How can you tell if your goat is healthy? We all want our animals to be healthy and happy.
These are all signs of a Happy and Healthy Goat:
- Normal Temperature – 102 to 104 F. You will need a rectal thermometer to check your goats temperature. A fever would be a sign of infection. A low temperature can be worse, especially in kids.
- Your goat has a good appetite and is drinking water.
- A healthy goat is Alert and Active, it stands normally, with all 4 feet firmly on the ground. It has a steady gait, with no limping.
- It has Bright Eyes, with Moist and Pink Membranes below the eyelids. The gums are also moist and pink. The Muzzle is moist with no swelling or discharge.
- A healthy goat is contented, it stays with the herd. Head carriage is upright and alert. Ears position (up or down) depends on Breed.
- Hooves are Normal Length and no Cracks. You will need to check the hooves frequently and trim as needed.
- Tail is Usually Up and Active. A healthy goat has normal feces (Pellets) and urine. The backside is clean of manure.
- A healthy goat has Hair that is Sleek and Shiny. The skin is smooth and pliable.
- Normal Respiration for a goat is 12-24 breaths per minute. The breathing should not be laboured or noisy.
- A healthy Doe has a good-sized Udder with 2 Teats. For Dairy goats, the Teat size and formation is especially important, but you also want it for your Meat Does so they can be good mothers. A buck should have Testicles of Normal Shape and Size.
- Adequate body Condition for Stage of Production. It is normal for a Doe that recently had kids to be below normal condition, but she should bounce back in a few weeks.
How do you keep your goat healthy?
- Start with a healthy goat. Only purchase goats from reliable breeders who test their herds for common diseases and quarantine any new arrivals.
- Proper nutrition. I wrote a paper on feeding your goats.
- Worm your goats if indicated by FAMANCHA (check the colour of their eye membranes) and/or Fecal count. It is no longer recommended to worm on a schedule – only use wormers if indicated.
- Vaccinate as indicated by your vet. This will vary by location, climate, type of goat, etc.
