It goes without saying that raising goats can be both a fun and trying experience. Less than a week ago I installed a new lock on my tack room door. My goats found a way to break in and get sick on corn. Which is of course my inspiration for this blog. When I found two noticeably sick goats and a whole bunch of missing corn I knew exactly what to do. It occurred to me though all the times in my past when I did not know what to do with my sick goats. So I wanted to share my plan for "How to make homemade cures for farm goats."
IS THAT GOAT ACTING FUNNY?
From here it is crucial that you monitor your goats consumption. In my case I noticed immediately that Bambi was not touching her GOATER-ADE. So, I had to drench her. I initially, drench with 250cc for a mature goat (125cc for a goat less than a year). Then I dose another 125cc twice the first day and a total of three the following days. In my experience by the end of the first day a goat with a minor to moderate stomach issue will start drinking the GOATER-ADE on there own by the end of the first day. If they don't be prepared to call your vet or local mentor.
First and foremost for all goat owners is knowing your goats. The most helpful tool I use in dealing with my goats is knowledge. I spend time just watching them. I ask my self " How do they act when they see food?". "How do they act when they see water?" "How do they act first thing in the morning or at night when I close the barn doors?" From this observation, I knew that when I went out in the morning and opened the stall door and Bambi didn't come bolting out for breakfast that I had a problem. So, I watched her that day and noticed my broken lock and the missing corn. From there it was really simple for me. Goat not eating, goat not pooping, goat moping around = goat ate too much corn and screwed up her digestive system. If you have farm goats, chances are something similar has happened to you. So what to do?
MY HOMEMADE CURE FOR FARM GOATS
I have used this homemade cure dozens of times, I call it Goater-Ade. I find that it works like magic. Here is my recipe:
GOATER-ADE
- 1 Gallon water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup or Karo syrup (not kitchen sugar)
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup corn oil
- (My secret ingredient) 5 Grams Goat probiotic
From here it is crucial that you monitor your goats consumption. In my case I noticed immediately that Bambi was not touching her GOATER-ADE. So, I had to drench her. I initially, drench with 250cc for a mature goat (125cc for a goat less than a year). Then I dose another 125cc twice the first day and a total of three the following days. In my experience by the end of the first day a goat with a minor to moderate stomach issue will start drinking the GOATER-ADE on there own by the end of the first day. If they don't be prepared to call your vet or local mentor.
THE REAL SECRET
I think the real secret to my GOATER-ADE is the probiotic. Goats complicated stomach system takes serious regulation. When this system gets of balance I believe the most important thing you can do is introduce Probiotic. I first tried this system without the probiotic and my results were marginal. Granted the molasses is great for iron. The salt and baking soda are excellent electrolytes. However, your best bet is introducing new probiotics to get that digestive system in order. There are lots of Goat probiotics on the market. Try your local farm store or there are good results online.
KEEP IN MIND
I admit that as much as I love GOATER-ADE it is only a first step for a lot of goat illnesses. As a goat owner you must be prepared for many other illnesses such as tetnus, bluetongue, brucellosis, broken bones, diarrhea, mastitis, foot rot, ringworm and many, many more. Nothing can compare to knowledge when it comes raising your farm goats. However, in my experience the first thing I do when I notice a sick goat is introduce GOATER-ADE. It provides a great pick-me-up, as well as iron and other nutrients that can be helpful to any sick goat. From there you can determine what further treatments your goats need. Always, keep your goat mentor or vets number handy just in case your health issues with you goat do not improve.
OTHER USEFUL TIPS
Again, your biggest tool to keep your goays healthy is knowledge. I keep two or three different goat books handy at all times. Check out these websites for some really excellent tips:
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