Tips for goat care when it’s super cold! #Video

Tips for goat care when it’s super cold!

Hello farm friends! Maine is experiencing a super cold spell with temps dipping below zero this week. We always worry about the goats when there is prolonged frigid weather, but knock on wood, our animals have never really had a problem with the Maine weather. Over 17 years through all kinds of conditions, the goats have shown us how resilient they are. With just a few supportive measures, they can stay healthy and happy through the harshest months of the year.

1. Do not interfere with their natural defenses by offering heat lamps or coats. If they are well cared for and healthy, goats develop a cashmere undercoat that keeps them warm. External heat sources can interfere with development of that winter coat. There of course are exceptions to this. An older goat might not have such a thick coat and might need a coat in the coldest spells, but only for short spells and only if they seem to be struggling. I would also use a heat lamp if our goats were kidding so the babies could stay warm in their first 24 hours. They need to maintain body temperature for their sucking reflex to work, and need to get plenty of colostrum in those first hours, so a heat lamp in that case is good insurance. I’d keep a heat lamp as an option for kids until temps got above freezing.

2. Keep their bellies active! I want my goats to keep eating and drinking through cold spells. We do all sorts of things to entice them including: offering Christmas trees, sweet grain mixed with their dairy grain and as always free choice minerals and second cut hay. You can also try adding a bit of coffee, molasses or Nutradrench to their hot water so they are encouraged to drink plenty!

3. Keep the herd dry and away from direct winds. If it is damp and windy in addition to the cold I keep the goats in with the barn doors shut. On cold days that are sunny, dry and not windy, I let them out to eat and give them a choice where they want to spend their day.

4. Watch each member of the herd, especially old or very young members closely. If they skip a meal, stare into a corner, or look otherwise lethargic, act quickly. Begin by taking their temperature immediately, then call your vet for best next steps.

5. Taking care of your herd through cold spells begins in the summer. Get them the best second cut hay possible, feed them quality grain and minerals, trim their hooves regularly and treat for parasites as needed so they are in the best possible health when faced with adverse conditions.

6. Take care of yourself! Your herd is only going to be healthy and well taken care of in the long term if you are taking care of yourself. Do little things to brighten winter days, get good sleep and fuel your body! If you are at your best, getting up on cold days to tend to your herd can be a joy and something you look forward to rather than a chore! Same applies to more than farming
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