How Do I Care For Goats In A Small Backyard Farm?

“I’ve recently started a small backyard farm and I’m thinking about adding a couple of goats. The space I have isn’t huge, so I want to make sure I give them the proper care they need with room to roam. What should I consider to ensure they’re happy and healthy in a small space? I’d love some detailed advice or suggestions on how to make this work!” Thanks, Kelly, Perth, Australia.

How Do I Care for Goats in a Small Backyard Farm?

So you’re thinking about getting a couple of goats for your small backyard farm, Kelly? That’s fantastic! Goats can be a wonderful addition, offering not just the joy of their lively personalities but also fresh milk, natural lawn mowing, and sometimes even fiber. They’re relatively low maintenance, but they do have specific needs. When you’re working with a smaller space, there are definitely some specific considerations to keep in mind to ensure your goats are happy, healthy, and safe.

Choosing the Right Breed for a Small Space

When it comes to raising goats in a small backyard, the breed you choose is extremely important. Some breeds are simply better suited to small spaces than others. Larger breeds, like the Boer or Nubian, require more room to move around and might not be the best fit. For a smaller backyard, you’ll want to look into small-to-medium-sized breeds that are known for adapting well to compact environments.

• Pygmy Goats: Pygmies are one of the smallest breeds available, typically standing under two feet tall. They are known for their friendly disposition, making them a great choice if you have children.
• Nigerian Dwarf Goats: These goats are also small in size and are excellent milk producers. Despite their small stature, they can produce up to two quarts of milk per day. Perfect for a family farm where space is limited but milk is desired.
• Miniature Nubians: If you love the look of a Nubian but need something more size-appropriate for a small backyard, Miniature Nubians could be a great option. They’re bred specifically to retain that lovable Nubian personality and impressive milk production but in a more manageable package.

Considering the size of your backyard, Kelly, I’d suggest sticking with one of these three breeds, with Pygmy goats being an especially good choice if you’re concerned about space.

Housing and Shelter Requirements

Providing adequate shelter is another key component of goat care, especially when operating in a confined space like a small backyard. Goats need a safe place to sleep, escape weather conditions, and remain secure from predators. The good news is that goats are not particularly fussy when it comes to their housing—so long as their essentials are met, they’ll be happy!

Here are some things to take into account when setting up their shelter:

• Size: Each goat should have at least 15 square feet inside their shelter. This gives them enough room to lie down, move around, and establish their personal space. Goats do fine in relatively small spaces so long as it’s clean and dry.
• Flooring: Goats prefer solid ground. Dirt or wooden floors are usually best since they can be easily cleaned. However, if you’re using wood, make sure you keep it dry to avoid rot and mildew. Bedding like straw or shavings should be added to keep them comfortable and to absorb moisture.
• Ventilation: Although goats need a dry and warm environment, it’s critical that their shelter has proper ventilation. Stale air can lead to respiratory problems, so ensure there’s a steady flow by incorporating windows or vents that can be screened off to prevent drafts during cold weather.

Given your space limitations, Kelly, think vertically! Goats actually enjoy climbing and standing on elevated surfaces. You can add simple platforms or ramps inside the shelter, which also adds to their living space on a small footprint.

Fencing: Keeping Them In and Predators Out

When it comes to fencing, goats are a little notorious. They can be escape artists and will find a way out if your fencing isn’t adequate. And on the flip side, they need to be protected from potential predators like dogs or even wild animals.

Here’s what to look for in a suitable fence:

• Height: Your fence should be at least 4 to 5 feet high. Goats are agile jumpers, and anything shorter may be more of a suggestion than a barrier to your goats!
• Material: Sturdy, woven-wire fencing is best. Goats will lean, rub, and push against fences, so make sure it’s strong enough to withstand this wear and tear.
• Gates and Latches: These should be as secure as possible. Goats are incredibly curious and can work their way into—or more importantly, out of—all sorts of latches. Install secure, goat-proof locks on gates.
• Burrowing and Climbing Considerations: Some goats might try digging under the fencing or climbing over it, especially if they’re especially curious. Burying some fencing material underground and installing an inward-facing fence extension on the top can help keep even the most spirited goats inside.

Even in a small backyard, it’s crucial to have a well-fortified and well-thought-out fencing setup. For your situation in Perth, Kelly, building a secure, high fence with sturdy materials will ensure that your goats remain safe and sound.

Feeding: What and How Much?

A balanced diet is vital for a happy, healthy goat. Goats are browsers, meaning they prefer a varied diet of leaves, weeds, shrubs, and occasionally grass. Because they’ll likely not have access to endless browsing opportunities in a small backyard, it’s essential to bring the right diet to them.

• Hay: Good quality hay should make up the bulk of their diet, especially if you’re short on pasture. Offer free-choice access to hay, preferably something like Timothy or Bermuda grass. Ensure it’s always clean and dry to avoid any mold or contamination.
• Grains: You can supplement their diet with grains, but this should be kept minimal, especially if you’re raising dairy goats. Grains should not surpass more than 10% of their overall diet.
• Fresh Greens: If possible, try to mimic their natural browsing habits by offering small amounts of fresh greens, vegetable scraps, or even leaves and twigs. However, make sure these are all safe for them to eat. Some common plants are toxic to goats. Watch out for plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, or yew.
• Minerals: Goats require certain minerals in their diet, the most important of which is salt. You can provide them with a mineral block or a loose mineral mix designed for goats.

One tip, Kelly: always make sure fresh, clean water is available. Goats won’t drink dirty water, and dehydration can lead to major health issues.

Health Care and Maintenance

Even though goats are relatively hardy, they still require regular care and attention to maintain good health, especially in a backyard environment where they could be subjected to close quarters, potential parasites, or stressful situations.

Regular Health Checks

At least weekly, take the time to observe each goat closely:

• Check their overall body condition. Are they maintaining weight? Feel along their back and ribs to make sure they aren’t getting too thin.
• Eyes and nose should be clear without any discharge.
• Monitor their poop—yes, it’s all part of the job! Their droppings should be firm and pellet-like, not loose or diarrhea-like.
• Inspect their hooves, which need to be trimmed regularly. If left unchecked, overgrown hooves can lead to foot problems. Trim them every 4-6 weeks, or as needed.

Worming and Vaccinations

Goats are susceptible to parasitic worms, which can be particularly problematic in smaller, confined areas. Regular worming is crucial, and your local vet can provide guidance about the most effective schedule and products based on the specific conditions in Perth.

Goats should also receive vaccinations against common diseases such as tetanus and clostridial diseases (CD&T). These are typically given annually.

Preventing Stress

Stress is a significant contributor to health problems in goats. Ensure that they always have a calm, quiet environment. Overcrowding or constant changes in routine can lead to stress-induced issues. Goats are social creatures, so make sure they have companionship. It’s better to have at least two goats rather than one, as a single goat can become lonely and distressed.

Remember, Kelly, in a small space sometimes minor issues can seem to escalate quickly, so always keep an eye on signs that might suggest stress or illness and address them right away.

Interacting with Your Goats: Building a Bond

One of the greatest joys of raising goats, especially in a backyard setting, is the bond you’ll develop with them. Goats are incredibly social and can even be trained to respond to their names or follow simple commands.

Spending time with them daily, not just when feeding or cleaning, helps create a strong bond. Simply sitting with them, talking to them, or gently scratching their head or back will help them grow comfortable and secure in their environment—and with you.

They’ll also enjoy toys or objects they can climb on, such as old tires, wooden crates, or even specially-built goat play structures. Providing entertainment through interaction or toys helps prevent boredom, especially in smaller spaces.

Breeding Considerations

If you’re thinking about breeding, it’s vital to plan well. While goats can reproduce successfully in a confined space, there are key considerations to keep in mind as you think about expanding your herd:

• Space: Even though you’re working with a small backyard, pregnant does (female goats) will need more space and privacy during and after birth. You’ll also need to plan for how you’ll care for the kids (baby goats) or find suitable homes for them.
• Nutritional Needs: A doe’s nutritional needs will change during pregnancy and lactation. Make sure their diet is adjusted accordingly to ensure they remain healthy and capable of producing strong, healthy kids.
• Managing Males: If you plan to keep a buck (male goat), keep in mind that they require separate housing, at least during certain times of the year. Bucks can be aggressive, especially during breeding season, and can cause stress or injury to does and kids in close quarters.

If space is a concern, it might be best to avoid breeding and instead keep a small, manageable herd of just a couple of does. Finding a local farmer or breeder who can handle the breeding for you—someone who has adequate space and experience—while you focus on caring for the herd in your backyard could be a good compromise.

Dealing with Common Challenges

Every goat owner, regardless of how much space they have, will face challenges. But addressing issues in a small backyard requires special care and creativity:

Odor Control

One of the most common concerns with keeping goats in a small backyard is managing odors. Goats themselves don’t generally have a strong smell, but their waste can if not managed properly. Here’s how to keep your backyard smelling fresh:

• Regularly clean your goat’s living area, including the removal of soiled bedding before odors have a chance to develop.
• Consider using a deep litter system where additional clean bedding is added regularly, allowing the soiled bedding to compost underneath.
• For especially troublesome areas, sprinkle some barn lime (make sure it’s safe for livestock!) on moist spots to help absorb odors.

Noise Concerns

Goats can be noisy, especially during feeding time, and this might be a consideration when living in a suburban area, Kelly. However, most goat breeds kept for small backyards, like the Pygmy or Nigerian Dwarf, aren’t typically overly noisy. Still, you can help control excessive noise by keeping them well-fed and happy, reducing the reasons they have to voice their displeasure.

Legal Considerations

Before you commit to getting goats, it’s crucial to check local regulations. Many areas have strict rules about keeping livestock in residential zones. You may need to obtain special permits or meet specific conditions such as minimum space requirements or restrictions on the number and type of animals. It’s better to check ahead of time rather than face potential fines or legal issues later on.

For example, in some parts of Australia, suburban areas may have specific limits on the number of goats or even rules against certain breeds. Given you’re in Perth, contacting your local council to clarify the requirements before bringing your goats home is a wise step.

Final Thoughts…

Kelly, I hope this helps you feel more confident and ready to take that exciting next step in adding goats to your backyard farm. Remember that the key to success in a small space is careful planning, regular care, and providing a safe and enriching environment for your goats. Thanks for reaching out with your question—it’s clear you’re dedicated to doing what’s best for your animals, and they’ll surely thrive because of it. Happy farming!