Forum:

goats and sheep

Nigerian dwarf goats

Posts: 5

Location: Lake County, Illinois 5b

posted 2 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

My 13 year old first born decided to quit school and take upon a journey of home schooling. She wants to raise goats as a part of the curriculum. She’s been quite reliable with our chickens, ducks and turkeys so I approved.

I’ve built a 100 square foot goat house with insulated walls and roof, I brought 50 bales of hay alfalfa mix. We have more than an acre of bushes that I intend to turn into an orchard over time and despite not having much experience with goats I think we are ready to pull the trigger.
We decided to get Nigerian dwarfs since they are praised for their milk and character. Two doelings to get started. .

Most of the goats that I see listed for sale are vaccinated which I don’t think would be necessary for a small heard so I would like to as for advice on where to buy unvaccinated Nigerian dwarf goats.

Matt McSpadden

gardener

Posts: 2384

Location: Central Maine (Zone 5a)

1019

I like...

posted 2 years ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Hi Ironwood,
I do not have experience purchasing goats, but from my experience with other animals, I think your best bet will be smaller breeders or farms that have those goats but maybe don't specifically sell them.

"The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is." C.S. Lewis
"When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind." C.S. Lewis

Ironwood Staarhouse

Posts: 5

Location: Lake County, Illinois 5b

posted 2 years ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Thank you. We’ve found a couple of unvaxed and polled 3 month old doelings. We’ve had them for a week now. They’re still acting on the timid side but seem to be warming up. Particularly towards the kids.

56E70B66-A467-433B-921F-747908262983.jpeg

Ironwood Staarhouse

Posts: 5

Location: Lake County, Illinois 5b

posted 2 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

From what I gather we need to continually monitor the goats for worm infestation which would be any signs of anemia. I was told to give them deworming medicine if I notice the color underneath the eyelids gets pale.
And not earlier so the worms don’t develop tolerance.
I’m thinking there must be a better and more natural way to deal with worms.
Do you guys know of any?

Matt McSpadden

gardener

Posts: 2384

Location: Central Maine (Zone 5a)

1019

I like...

posted 2 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I know that the seeds from pumpkin, squash, zucchini, and similar are good at helping chickens to get rid of parasites. Some websites online suggest this is true for goats and sheep as well. Anyone around here tried this for their mammals?

Matt McSpadden

gardener

Posts: 2384

Location: Central Maine (Zone 5a)

1019

I like...

posted 2 years ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Also, pasture rotation has a huge role in reducing parasite load.

Emily Thymegarden

Posts: 3

Location: Wisconsin

I like...

posted 2 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Check out Land of Havilah farm in Missouri. We use their herbal dewormer and their herbal mineral supplement, and our goats devour both with voracity!
I will say that we have had our four goats for only 1.5 years, and are kidding for the first time this Winter. We have had no known health issues with our herd to date, and they are kept near (not with) chickens.

https://landofhavilahfarm.com/loh/landofhavilahherbalsstore/products/

John F Dean

master steward

Posts: 7131

Location: southern Illinois, USA

2596

I like...