Transcript for how to care for goats

VideoJug: How to care for Goats

Hello and welcome to VidoeJug

We've come to Vauxhall City Farm in London to show how to keep and care for goats.

Goats are curious, caring animals

These are Pygmy Goats and make especially affectionate companions.

Goats can live for 10 to 14 years providing years of companionship to a loving owner.

Goats are sociable heard animals and shouldn't be kept on their own.

Step One, housing and bedding

Goats need a decent amount of space to exercise and play in and are generally best suited to rural areas.

The size of the sapce needed depends on the bread and the numbre of goats.

Check with your loccal authority as it's illiga to keep goats privitly in some cities.

Goats need constant access to a dry shelter.

At night it's a good idea to provide a secure lockable barn to keep the goats safe from poachers.

There should be plenty of straw or dry bedding in the shelter.

Goats have a tendency to jump and explore.

They must not be tethered and fencing must be strong and at least five feet high to prevent them from escaping.

Step 2: Handling

Goats are sensitive, intelligent animals that should be handled in a careful manner.

Approach them quietly, slowly and in plain view.

At Vauxhall City Farm, two volunteers approach a goat at a time to lessen the chances of it running away.

Pygmy Goats who have a lot of contact with humans are relatively easy to handel.

They're quite happy being held securely with both hands under the arm of a volunteer.

Step 3: Health

Goats should be inspected regularly especially for foot conditions, lite and mange.

A healthy goat should have clear and bright eyes, a smooth and shiny coat, be alert and lively, with a good appetite.

Consult with your vet to check if your goat needs any extra health care such as vaccinations

Goats are prone to foot problems so check them everyday and use a hoof pick to remove any pebbles and a brush to remove dirt or mud.

Feet may also need to be trimmed which should be carried out by a trained person.

Use a large grooming brush all over the goat, in the direction of the fur to remove any dirt or dandruff.

Step 4: Diet

Goats need plenty of hay, which should be put in a hay rack rather then on the ground.

Their diet varies depending on the time of year, age, and the condition of each animal.

But must contain vegetables and hay.

Talk to your vet about how to manage your goats diet and which plants are poisonous to them.

Goats also need a constant supply of fresh, clean water.

Step 5: exercise and play

Let your goats roam free in their living space everyday.

Goats are heard animals so shouldn't be kept on their own. It's best to keep females of the same age and preferably the same family.

Step 6: cleaning

Sweep up the goats exercise and bedding area every day

removing urine soaked straw and droppings from the sleeping area replacing it with fresh dried straw.

Done