Before getting goats

If there is one thing we encourage new goat owners not to cut corners on, it is fencing.

Goats are intelligent, curious, and highly determined animals. If there is a weakness in a fence, they will find it. Unlike sheep or cattle, goats are natural browsers and problem-solvers. They will test boundaries, push, climb, lean, and investigate anything that looks even slightly negotiable.

A “goat-proof fence” is less about a single product and more about understanding goat behaviour.

A suitable goat fence should:

• Be strong and well secured
• Be high enough to discourage jumping
• Have small enough gaps to prevent heads going through
• Be tight and well tensioned
• Be secure at gates, corners, and joins
• Prevent climbing opportunities from nearby objects

For Nigerian Dwarf goats, we generally recommend a minimum height of around 1.2 metres (4 feet). However, height alone is not enough if the fence can be pushed, bent, or climbed.

One of the most important factors in goat fencing is mesh size.

If a goat can fit its head through a fence, it will often continue trying to do so—even if it later becomes physically impossible to pull back through. This is especially important for horned goats, where getting stuck can become a serious safety issue.

For this reason, we prefer fencing with smaller openings that prevent head entrapment altogether.

Some of the most common mistakes we see include:

• Large-gap sheep fencing used without modification
• Loose or poorly tensioned wire
• Gaps under gates or along uneven ground
• Single-strand electric fencing used as the only barrier
• Fence lines placed near pallets, rocks, or structures that allow climbing
• Underestimating how strong even small goats can be when motivated

Entire bucks require a higher standard of fencing again.

During breeding season especially, bucks are strong, persistent, and highly motivated. They will test fences more aggressively than does or wethers, and any weakness will quickly be exposed.

We always recommend dedicated buck enclosures built with strength, height, and durability as the priority from the start.

Electric fencing can be a useful addition, but it should generally be considered a training or support tool rather than the primary barrier.

Once goats learn to respect electric fencing, it can help prevent rubbing, leaning, and fence pressure. However, it is not a substitute for a strong physical barrier, especially for containment of entire males.

Over time, we have found that investing in proper fencing from the beginning is always cheaper and less stressful than repeatedly repairing or upgrading inadequate setups later.

Good fencing does more than keep goats in—it also keeps them safe, prevents unwanted breeding, reduces stress, and protects neighbouring properties.

In short, fencing is one of the foundations of successful goat keeping.

We use Murray Stiff Stay 13/115/15 our total fence height is 1400mm with a barbed wire bottom wire, so Kangaroos don't push up the fence. An electric top wire to stop anything climbing.

 (we are not endorsed or affiliated by Murray - I wish we were)

Clean Water Requirements

Nigerian Dwarf goats must have access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Water must be:

• Available 24/7 (not limited or scheduled) 
• Clean and free from algae, feed contamination, or manure 
• Stored in a stable container that cannot easily be tipped over 
• Checked and refilled daily, or more often in hot weather 

In warm climates, goats may drink significantly more, particularly during summer. Water containers should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial growth and maintain palatability.

Goats that reduce water intake due to poor-quality or dirty water are at increased risk of dehydration, reduced feed intake, and health issues.

Nigerian Dwarf goats are a small breed, but still require adequate space to prevent stress, aggression, and disease spread.

• Indoor shelter: at least 1.0–1.5 m² per adult goat 
• Outdoor yard/paddock: at least 100 m² per goat (minimum baseline) 

These are minimum standards only. Providing more space is strongly recommended. These are based on our opinion.

• Goats must be able to lie down comfortably without overcrowding 
• Space must allow natural movement, jumping, and separation from herd pressure 
• Overcrowding increases parasite load, bullying, and respiratory issues 
• Bucks and breeding groups require additional space due to increased aggression and scent-driven behaviour 

Even when space meets minimum requirements, layout is just as important:

• Multiple feeding and resting areas reduce competition 
• Visual barriers (shelters, panels, terrain changes) help reduce bullying 
• Small paddocks should avoid “dead ends” where goats can be cornered

 All goat owners must hold a valid Property Identification Code (PIC) issued through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The PIC must register the location that your animals live at, if it is different to your residential address. 

Goats must only be kept by owners with a valid PIC, which applies even if you only have 2 pet goats.

 Register as an owner of livestock in Western Australia. | Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 

General Biosecurity Practices

Goat owners must follow basic biosecurity practices to reduce disease and worm risk and protect herd health. This includes:

• Restricting access to the property for unknown animals or visitors where possible 
• Maintaining clean feeding and watering equipment 
• Avoiding contact between herd animals and unknown livestock 

All new goats should be placed in a quarantine paddock or isolation area before introduction to the main herd.

Minimum quarantine requirements:

• Separation from existing herd for a defined quarantine period (commonly 21–30 days) 
• No shared water, feed, or fence-line contact where possible 
• Daily health observation during quarantine 
• Introduction only after confirmation of health status 

A dedicated quarantine area is strongly recommended and considered best practice.

All new goats should be tested for key transmissible diseases prior to introduction into an established herd, including:

• CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) 
• Johne’s disease 

Where testing is not available prior to purchase, animals should be treated as unknown status and held in quarantine until appropriate testing and risk assessment has been completed.

Testing is strongly recommended as part of responsible herd management and long-term biosecurity protection. 

If you intend on Showing all goats over the age of 9 months must be tested and negative of CAE to be shown. 

Even though all of our goats originally come from CAE and Johne's free herds. We still test annually for CAE to know our herd is clean.

This is done by our vet taking blood samples and sending into DPIRD Lab to be tested. We then get a sheet with all the goats listed and their results. 

When the vet takes the goats details, we are sure to include the goats registered name, the NLIS tag number and the goats tattoo. This way there is more than 1 way to identify the goat, should it be sold later on.

Goats must have access to high-quality forage at all times. This includes:

• Tree/shrub browsing where available 
• Grass hay (such as oaten or meadow hay)
• Lucerne hay (For milking does and kids)

Forage should make up the majority of the diet. Poor-quality or inconsistent forage increases the risk of digestive and metabolic issues.

Goats should never be left without roughage for extended periods.

Goats must have access to a species-appropriate loose mineral supplement at all times.

Key requirements:

• Goats require specific mineral balance, not generic livestock salt mixes 
• Mineral supplementation must support calcium, phosphorus, and trace element balance 
• Clean, dry mineral access should be maintained to prevent spoilage 

In many regions, copper levels must be carefully managed according to local soil conditions and veterinary guidance.

We use Olsson’s GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Block (not endorsed or affiliated by Olsson's still we wish)

 Goat Block 

Special Considerations for Bucks and Wethers

Male goats require additional care to prevent urinary issues:

• Avoid excessive grain intake 
• Ensure balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio 
• Provide constant access to clean water to reduce urinary blockage risk

Goats require regular health monitoring and preventative care to maintain welfare and reduce the risk of disease.

Owners should:

• Observe goats daily for signs of illness, injury, lameness, weight loss, or behavioural changes. 
• Maintain a relationship with a veterinarian experienced in small ruminants. 
• Keep records of vaccinations, treatments, parasite management, breeding, and health events. 
• Trim hooves regularly to prevent overgrowth and lameness. 
• Seek veterinary advice promptly when health concerns arise. 

Any goat showing signs of illness should be assessed and, where necessary, isolated from the herd to prevent disease transmission.

Internal parasites are one of the most significant health challenges for goats and require ongoing monitoring and management.

Routine drenching is not recommended for goats. Speak to your vet to see what the right solution is for you and your herd.

This may include:

• Regular monitoring of animal condition. 
• Strategic pasture management. 
• Faecal egg count testing where appropriate. 
• Targeted treatment of affected animals.

Where suitable for local conditions, owners should consider incorporating BioWorma as part of an integrated parasite management strategy.

BioWorma contains a beneficial fungus that helps reduce infective worm larvae on pasture, lowering parasite challenge over time.

BioWorma should not be considered a replacement for:

• Monitoring animal health. 
• FAMACHA scoring. 
• Faecal egg count testing. 
• Appropriate veterinary care. 

The most effective parasite control programs combine multiple management strategies.

We use Bioworma with Livamol every day in the goats feed for all goats. (not endorsed or affiliated by IAH, on this one we really really wish we were)

 Control Nematodes in Manure Supplement, Duddingtonia Flagrans 

Owners should provide an environment that allows goats to express natural behaviours, including:

• Grazing and browsing. 
• Climbing and exploration. 
• Resting with herd mates. 
• Establishing normal social interactions. 

Facilities should include multiple feeding and watering locations where necessary to reduce competition and ensure subordinate animals have access to resources.