Supplying Your Goats with Water

Whether you are raising goats as part of a sustainable lifestyle or because you like to keep them as pets, they need a consistent supply of fresh, clean water to grow properly, stay healthy, and do their best in milk production. Pregnant and lactating does have the highest water needs, and when the weather is hot and dry, all goats need more water. A general rule is to give a goat between a half-gallon to four gallons each day per goat.

You can get by without a nearby water supply, but if your barn is any distance from your house, you'll find that hauling water and equipment back and forth is a lot of work. Plan ahead, even if it means digging a water line when you put in a new goat shelter or barn.

Even better is a sink and faucet with hot water. You can wash feed bowls and buckets without schlepping them to the house. And with dairy goats and the equipment they require, it's even more useful.

At a bare minimum you need a hose that reaches the barn or area where the goats hang out. Even with just that, if you don't want to be at the beck and call of your goats or if you actually have to leave the farm once in a while, you can use a stock tank and buy a float valve to attach to the hose. When the water is low, the valve opens to allow enough water through to refill the tank. Rubbermaid makes an inexpensive one that livestock supply stores carry.

Some people are fortunate enough to have a creek or a pond that goats can use for a water supply. Both are convenient but have the disadvantage of being more liable to become contaminated from urine, feces, and debris or from becoming stagnant. If you plan to use either of these sources, get the water tested first to determine whether it's safe for drinking. If you're on a city water source, talk to your water supplier about how to do this. If you have well water, you're responsible for its safety and can contact your local health department for information on getting it tested.

How to Train a Goat to Walk on a Lead

Lead training your goats is essential if you're planning to show your goats. A jumping, fighting, or recalcitrant goat doesn't fare well in the show ring. Even if you don't show goats, teaching them how to walk on a lead makes them easier to manage.

When you lead train, try to recruit a helper to push the goat from behind when it stops walking. To lead train, take the following steps every day for at least 10 minutes:

1. Put a collar on the goat.

Make sure it isn't too tight or so loose that it slips over the goat's head.

Attach a lead and position the collar.

The collar should fit at the top of the goat's jaw area and behind the top of the head.

Walk forward a few steps, pulling slightly on the lead.

If the goat follows, continue walking. Stop every few steps and reward the goat with a small treat or praise. Then start again. Gradually increase the distance the goat has to go to get the treat.

Do not drag the goat or pull too hard on the leash because it can block the windpipe and cause the goat to collapse. The goat will drop to his knees, sometimes exhibiting what appears to be a seizure, but will recover quickly.

Stop after a few steps if the goat stops, and then try again.

Use a treat such as peanuts, apple chunks, or corn chips to encourage the goat to walk.

Lead the goat; don't let the goat lead you. If the goat is leading well but tries to go past you, say "Stop" or "Get back," then stop and turn in the opposite direction. When the goat is stopped by the rope, wait a second, and then start to lead in the direction you turned.

When the lesson is complete, lead the goat back to the herd and remove the collar and lead.

After a goat is more comfortable walking on a lead, you can practice less frequently. Use this method to get the goat to the stanchion for routine care or just take her on an occasional walk on a lead.