Goat care
Goats are curious, intelligent and extremely agile. They prefer browsing leaves and twigs to grazing, dislike rain and are masters of escape. Sturdy fencing, a dry shelter and a companion are essential for goat care.
- Clase
- Mamífero
- Grupo
- Ovejas y cabras
Resumen rápido de cuidados
Lo esencial del cuidado de Cabras.
- Housing and spaceSturdy fencing: Goats climb, jump and quickly find weak spots.
- Feeding routineGoats are browsers: shrubs, tree leaves and wild plants are their natural food.
- WaterClean, fresh water must always be available.
- Daily careHooves: Goat hooves grow quickly and need regular checking and trimming.
En detalle
En resumen
- Goats should never be kept alone; they need at least one goat companion.
- They prefer browsing shrubs, leaves and twigs to grazing.
- They dislike rain; a dry, sheltered housing area is essential.
- Fences must be high and strong; goats are expert climbers and escape artists.
- Hooves need regular checking and trimming.
Goats are highly curious ruminants kept for milk, meat and mohair. They love to climb, explore and test everything with their mouths. This curiosity makes them both entertaining and demanding.
Housing and space
- Sturdy fencing: Goats climb, jump and quickly find weak spots. A high, strong fence is needed.
- Dry shelter: Goats dislike getting wet; they need a dry, well-ventilated, cleanly bedded shelter where they can escape rain and wind.
- Climbing and enrichment: Structures such as rocks, logs or platforms support their natural behaviour.
Feeding routine
Goats are browsers: shrubs, tree leaves and wild plants are their natural food. The basis of their diet is quality hay and suitable vegetation. A balanced concentrate and mineral supplement may be needed for milk production and growth. Goats may taste everything, but that does not mean they can eat everything.
Water
Clean, fresh water must always be available. Goats may refuse dirty water, so clean troughs often.
Daily care
- Hooves: Goat hooves grow quickly and need regular checking and trimming.
- Daily checks: Monitor appetite, rumination and activity every day.
- Milking: For dairy goats, pay attention to milking hygiene and regular milking times.
Behaviour and social needs
Goats are social and form a ranking within the herd. A goat kept alone is unhappy and may call constantly. Give them chances to play, climb and explore; bored goats start testing fences and housing.
Seasonal care
Goats are affected more by wet than by cold. Make sure they can reach dry shelter in rainy weather. Provide shade and plenty of water in summer.
Legal requirements (Türkiye)
In Türkiye, goats must be identified with ear tags and registered in the small ruminant registration system.
Conviene saber
Los puntos más importantes.
- Harmful plantsAsk a local veterinarian or agricultural adviser whether your pasture and hedgerows contain plants that could harm your animals. Do not feed garden waste or ornamental plant clippings to livestock.
- Health programmeSet up a regular health programme for vaccinations and internal and external parasite control with a local veterinarian. Contact your vet without delay whenever something seems out of the ordinary.
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Otros animales del mismo grupo.
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