Category: General Management

Understanding the main causes of mortality in sheep and goats can help herd owners take preventative measures. Below, see the top causes of death for sheep and goats in the United States, separating data for young and adult animals. This data is based on reports from the past ~10 years, with an emphasis on trends Continue Reading

Numerous studies are identifying a pattern goat producers have known for some time: goat parasites are becoming increasingly resistant to virtually every conventional dewormer available on the market today. Understanding Parasite Resistance in Livestock Management Extensive research has looked at how parasites respond to the numerous deworming options currently available. See the bibliography below for Continue Reading

In some species, the males will not cohabitate and folks coming from a background with those species wonder how to manage bucks. Unlike other species, bucks are generally very peaceful.  I joke about the “bro club” they form, because they seem to become even more attached to each other than they do to their does.  Continue Reading

Like fencing, shelter can be as elaborate and costly or as minimalist and economical as you want it to be. While we have a big huge old fashioned barn, I prefer to shelter my goats in small shelters, often made of upcycled materials. How Much Indoor Space Do My Goats Need? From my own experience, Continue Reading

Let’s talk about microchips. The general belief is that they are a benign way to permanently identify an animal. They are required in animal registries, cities, rescues, etc. and most folks have no idea there is another story lurking beneath the surface. A few years ago, one of the major chip brands was sued with Continue Reading

Every year, I see the posts and comments from people who are angry about fireworks because it upsets their animals. While I completely understand that side too and the harm fear can cause, it seems to me the solution is to try to desensitize our animals, since it’s not possible to control what other people Continue Reading

I used to do all the tricks you hear about to force my goats to do what I wanted. Coming from a cattle background, the entire process of “working cows” is nothing but trauma for the animal and it took a while to learn a different way. Now, I cringe when I read people advising Continue Reading

These are the basic philosophies that guide my practices on the farm.  They don’t have to also be yours to get use out of this website, but I want you to understand where I come from in my decisions so you can fully understand how they play out in real life. The Animal Usually Knows Continue Reading

While all the details may make it seem like goats are complicated to care for, in reality, they have simple needs and simple regular maintenance requirements. Let’s walk through a year in the life of a goat and see just how things look from the perspective of a “less is more” management system. While different Continue Reading