Here is some info on what we have found works best for managing our little herd. There are many MANY different ways to keep your herd healthy but here is what has been working for us!

If you are just starting out with goats it is crucial that you only purchase animals from breeders that regularly test their herds for CAE/CL and Johnes. These are two diseases that can wreck havoc on your herd and are very difficult to recover from. Unfortunately these diseases are often untested for in smaller herds and I can’t stress enough the importance of being extra careful when purchasing your animals!

I keep an ongoing list of Goat Supplies on Amazon! If you purchase through this link we get a small commission so thank you!

Minerals – Sweetlix loose minerals is the best brand I’ve found for goat minerals. Feed minerals free choice in a little bowl or dish. The goats will lick up as much as they need every day. We get ours from Benson’s Feed Store in Carson. They make two different formulas- Meat Maker is for goats that are not eating alfalfa and Magnum Milk is for goats that are eating alfalfa. 

Wormer – We have been using Fir Meadows herbal wormer with great success. I dose my herd about 1x per month.

G.I. Soother – We use this anytime we have a case of “the runs” due to feed change or stress, it works very well and lasts a long time since you only give in very small doses. This is definitely something to have on hand!

GI_Soother™_Digestive_System_Support_16_oz.html

Selenium/Vit. E Gel: Given once every couple months to the does: https://amzn.to/42mhUSW

Copper Bolus: If you notice that your goats have very rough/course coats that look bleached out they probably could use some extra copper. We administer copper to our herd every 6 months or as needed. Here is the brand we use:  https://amzn.to/42cfwxK

We put the copper bolus into a small “0” capsule and administer using this balling gun: https://amzn.to/3RCClpt

Supplements that are good to have in case you need them:

You can routinely add raw Apple Cider Vinegar to their waters to keep their tummies happy!

Clostridium Perfringens C & D Antitoxin – Used to prevent enterotoxemia (overeating disease). This is something you hope you don’t ever have to use but so helpful to have on hand. Ct_detail.html

I keep alcohol prep pads, 3-5ml disposable syringes, and 20 gauge 1 inch needles on hand in case I need to administer any medications.

VetRX nose drops: I keep these on hand for when I see any signs of a snotty nose or cough. Works very well! There are several formulas for poulty, sheep, rabbits etc but they are all the same. Most feed stores carry this. https://amzn.to/3TT98r5

Terramycin Eye Ointment – for any eye injuries or pinkeye: https://amzn.to/4kEkGKU

You can also use Neosporin (not the pain relief version) or colloidal silver: https://amzn.to/43tYixW

Tools:

Hoof trimmers: https://amzn.to/3VUrBXb

Dosing syringe: https://amzn.to/3PVlBto – These are super helpful for worming and anytime you need to give something orally. 

Fly Spray:https://amzn.to/43SD0su  – this stuff is great if you notice some kind of bug is making your goats itchy. I use this to spray down my goats once or twice a month to prevent lice. Don’t worry, if they do get lice they aren’t the same kind that humans get. They are just super annoying but this spray gets rid of them quick!

Supplements:

Vital Herbs – I order bulk herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs and combine them using this recipe. We add them to our loose minerals and feed free choice. Can be given in a concentrated dose for animals who are sick or stressed for immune support.

Thorvin Kelp – Can be ordered through most feed stores. We add this to our loose minerals and feed free choice.

Pregnancy Support:

Pregnancy Tonic – This formula has become an essential part of our pre-kidding routine. It helps prepare the doe for kidding and we continue to feed it until about a week after the doe kids. It helps support uterine health and healing. Given dry before kidding and then we make it into a “tea” to give to the doe right after she kids.

Post kidding – Right after the doe kids we give her this mixture to help with hydration and energy after labor: Preg Tonic boiled into a tea, molasses, apple cider vinegar. Our does prefer to drink it warm!