| What do you need to start raising goats? Here are | | | | Mineral and or salt lick blocks are recommended by |
| the basics of raising goats. | | | | many goat owners for overall health. Look for the |
| Ample pasture, preferably 1-2 acres per goat is | | | | specialty recipes for goats. When placing a mineral or |
| recommended for grazing. Some people like to | | | | salt block, try to place it in the goat shelter and on a |
| supplement with a bit of special goat grain available at | | | | block of wood or something similar so that it will stay |
| your local feed store. A good quality hay should be | | | | dry. You don't want your salt dissolving into the |
| on hand during the winter, and to supplement feeding | | | | ground! |
| during dry summer months. | | | | Do not skimp on fencing! Although being the most |
| Fresh water is essential for a healthy goat. A good | | | | expensive aspect of raising goats, you will want it to |
| way to provide water is simply a bucket, refilled each | | | | last as long as possible and still be effective. The |
| day; or a trough, or even an automatic water station. | | | | recommended fencing is 4' high, red-top woven wire |
| An automatic water station is great if you are | | | | with 12" spacing. When installing, be sure to stretch |
| worried about dirty water and constant supply. | | | | the bottom wire to run directly in contact with the |
| Housing is the next essential. Again, this is according | | | | ground for the most effective barrier. |
| to personal preference and budget. A good goat | | | | With the right equipment and care, raising goats can |
| house for raising goats can be as simple as a lean-to | | | | and should be a pleasure for you, your friends and of |
| shelter or a large barn with feed and hay rooms and | | | | course, the goats, for many years. |
| stalls. | | | | |