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    Home » Goats » Daily Care

    May 12, 2020 · Modified: Jul 4, 2023 by MrAnimal Farm This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Goat Supplies - How to Prepare for Nigerian Dwarf Goats

    10.4K shares

    If you are getting ready to bring your first goat home, you definitely need to know what goat supplies you will need so that you have everything you need to take care of your goats.

    When we got our first goats, we spent A LOT of time researching exactly what they would need once we got them home.  We knew we needed to figure out how to take care of them and also what the most essential goat supplies to have are.

    Never having owned goats before it was hard to know exactly how to prepare for bringing Nigerian Dwarf goats (or any of the other types of goats) home.

    baby goat on top of feed bin

    We did a lot of reading and research about how to prepare for goats. Not just what supplies they need, but what goat pen or goat shelter and then came the difficult fencing decisions.

    If you need help on that you can see what we did for goat fencing options.

    And if you're having trouble picking your goats, here's how to buy a goat.  Still not sure where to start?  Check out the Raising Goats eCourse!

    We needed to know what goat supplies to get.  We never did find a simple list of things to have and do to prepare for goats, so we thought we would provide one here to help others out.

    Top 7 goat supplies you need for your herd:

    1). Hay & Hay Feeder

    If you have anything other than does in milk you can feed good quality grass hay (such as orchard grass).  Does in milk should have access to alfalfa hay if you want to maximize their milk production.

    bales of hay

    If you can't find alfalfa you might have luck finding a Chaffhaye dealer near you.  You should always choose good quality hay and feed it free choice (always available).

    goat eating chaffhaye

    In addition to hay, you'll obviously need a hay feeder to put they hay in. You can use a standard metal hay feeder, or you can make your own hay feeder. We have done all sorts of thing for hay feeders over the years.

    We have used several regular hay feeders that we purchased. We have also made hay feeders using cattle panels - both tacked in a corner and as a larger square stand alone feeder. We have used animal crates sized just right to hold a single bale of hay. We have used large plastic trash cans with a hole cut in the side.

    We have even used old small chicken coops that we no longer needed. Really as long as the hay fits inside and the goats can get to it safely, you can use it as a hay feeder. Of course, not all are made the same and some create a lot more waste than others.

    hay feeder with hay

    2). Grain or milk stand treats

    Goats can get sick if over fed with grain. But there are certain instances where grain can be important for your goats.

    Originally we fed a mix of BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds), alfalfa pellets and calf manna or goat feed to everyone as a nighttime treat and to milking does on the milk stand. Over time we have experimented with plain goat feed, chaffhaye, just alfalfa pellets and also beet pulp.

    What you use will depend on what your goats need and prefer. Some goats don't need anything extra at all. Others need some when milking or when sick. And some need a little extra to keep weight up in general.

    metal bucket with alfalfa pellets and BOSS

    All three of these get combined into a handy dandy feed bucket such as this.

    If you just have wethers or girls that are not pregnant or milking then grain or milkstand treats are not one of the necessary goat supplies.

    3). Fruits and veggies or other special treats

    One of our girls, Chloe, especially loves bananas, so we bribe her with a few pieces every time we go outside with her.

    goat eating banana slice

    Bananas are not the only treat they love, they enjoy lots of different fruits and veggies like squash, apples and carrot pieces. As you can see, our chickens love them too!

    goats eating veggie scraps
    Chloe also loves vegetables. She does not discriminate.

    4)  Fresh, clean, unfrozen water

    We used these buckets and in the winter we break out these heated buckets.  to help keep waters from freezing.  Make sure not to leave them with dirty water.

    goat drinking from heated water bucket

    Even a stray leaf or goat pellet (poop) in their water will make them refuse to drink it.  (Goats can be pretty picky).  So, be sure to keep their water clean for them.

    5)   Baking Soda and goat minerals

    It is very important to get minerals specifically for goats, not minerals for goats and sheep.  This is because goats need extra copper in their diet.  We use Manna Pro Loose Goat Minerals. Loose minerals are important because they generally don't get enough off of the mineral blocks. Minerals should be left out free choice -available for whenever they want them.

    Goat minerals and baking soda

    They should also have access to free choice baking soda. They will consume this just when they need it to help prevent bloat and other stomach issues.

    You can feed the baking soda and minerals in a simple two compartment feeder placed on the stall wall.

    6)   hoof trimmers

    It is important to learn how to trim your goats hooves.  Without regular hoof trimming they can get really sore feet and other issues. So, make sure to have a good pair of hoof trimmers available.

    goat hoof trimmers being held in someones hand

    7) milking supplies if you have  dairy goats

    Basic milking supplies are a milk stand, stainless steel milk bucket, and stainless steel strainer. Make sure you have learned how to milk a goat  before you get started!

    goat milking supplies on a counter

    You'll also want to be aware of the goat medical supplies that are useful to have on hand just in case you have any sickness pop up with your new goats.  And of course, you will need shelter and fencing for your goats as well!

    That's it!   Now you are prepared for your wonderful new goats!  What goat supplies do you think are must haves?

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here
    goat supplies text on a Pinterest image

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lora says

      October 11, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      Can I give my goats a small amount of mixed rolled barley with crushed corn and molasses .?

      • MrAnimal Farm says

        October 21, 2020 at 6:27 pm

        I would get a balanced goat grain.

    2. Laurie Keick says

      June 24, 2020 at 12:21 am

      Do you feed the minerals and baking soda separately. from their grain?

      • MrAnimal Farm says

        June 25, 2020 at 2:15 pm

        Yes, we leave baking soda and minerals out free choice in a two compartment feeder.

    3. Angie says

      May 30, 2020 at 7:31 pm

      I got a mineral salt rock. Is that sufficient or do I need loose minerals?

      • MrAnimal Farm says

        May 31, 2020 at 5:24 pm

        The loose minerals are a lot better for goats, I would recommend getting loose instead of the block.

        Best,
        Kristin

    4. Amy says

      September 20, 2018 at 4:43 am

      My goats prefer the scratch feed we give to the chickens over the mixed grain that is made for goats. Is it OK to only give them the scratch feed ? They have unlimited hay and they graze on grass every day too.

      • MrAnimal Farm says

        September 20, 2018 at 9:01 pm

        I would not let your goats get into the chicken feed. Any grain fed in excess can actually cause them to bloat which is a very serious issue. I would keep they out of the chicken feed and just give them the goat grain in moderation.

        Best,
        Kristin

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