Goat Supplies – How to Prepare for Nigerian Dwarf Goats

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 type of goat) home.

We did a lot of reading and research about how to prepare for goats. Not just what supplies they need, but what 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 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 & 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?