Need some New Goat advice

[Bedste]

we are getting a pregnant Nubian goat April 2nd. any and all advice welcome. We want to get our own milk for drinking and for making cheese. She is already pregnant and will be delivering soon. we know to have a shelter built and a pen..... Anything else??

 

[hennyannie]

If you are planning to use the milk, it is not a bad idea to have the vet check her and do any vaccines she needs if this has not already been done. At lest give them a call and tell them your plans and ask them for advice. My aunt uses her goat milk and she had them check beforehand. I love this breed, the are the best.

 

[TigerLilly]

What are the current owners feeding her?

 

[glenolam]

www.fiascofarm.com

Great site full of information. The owner doesn't own goats anymore (at least, that's what I've been told) but the information is still good to use.

Are you getting just her? Goats are herd animals and do much better in pairs as opposed to being by themselves. I'd be especially concerned taking in a pregnant doe all by herself; goats can get very stressed during a move. Honestly - is there a way for them to keep her until after she kids? Have you watched a goat give birth before? 99% of the time they need to assistance whatsoever, but there is that 1% of the time something goes wrong and you need to intervene. That's when it's good to have a vet # on hand.

TigerLilly has a good point - find out what the current owners are doing. If she looks good and healthy, mirror their feeding practices so you don't disrupt her rumen.

She'll need free choice hay and minerals and, as henny said, her vaccinations if the current owners don't have her up to date already.