Silver Star Homestead: Goat Health Check

 

Silver Star Homestead: Goat Health Check

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Silver Star Homestead! This week has been all about caring for the real MVPs of our homestead—the goats! If you’ve ever worked with goats, you know they’re 

incredibly hardy animals. But like any animals, they need regular check-ups and TLC. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the process we went through this week.

Why Regular Treatments Are Important

Our goats are one of the foundations of our homestead, providing us with milk, great company, and even occasional landscaping services (whether we want them or not!). Treating and regularly checking on them helps ensure they stay healthy, especially with the changing weather as we head deeper into fall.

The Treatment Process

Treating goats is all about patience and preparation. We start by assessing each goat’s overall condition—checking coat quality, weight, hoof condition, and general alertness. Once we have an idea of their health status, it’s time for the actual treatments, which may include:

1. Parasite Control: Keeping parasites under control is a must. We rotate treatments to prevent resistance and make sure to follow safe dosing guidelines based on each goat’s weight.

2. Hoof Trimming: Overgrown hooves can lead to a lot of issues. We take time to trim each goat’s hooves, which can be a bit of a workout. It’s not their favorite part, but it’s a necessary one!

3. Vaccinations / Supplements: This is another essential part of the routine. Staying on top of vaccinations / supplements helps prevent diseases that could spread easily within the herd.

Check out this link for all of our goat care essentials!  

Goats’ Reactions

Our goats, of course, have their own opinions about these treatments! Some are surprisingly cooperative, while others have mastered the art of dodging. Treat time helps smooth things over—a little treat goes a long way in keeping the peace.

Tips for Fellow Goat Keepers

For anyone raising goats, here are a few things we’ve learned:

• Organization is key. Having all the necessary supplies laid out makes the process smoother and less stressful.
• Be consistent with your treatment schedule. Goats are tough, but a routine helps catch any issues early.
• Patience is a goat owner’s best friend. These animals can be willful, but building trust with them really makes a difference.

Wrapping Up

At the end of treatment day, it’s always satisfying to see our herd back to their usual selves—munching on hay, playing, or lounging together. Their health and happiness are at the heart of what we do here, and treating them is a reminder of how much they mean to our homestead.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s update from Silver Star! If you have any questions about goat care or are curious about what goes into running a small homestead, feel free to reach out. Until next time, stay well, and enjoy the season!

Lots of Love,
Bri