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Getting Ready For Your New BMR Kids

Looking forward to the day when your new kids come home is very exciting.  But there are many things that need to be done in order to be ready for the kids.  Here are some suggestions, but also check with other goat breeders in your area and with your veterinarian for more ideas and information.

Housing: Your goats will need a shelter that keeps them draft free, dry, and safe.   If your new kids are just a few weeks old, you might be able to simply use a dog house or other small protected area.  That will allow them to cuddle together for warmth and keep them out of the wind, rain, or snow.  But the kids are going to get a lot bigger - fast.  As they grow they will need more space.  The space doesn't have to be elaborate.  I've seen dog kennels with straw bales on the outside for insulation used, chicken coops, camper shells, and prefab storage units.  My original goat house was a travel trailer that had been stripped down and "goat proofed".   My current barns are concrete block with attached feed rooms for storing hay, grain, and pellets.  Some people like to use an area like this as their milking area also.  Be sure to plan ahead when deciding on your set-up.

I don't lock my goats into their house - ever.  I've heard too many horror stories about barn fires and the animals being trapped inside.  My goats can come and go from their house as they want.  In fact, during the summer they prefer to sleep outside.

Fencing:  I love using 54 inch high cattle panels.  They are 16 feet long, sturdy and easy to install.  However, small kids can fit though them so we line the bottom with chicken wire to keep them in.  After they are a few months old, they don't fit through anymore.  I like the pen to be as large as possible.  Our first pen for two does was a 40 foot by 80 foot area.  It was very roomy and we put "toys" in the area for them to play on - piles of rocks, tree stumps, and ramps.  Goats can live in a smaller area, but I enjoy seeing them run and play.  I've seen three does in a pen that was 25 X 25 and that seemed quite adequate. 

Feeding your Kids:  Your kids will be used to using a Caprine Bucket Feeder style nipple for drinking milk.  You can purchase these from Caprine Supply or from us here at BMR.  Our kids are fed pure, raw, goats' milk and we will give you enough milk to get you home and to transition your kids to what you will be feeding them.  We recommend goat's milk from goats that are tested free of CAE and Mycoplasma, though pasteurized whole cow milk from the store will work, too.  If goats'  milk is available but the does are not tested, please be sure to fully pasteurize this milk, otherwise your kids may be infected with these incurable diseases.  We feed approximately 40 oz. of milk per day until the kids are 8 - 10 weeks old.  When you pick up your kids they will probably be getting fed twice a day - 20 oz. per feeding.  Just ask us to be sure. 

In addition to milk, your kids need to have access to fresh water, plus hay and/or small alfalfa pellets.  I start them out on alfalfa hay and a small Caprine pellet.  Then I change them over to a larger alfalfa pellet once they have grown enough to be able to handle the larger size.  If you will not be feeding pellets, then just keep the kids on the alfalfa or an alfalfa/grass hay mixture.  They should also have access to free-choice, loose, goat specific minerals.   I use Sweetlix Caprine Magnum Milk loose minerals.

Vaccinating:   I give a CD/T vaccine at 8 weeks and 12 weeks, with a yearly booster after that.  Talk to your veterinarian about how, when, and with what product to vaccinate with for the best protection in your area.  Also ask your vet if selenium and copper supplementation is necessary in your area.

Deworming: The severity and type of parasites that will affect your goats differs from region to region.  Here in the very dry high desert of Arizona we don't have many parasite problems.  Most areas, however, will have both internal and external parasites to deal with.  Cocci in kids, worms and lice in adults.  Talk to your vet about the best way to manage these problems.  Just remember - a cocci or worm infestation can kill a goat in just a matter of weeks. 

Traveling and Arriving Home:  Your kids are very social creatures.   Since traveling is a scary, new thing for them they will probably be most happy to ride with another goat kid buddy in the same crate as they are.  That way they can snuggle together and feel a bit more comforted than if they are all alone.  Once they are at their new home they will need reassuring and attention.  They are very used to people being around and will appreciate having you spend time with them.   Make changes to their diet slowly so they don't get an upset belly.  Double check their surroundings to be sure that they are both goat proof and predator proof.  The kids are used to Livestock Guardian Dogs being around, and we highly recommend having these wonderful protectors. 

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...

Traveling by airplane:  Airplanes are fast, so the transportation time is cut down when traveling long distances.  That helps reduce the overall travel stress somewhat.  But it is expensive and scary (to kid, buyer, and seller).  It also takes us over 10 hours to make the roundtrip to the airport.  So it's already a long day for the kids before they even gets to the airport.  We also need to charge for the airport run to at least cover our costs.  The kids will have to be in separate crates when they fly.

Traveling by livestock hauler:  There are companies that specialize in moving livestock - including goats and kids.  These are not cheap but probably cheaper than other options.  However, your animals will be mixed with other livestock causing a biosecurity nightmare.  We work hard to have a very healthy, disease free herd, but can't guarantee what communicable problems the other animals might have.  The circuitous routing can also take days or even weeks longer to get your new goat to you. 

Traveling by car:  Most times buyers decide to make the trip themselves, enjoy a vacation, stay at the ranch for a day or two, then head home with their new "herd".  Especially for new goat owners it can be a great way to learn about goat care, see our set-up, do some hands on hoof trimming, feeding, milking, etc.  Plus eat some great gourmet food prepared by a trained chef and made with lots of ranch grown products.   We only charge $50 per person for the first night's lodging with all meals included when you are here picking up goats.  Longer stays are an additional $150 per night per person.

Making It Happen

If you have any more questions about kid care, transportation, or how to put in a reservation for your new kids, please do not hesitate to call or email. 

Phone: (928) 536-7759

Email: Goats@BlackMesaRanch.com