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Mranimal Farm

All About Silkies, Nigerian Dwarf Goats & More

By MrAnimal Farm 8 Comments

Goat Supplies – How to Prepare for Nigerian Dwarf Goats

baby goat on top of feed bin

If you are getting ready to bring your first goat home, you definitely need to know what goat supplies you will need!

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 type of goat) home.

We did a lot of reading and research about how to prepare for goats.  After that, we made 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 choose your first goats.  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 is one of the must have goat supplies

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.

hay feeder with hay

2). Grain/milkstand treats

Goats can get sick if over fed with grain. You can give varying amounts and types.

The breeder we got our goats from feeds a mix of BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds), alfalfa pellets and calf manna or goat feed everyone gets a nighttime treat and milking does also get some on the milk stand.

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 can be fed as 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.

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)  Goats also need free choice baking soda as well as 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.

Goat minerals and baking soda

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

goat eating minerals from feeder

6)  You will also need 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.

goat hoof trimmers

7)  Finally, if you have chose a dairy goat breed you will also need milking supplies

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

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?

goat supplies

For More on Goats:

Goat breeds
How To Care For Goats In Winter

Filed Under: Goats Tagged With: goat supplies, how to, preparation for goats

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy says

    at

    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.

    Reply
    • MrAnimal Farm says

      at

      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

      Reply
  2. Angie says

    at

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

    Reply
    • MrAnimal Farm says

      at

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

      Best,
      Kristin

      Reply
  3. Laurie Keick says

    at

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

    Reply
    • MrAnimal Farm says

      at

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

      Reply
  4. Lora says

    at

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

    Reply
    • MrAnimal Farm says

      at

      I would get a balanced goat grain.

      Reply

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