical sprays or powders containing permethrin or pyrethrin, or injectable medications like ivermectin. These treatments should be repeated as necessary to break the parasite life cycle. Always consult your vet for guidance on dosing and treatment frequency.

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Natural treatments include using topical sulfur powder, which is effective but requires careful application with full coverage of hands, hair, and mouth due to its strong smell. You can also use herbal sprays and shampoos listed in our Amazon Goat Care shopping list, which contain essential oils like neem, lavender, and tea tree to help repel and treat external parasites. Keeping the environment clean and regularly changing bedding also helps prevent infestations.

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For more on preventing and treating external parasites, check out our upcoming article on [Parasite Management for Goats].

Does my goat have bloat?/How to treat my goat for bloat.

Does my goat have mastitis?/How to treat my goat for mastitis.

Does my goat have a cold?/How to treat my goat for a cold/respiratory infection.

How do I care for goats in the winter?

Does my goat need heat?

General Goat Questions

What is a doe?/What is a female goat called?

A female goat is called a "doe". Some may refer to a female as a "nanny" but this is not the technical term used. A young doe may be referred to as a doeling or a yearling. Her first time having babies, she will be referred to as a "first freshener".

What is a wether?/What is a neutered goat called?

A neutered male goat is called a "wether". Many breeders will list all of their male kids as bucks and then designate which ones are available as wethers. Some breeds use wethers as meat goats however, Nigerian Dwarf goats are not efficient meat goats and most wethers are sold as pets or companions. 

What is a buck?/What is an intact, breeding male goat called?

An intact male goat typically used for breeding is called a "buck". Some people call their intact male goats "billys" but the correct term is "buck". A baby buck may be called a "buckling".

What is a kid?/What is a baby goat called?

Baby goats are known as "kids" and is where we get the term "kidding around" as baby goats are so playful.

What does disbudded/dehorned mean?

Disbudding means to remove a goat's horns using heat to cauterize their horn area. This is usually done very young, under 2 weeks old. Dehorned means to have their horns surgically removed. There has been a trend to use clove oil or banding rings to remove horns and both of these methods are dangerous and painful.

Why are goats' horns removed?

Dairy goats are generally disbudded or polled as horns can cause severe damage to udders. Dairy goat breeds may not be shown if they have horns but they can be registered. It is a personal preference to leave or remove the horns. We have chosen to disbud all of our goats as we have found it to be a safety issue for us and the other goats to leave horns intact.

What does polled mean?

In goats, the term "polled" refers to the absence of horns. A polled goat is one that is naturally hornless, meaning it is born without horns or the genetic potential to develop them. The condition is inherited through genetics, and goats that carry the polled gene will not grow horns or "express" the polled gene. Goats can not carry the polled gene and not express it. If you find that you have a horned goat producing polled offspring, it is likely due to a polled parent being mistaken for horned and needlessly disbudded. Polled kids can develop scurs. Scurs are not true, fully developed horns; instead, they are residual, small, or misshapen growths that may appear on the head of an animal that is genetically polled. 

 

The polled gene is sought after in Nigerian Dwarf goats as disbudding is and dangerous and unpleasant procedure. It is common for a disbudded buck to still grown scurs and require maintenance to prevent the scurs from growing into his skull. We have come to prefer our bucks to either be horned or polled as the scurs are ugly and typically result in future injuries. 

What is the poll of a goat?

The poll of the goat is the top of the head. A commonly used descriptor on a goat's registration form is if they have a "white poll" which means a spot of white on the top of their head.

If I have doe (female goat), do I have to milk her?

Goats are mammals and like all mammals, only females make milk and they must give birth to make the milk. It is very easy to keep does (females) without having to milk them. There are rare exceptions to this rule. Some female goats will develop what is called a precocious udder and produce a milk like substance. This is indicative of a major health problem and should be treated by a veterinarian. 

 

We also highly recommend all goat owners acquire a milk stand regardless of the gender or purpose of their goats. It is essential to be able to contain your goats to provide them with  necessary care. Hoof trimming, medication/vitamin administration, examination, bathing, blood work all require a restrained goat and the best way to do this is what a milk stanchion. Be sure to use the stand often and teach your goats to feel safe by giving treats in the stand. 

Do bucks (male goats) stink?

YES! Bucks have musk glands on the top of their head and release a strong odor during "rut", usually in the fall. The rest of the year they have a distinct smell but only if you are quite close to them. Wethered goats should not have this "buck" smell. If they do, it's possible their castration was incomplete and you should consult your vet for an exam.

Are goats noisy or loud?

Interestingly, a goat's noise level has a lot do with their personality and how they were raised. We have some lines of goats who are very vocal and some who are very quiet. Even within the louder groups, they really are only vocal when it's feeding time. The exception may be a doe (female) when she is "in heat" or "flagging".

What is the difference between Nigerian Dwarf goats and other goats?

Nigerian Dwarf goats are a distinct breed of miniature dairy goats, and they differ from other goat breeds in several aspects. Size is the most distinguishable difference as they are about half the height and weight of standard breeds. This makes them well-suited for smaller farms and urban homesteads. ND's tend to be more colorful and have more playful personalities. The closest breed to a Nigerian Dwarf is the Pygmy goats. Pygmies are a miniature meat breed and have different color patterns typically.

Nigerian Dwarf goats also have the sweetest milk of all the goat breeds as it is the highest in butterfat! They do produce less than a standard goat but they also eat a lot less making them the choice for a lot of new goat farmers.  

Do goats have horns?

Do goats climb trees?

Do goats have udders?

Are goats ruminants?

Are goats smart?

Are goats kosher?

Are goats good pets?

Are goats and sheep related?

Does my goat love me?

What is the average lifespan of a goat?

How big are goats?

What are the breed standards/characteristics for Nigerian Dwarf goats?

What is the smallest goat breed?

​How much space do goats need?

Can my goat live with my chicken?

Can I get a goat as a companion for my horse?

Should I get two goats?

How many goats do I need?

What is the best way to transport goats?

How does goat milk taste?

Are Nigerian Dwarf good for meat? 

Are Nigerian Dwarf goats good for milk?

Are Nigerian Dwarf goats friendly?

Are Nigerian Dwarf goats aggressive?

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