Health Management

Our whole herd is tested yearly for Johne's disease, CL (caseous lymphadenitis), and CAE (caprine arthritis encephalitis). If a FAMACHA score or stool changes are noted, they are dewormed with Safeguard and Ivermectin. We have a great vet on call who does Zoom visits.

 

With all the advice, it’s hard to decide exactly what feed mix would be most nourishing. After consulting with a livestock nutritionist, we decided on the following (plus one animal cracker for dessert). After all, we all love a little sweet!

 

Our herd is given natural spring water that comes off our mountainside. A splash of organic apple cider vinegar is added for good measure. We are literally a “farmer in the dell”! Our girls have round-the-clock access to a mineral bar consisting of 21 different minerals. Baking soda and a salt block are at their disposal 24/7 as well. Every day, we take a walk, conditions permitting, on our 12-acre farm, which consists of an array of bushes/shrubs, plants, weeds, and trees. We then individually feed a mixture of goat feed pellets, sunflower seeds, steamed rolled barley, alfalfa pellets, and kelp. Each portion is topped off with a sprinkle of probiotic powder, diatomaceous earth, and a few sprays of organic flaxseed oil. They each get a piece of fruit and a piece of vegetable (whatever's in season). We can provide this individual attention due to our small herd size. After that, their feeders are replenished with alfalfa hay, and the barn door opens to allow them to forage, rotationally, on our two fenced pastures. They are tucked away safely at night, and somewhere in the interim, they are loved up.

 

All our kids are bottle-raised.