DIY "Pill Pockets" for Your Goats

So many farmers dread it when the time comes to give pills to their animals. It can be a nightmare. holding the goat still, prying their mouth open, shoving things down their throat. It's really not any fun. So wouldn't it be great if you could just head out to the barn, hand the pill to the goat, and watch them as they excitedly gulp it down and ask for more? 

I came up with this super easy recipe after being totally fed up with giving pills to a whole herd of goats. I knew there should be an easier way... so I created one. Mix these up for gang. You won't be sorry. 

All you need for this is: 

• Peanut Butter
• Molasses
• and Flour

I know I didn't this time, but I would suggest a natural peanut butter. Some Peanut butters have chemicals in them that goats should not be eating. 

Either Baking or Blackstrap molasses is fine, but Blackstrap is better for the goats. 

As for the flour, I wouldn't really recommend bleached, white flour. But really any flour will do. It doesn't have to be wheat flour either. Almond flour, Coconut flour, Buckwheat flour, Rice flour. Even cornmeal should work fine. 

You need equal parts of each ingredient. I used, probably, 2-3 tablespoons of each. I honestly don't even measure. Mix them all up in a bowl until it's the constancy of play-dough.  Add flour if it's too goopy. 

I usually leave the dough in the bowl and head to the barn before I form it into the pockets. The dough "melts" a little if you let it sit; it's not too great at keeping it's shape. It might help if you were to add more flour, but I've never minded that it does this. 

When you're ready, roll the dough into tablespoon sized marbles. Select your pill and push it into the marble. Then pinch the dough so that the pill is entirely enclosed. 

You can then sit back as you watch your goat happily munch down her pills. Just like that. 

Just make sure to give them to the right goat and not to let them "share" with each other. We don't want Sally to get Bertha's meds.

Not all goats will think these are the bee's knees. I've had a few that absolutely refuse to eat them. In this case, you will still have to wrestle pills down their throat. I have a pill gun that is reserved for these "special" goats. If you're looking to buy a pill gun, don't buy one marketed for goats. I find the goat specific ones are never long enough and never rugged enough. I use a calf pill gun (Make sure it's for a calf not a cow or it will be too big) and that works beautifully.  It's messier and more effort than a neat little pill pocket, but sometimes it's still very necessary. 

Good luck with your herd! Let me know if you try this and how it worked for you. I love feedback! 

NOTE: Consult your veterinarian before feeding any pills (meds, boluses, supplements, etc) to your goats. Ask them about this form of feeding, it may not be right for your individual situation.  

This post was shared on the Homesteader Hop! 

This post was also shared on The Homestead Blog Hop

2017 Kids

Pippi and Matilda have both kidded! Super easy births with super healthy kids! Tilly had 1 buckling and Pippi had 2, making a grand total of 3 bucklings. Pippi's kidded on March 31st (one of her boys was HUGE!) and Tilly was April 6th. I already have homes lined up for all three of them, so unfortunately I won't have any kids available for sale this year. and those two being my only does this year, that wraps up the kidding season for me.

Kidding Supplies Checklists

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds - Proverbs 27:23

With kidding season here I find it helpful to have a list of all the things I'll need. Even if you know, and have, all the needed supplies it is helpful to have a list handy as a reference, just to make sure you aren't forgetting something.
Or, if this is your first time breeding, it can give you confidence to  know that you are prepared.
 I've done the work for you and put this list together.

If you have anything to add or that you do differently, please leave a comment.

Kidding Supplies:

• Baby monitor (You will want to keep a monitor near the mother for the days approaching her due date. Get so you are familiar with the usual 'barn sounds' and if there's any difference, check on her. The kidding can be very quick, Keep the receiving end near you if you want to be there for it.)
• Kidding Stall/Pen/Crate (the doe should not be with the herd when she is kidding. She needs to be isolated in a separate, quiet space where she wont be bothered by nosy aunts) 
• Flashlight (for those "fun" Nighttime births)
• Lots of clean towels.
• Scissors (to cut the umbilical cord if it doesn't break or if it's too long)
• Iodine (to clean the cord)
• Unscented Floss (to tie off bleeding umbilical cords)
• Rubber gloves (I don't use gloves personally, but they could be helpful if you are squeamish at all. I know for a lot of people gloves are a must) 
• Infant Nasal Aspirator (to clear the kid's nose of womb slime)

These are just the basics. Many things can go wrong during a birth, in case of difficulty you will want to contact your vet.
Make sure that all your supplies are clean, don't use anything that's unsanitary.

Post Kidding Supplies - Mother:

• Molasses (I give the mother a mixture of hot water, molasses, and grain after the birth to give her extra energy - they love it!)
• Hot water and Hay (make sure she can get all that she wants.)

As important as it is that she gets her energy back, it is also important that the mother doesn't neglect her child. If the food is a distraction from her baby take it away till the kid is cleaned and well cared for. You can help her by wiping the kid/s off with a towel. Don't be afraid to wipe the baby down kind of roughly, it's actually good to and gets their blood flowing.

I have had does who want nothing to do with their kid (I have one doe who tried to stomp her kids) in that case take them away from her and don't let her be alone with them. You will have to take the roll of mamma goat.

Post Kidding Supplies - Kid:

• Goat Coat (or tiny dog coats. If you live in a warmer climate than I do this may not be necessary, but New England is cold! I keep coats on my baby goats almost 24/7 for the first couple weeks)
• Syringe (Colostrum is the first milk that the mother produces after birth and is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that will make sure the kid has a healthy start to life. That said, it is important the baby gets the colostrum. If it is too weak to nurse or stand you will have to milk out the mother and feed the kid with a syringe or tiny bottle.)
• Pritchard nipples and clean, empty soda bottles (You can either bottle feed your kids or you can let the mother raise them. If the mother refuses to raise them you will have to bottle feed. Bottle feeding also makes the kids much more friendly.)
• Kid Milk Replacer (if the mother doesn't produce enough milk, or if something has happened to the mother, you can use milk replacer. Just make sure the kid gets the colostrum after birth and make sure you get Kid Milk Replacer. Cow or Sheep milk would be bad for the kid and definitely avoid the bags that say they are "multi species". That's not good for kids at all. I use Manna pro Kid milk which you can get HERE) 

As I said, this is just the basics. There are any number of instances where you will need special equipment or veterinary assistance. 

I have also put together a simple milking list. You can milk with a machine or by hand. I milk by hand, so the list I have here is just for hand-milkers.

Hand Milking Supplies:

• Milking Stand
• Grain (the goat will most likely not stand for the milking if she doesn't have food)
• Iodine or udder wash (in a spray bottle to clean udder before and after milking. I have a gallon size jug of concentrated iodine which I bought 4 years ago and it's about half  empty. You can buy it at any feed store. There's also an udder wash concentrate HERE which in non-iodine)
• Paper Towels (to clean udder and any messes) 
• Stainless Steel Pan (you'll want one with a wide, flat bottom that the doe can't easily spill. I actually use a bread pan)
• Canning Jars (or other clean, sanitary container to store the milk in the fridge)
• Stainless Steel Funnel (you can buy funnels that are made to hold the filters and sit on the canning jars. That's the way to go.)
• Milk Filters (make sure you get the right size filters to fit in your funnel)

I hope this is helpful, let me know if I have left anything out or if you have anything to add. 

If you have any questions please leave a comment.

Free Printable Kidding Checklist 

THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE ANY PROFESSIONAL VETERINARY ADVICE. IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY OR CONCERN CONTACT YOUR VETERINARY IMMEDIATELY.

Autumn 2016

Over the Summer I cut down my herd substantially. I have two does left: Pippi and Matilda. I do still have Rugen as well, but he is for sale, I'm just trying to find the right home for him. I decided I would have only a few goats for the winter for ease of care, and also so I had some freedom away from the farm to focus on other things for a while. My two girls have been bred this fall. YAY. and now we wait for spring. 

Our first year at the new house really was excellent. The goats, too, are so happy in their new home! We were thankful for an easy winter last year, and we are glad to now be preparing for a full-on New England winter. 

The 2017 due dates are:

Pippi: March 29, 2017

Tilly: April 3, 2017

The Buck this year is Tiny Hill Farm's Linus. 

Another bit of exciting news to share is that our Weimaraner Rain E Day is due to whelp the first week in December! These puppies will need loving homes within a few months. Of course, we can't know yet how many she'll have, what color, or gender... but keep your eyes open for another post announcing all that! In the meantime, if you or anyone you know is looking for puppies, do contact me and we could talk about reserving a pup to add to your family. 

A final note:  Rugen (Pictured above) is still for sale if you are interested. Or, if you know someone who is looking for a behaved wether, please, pass it along. He's such a sweety and needs more loving attention than I'm able to give in right now. 

One of our puppies from the last litter

Doe in Milk for sale

Lacey is a purebred, registered Nigerian Dwarf Goat, currently in milk. Her first freshening was this May. She had two healthy doelings. She stands well being milked, by either hand or machine.
I am willing to dry her off if you would like her to not be in milk. She would make an excellent pet, or she could also be bred again this fall. She is 2 years old. $350

2016 Kids

I had a rather disappointing and unlucky spring. Most of the does that I bred didn't end up pregnant.
Faye kidded first, on May 18th. For her 4th time kidding she had one kid. a beautiful blue eyed doeling. Lacey kidded 10 days later, on the 28th, super early in the morning. It was her first freshening, with two little girls. One with blue eyes! And that's it. Just three adorable little girls this year.

Violet 

Faye's baby, Violet, has been sold to Tiny Hill Farm. So I'll be able to see her grown up and see what kids she has when she's bred in a year or so.

Faye's kid, Violet

Lacey's kids

Tawny

I still have Lacey's kids and am bottle feeding them to make them extra friendly.

Lacey didn't want anything to do with them when they were born, so I've been mamma goat since the first day! They are the cutest little things.

Cyan

Update and Due Dates

I think it's about time for a blog update! I have not been active online at all in the past many months.

We have MOVED! We are all very excited to be in our new home, but moving in and becoming organized has been a slow process. But it's happening! We are now on a beautiful piece of land with 54 acres to explore. I can barely wait for all the adventures that will happen here. 

I have bred all my does (I currently have 6 does) and they will be Due in May. The buck this year is TinyHillFarm's Karl Hungus. He's a creamy, blue eyed cutie! I'm expecting to have some really adorable kids in the spring!

Due dates are:

Pippi: May 12

Faye: May 17

Laura: May 21

Margaret: May 21

Matilda: May 31

Lacey: May 21

I think it's safe to say that I will be very busy in May. 

On a separate note, there is a litter of 13 Weimaraner puppies in the house right now! They will be ready to go to new homes in 3 to 4 weeks. If you are interested or want more information please contact me. Or if you know anyone who would be, pass the word around. They are super cute and fantastic family dogs! 

Goat Hoof Trimming (it's easier than it looks)

Trimming the hooves is very important for your goat's health. This is not an article on the reasons why (Though perhaps one will be coming in the future) but rather a tutorial on how. 

 Hoof trimming can be tricky or intimidating for new goat owners. Here is a basic tutorial I put together for any of you who are unsure, or just would like some ideas and pointers.

Some goat's hooves grow faster than others and will need to be trimmed more frequently. The terrain your goats live on will also effect the frequency the hooves will need to be trimmed, if they have rocks and logs they can jump on it will keep them warn down fairly well.

 I let mine go to a little long between trims this time so they are rather overgrown - sorry Girls!

The density of the hoof will also vary among goats. some will have thick hoof walls that are difficult to cut through, while others can be very soft. The quick (where the nerves and blood is) can also be different, especially among goats of varying ages. My young does' quick was closer to the surface than my older does and I, twice, accidentally cut too far. 

Don't worry if you do cut down to the quick. While it does hurt them a little, the pain is minimal and the bleeding will stop quickly. The blood can be a little messy, however, and if you do want to get the bleeding to stop quickly, so you can finish the job, you can apply a livestock blood stop powder. I have also used corn starch, which words fairly well. If you're worried about the cut getting dirty you can spray fightback or iodine onto it after you've finished. 

The easiest way to keep the goats still while trimming is to have a milk stand with grain - a dog grooming stand works well too - but if you're goats are not dairy goats then you may not have a milking stand. You can also try tying them to something. Or, if your goats are small enough, you can have someone stand over them, holding their neck between their legs. I've done this a number of times and it works well. 

Some goats will kick around a lot, refuse to stand still and will need multiple people to hold them still. (I have also heard holding them upside down helps, I have not personally tried this and would look further into it before doing so.) 

For me, personally, I have found ways of holding the legs that seems to work well. For the back legs, I stand with my shoulder to the goats belly, facing the back of the stand. I tuck the hock (The back joint) under my armpit holding the hoof with that same arm and trimming with the other. For the front legs I turn around to face the front of the goat and rest my elbow against the doe's girth (Behind the front legs) and bend the leg at the knee, supporting the lowest part of the leg in the same hand and trimming with the opposite hand. In the pictures I am not doing what I have just suggested as I had to be out of the way for my brother to take pictures.

I use clippers and a horse's hoof pick (as pictured) 

 

Before trimming

\

Step 1: Clean the hoof with the hoof pick, using the brush to clean off any extra dirt. 

Step 2, First cut

Step 2: Your first cut will be across the toe. Don't cut too far, as it can be difficult to tell where the heel meets the wall. You can trim it to be level after. For now you just want to clear an easy way for you to cut down the walls. 

Step 3: Cutting the wall. Use the opening you made (by cutting the toe) to get at the walls of the hoof. Cut them down to the heel, making the edges level with the sole. Start with cutting short pieces, you can always cut more if it's not short enough.

Step 3: Cutting the walls

Step 3: Cutting the walls

Step 3: Cutting the walls

Step 4: You'll then want to cut the heel. Don't cut the heel as far down as the sole, you want a little of a bump.

Cutting the heel

Right heel cut

Now the other side

 Step 5: To finish it off, just trim any unevenness on the edges and round off the toe, trimming away any excess you may have missed in the initial cut. You want the walls and the toe to be level and even with the sole.

Cleaning the edges. 

Rounding the toe. 

 The finished product: There, now only three more to go! My finished hoof doesn't look very clean, but it'll do. If you're unhappy with the roughness, or unevenness, you can take a small file to clean it up. 

I hope this is helpful and as clear as it can be. If you have any questions please contact me and I'll help you best as I can.

The finished hoof

Thank you Gus, my photographer!  And thank you Pippi, my beautiful, patent model! 

Lillian

My first kid of the season was born yesterday. One little girl. Her parents are Elesmèra and Linus (from Tiny Hill Farm). Unfortunately she was born with an extra teat and can't be bred. I will be selling her as a pet. If anyone is interested in an adorable Nigerian Dwarf doeling please let me know. We'll be calling her Lillian while she's here.

Due Dates

My does are all bred (fingers crossed)
Due dates are:
Pippi - March 20 - Linus
Laura - March 23 - Linus*
Faye - March 26 - Linus
Elesmera - March 29 - Linus
Matilda - May 1 - Peewee
Faye - May 2 - Peewee*
Laura - May 2 - Peewee
Margaret - May 23 - Peewee
Lacey - May 23-25 - Peerwee

Linus and Peewee are both from Tiny Hill Farm

If you are interested in Nigerian Dwarf goats please let me know. I will have Doelings, Young Wethers, and possibly Does in Milk for sale. You can let me know of your interest ahead of time and I can keep you posted personally. If you have any questions feel free to ask. (See contacts page)

*Faye and Laura each have two due dates. The marked two are the most likely dates.

Hangin' with the gang

Spent some time sitting in the yard, under the crab apple tree with my guys. I just love them all, each of them with their own personality.

Lacey

Lacey and Rugen

Matilda and Faye

Scramble - Crazy Chicken!

Scramble and Jade

Goose and Jade

Me!

Such a Cuddle Bug

Lacey and Me in the Grass

Lacey and Rugen

Margaret 

Rugen is so Photogenic 

Faye and Elesmera

Pippi and Luara

Not my Button!