You Bought Spanish Goats… Now What?
What You May Have Heard vs. The Truth
If you’ve recently purchased Spanish goats, you’ve probably heard plenty of different opinions about how to care for them. Maybe someone told you that you’ll never need to trim hooves, deworm, or provide grain. Perhaps others said that goats don’t need shelter at all.
While there’s a bit of truth in some of these ideas, it’s important to understand that your specific environment plays a major role in how your goats will thrive. Many people who claim they don’t feed or deworm their goats manage herds that roam across hundreds or even thousands of acres filled with natural browse, grasses, weeds, and bushes. Most of these same owners still supplement with hay in the winter, and some, throughout the year.
At Ranch 628, the goats you’ve purchased have been raised in a forest setting with access to pasture and hay year-round. Grain is offered once a week as a routine supplement, and nursing dams with their kids receive grain a few times per week for the first three to four months.
Shelter
In areas with natural windbreaks, trees, or overhangs, goats often do just fine without man-made structures. However, our property lacks those natural protections, so our herd has access to both a barn and several simple shelters, including tarp-covered areas that provide essential wind, rain, and snow protection.
If your environment is similar, a simple shelter that blocks cold wind and precipitation will go a long way toward keeping your goats healthy and comfortable.
Deworming
Spanish goats with strong genetics are known for their natural parasite resistance, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune. Even wild goats carry some level of parasites. To support our herd’s health, we take a proactive, holistic approach using herbs and essential oils.
For kids, we use the following monthly drench (for three consecutive days each month):
1 drop Organic Oregano Oil
2 drops Organic Lemongrass Oil
2 drops Organic Sweet Orange Oil
These are mixed into 5ml of organic olive oil and given orally.
For adults, simply double the essential oil amounts, keeping the olive oil at the same 5ml.
In addition, we offer a free-choice herbal buffet that allows goats to select what they instinctively need. This has worked wonderfully for us and helps maintain balance naturally.
Hoof Trimming
If your land has rocky terrain, you’ll likely find that hoof trimming is rarely necessary. The goats you’ve purchased have recently been trimmed. Check them again in about six weeks, if you don’t see overgrowth or uneven wear, you’re good to go.
Minerals
Our goats thrive on a mineral buffet system, which provides access to over 20 individual minerals offered separately. This allows each goat to choose exactly what its body needs.
If you’re interested in setting up a similar system, feel free to email me, I’m happy to share details and resources to help you get started.
Even if you decide against the buffet method, it’s vital that your goats have access to quality minerals at all times. Whether through a premixed loose mineral blend or an individualized system, proper mineral supplementation plays a huge role in your herd’s overall health.
Avoid relying on mineral blocks, goats’ tongues can’t extract enough minerals from them. They may enjoy licking the blocks, but they won’t get the nutrition they need.
Best Breeding Practices
You may encounter breeders who start breeding as early as four months old. However, once a doe becomes pregnant, her body diverts its energy from growth to the developing kid, resulting in a smaller adult goat.
At Ranch 628, we never breed before 18 to 24 months of age. You’ll be amazed at how much growth and maturity take place during that time. Allowing your goats to fully develop first results in stronger, healthier breeding stock.
Protect Your Investment
Take a few minutes each day to observe your goats. You’ll quickly learn their personalities and be able to spot when something feels off. Regular observation helps you detect issues early and keeps your herd thriving.
Learn how to check FAMACHA scores, there are plenty of helpful tutorials on YouTube. This simple practice is an invaluable tool to track parasite load and evaluate whether your prevention program is working effectively.
Wishing You Success
We wish you tremendous success as you begin your journey with these remarkable animals. Spanish goats are hardy, intelligent, and full of personality, and with proper care, they’ll reward you many times over.
Peace and blessings,
Trish – Ranch 628