A Beginner's Guide to Goat Ownership Everything You Need to Know for a Healthy Herd

Thinking about getting into goat farming? You’re not alone. In recent years, goat farming in the UK has gained popularity among smallholders, hobby farmers, and even larger-scale livestock keepers looking to diversify their herds.

Whether you’re considering goats for milk, meat, land management, or as lovable companions, there’s no denying they add energy, charm, and productivity to any farm.

But just like any other livestock, goat ownership comes with responsibilities - from feeding and housing to health care and breeding. A well-cared-for goat not only thrives but also becomes a valuable member of your farming ecosystem.

And we get it - it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. That’s why we’ve created this friendly, beginner-focused guide to goat farming, especially for those starting their herd or expanding an existing one.

Read on to discover the essential steps to nurturing a healthy, happy, and productive goat herd.

Fueling a Healthy Herd – The Foundation of Goat Farming Success

Proper nutrition is at the heart of successful goat farming. Goats are hardy animals, but they still require a balanced, nutritious diet to thrive - especially if you're raising them for milk or meat production.

What Should Goats Eat?

A goat's diet should be:

• Primarily high-quality hay: This should make up about half of their daily intake. Options like meadow, clover, or timothy hay are excellent, although ‘rougher’ material that includes some brambles, nettles, herbs etc is often preferred.
  
  

• Fresh greens and browsing material: Goats are browsers - meaning they prefer shrubs, woody plants, leaves, and twigs rather than just grazing on grass like sheep or cows. However, browsing alone won’t meet all their nutritional needs.
  
  

• Commercial goat feed: Specially formulated goat pellets will help supplement their diet with additional vitamins and minerals. For dairy goats a feed ration with a protein level of around 15 - 16% is normally considered ideal.
  
  

• Goat-specific supplements and milk replacers: Especially important for young kids, pregnant or lactating does, or goats recovering from illness. Supplements fill in nutrient gaps and boost performance, immunity, and productivity.
  
  

•  Explore our full range of goat supplements and milk replacers here to support your herd’s health and productivity. It’s worth remembering that a high-yielding dairy goat can produce its own bodyweight in milk every week - this is far greater output than any other farmed animal.

Don’t Forget Water

Goats need plenty of clean, fresh water - especially during the warmer months. Ensure water containers are:

• Topped up daily
  
  

• Free from algae, dirt, or debris
  
  

• Sheltered in hot or freezing weather to prevent extreme temperatures
  
  

Regular Health Checks – Stay Ahead of Problems

One of the best habits you can build early on as a goat farmer is to routinely check your goats for signs of illness or discomfort. This proactive approach can prevent minor issues from becoming serious.

What Does a Healthy Goat Look Like?

Use this quick checklist to spot a healthy goat:

•  Bright, alert eyes – no discharge or dullness
  
  

•  Clean nose – no mucus, crusting, or coughing
  
  

•  Good body condition – not too thin or overweight
  
  

•  Smooth coat – free from bald patches, lice, or dandruff
  
  

•  Free movement – no limping or joint stiffness
  
  

•  Clean rear end – diarrhoea (scouring) can be a sign of parasites or poor diet
  
  

•  Sociable behaviour – goats are herd animals and should interact confidently with others
  
  

Regular DIY checks are important, but it’s also wise to schedule annual vet visits and keep up with vaccination and worming schedules.

 TIP: Start a health log for each goat - recording vaccinations, treatments, behaviour changes, and breeding cycles. It’ll make life easier!

Safe and Adequate Living Space – Comfort for a Healthy Herd

Your goats’ environment plays a big role in their wellbeing and productivity. Whether you're in rural countryside or running a smallholding, creating a safe and comfortable living space is crucial.

Fencing for Goats

Goats are curious escape artists. To keep them safe:

• Avoid barbed wire (it can cause injuries).
  
  

• Use woven wire or “No-Climb” fencing, at least 4ft high.
  
  

• Regularly check for gaps, loose panels, or sharp edges.
  
  

Shelter Essentials

The UK weather can be unpredictable, so it’s vital your goats have a dry, draft-free shelter. Make sure your shelter provides:

• Protection from rain, snow, and wind
  
  

• Shade during hot summer days
  
  

• Clean, dry bedding - such as straw or wood shavings (change it regularly to avoid parasites and foot issues)
  
  

Aim for at least 1.5–2 square metres of indoor space per goat and plenty of secure outdoor roaming space.

Caring for Pregnant Goats – Extra TLC When It Matters Most

Breeding goats is an exciting part of goat farming in the UK, but pregnant does need a bit of extra attention - especially during the final weeks of gestation.

Reduce Stress

Pregnant goats are more vulnerable to stress, which can impact both mother and kids. If your herd is large or busy, consider moving expectant does to a quieter area to rest and nest.

Nutritional Support

Pregnancy increases a goat’s nutritional needs. Ensure she has:

• Extra high-quality hay
  
  

• Fresh water at all times
  
  

• Mineral supplements formulated for breeding and lactating goats
  
  

Our range of breeding supplements and milk replacers can support your does during pregnancy and lactation.

Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

Talk to your vet about pre-kidding vaccinations, especially for clostridial diseases like tetanus and enterotoxemia. These vaccines help pass essential immunity to the kids via the colostrum.

Make Her Comfortable

Give her a clean, cosy shelter, and avoid unnecessary handling during late pregnancy. Keep an eye out for signs of labour, and have a kidding kit ready just in case.

Your Journey to Goat Ownership

Starting your goat farming journey can be both exciting and a bit daunting. But with the right foundation - solid nutrition, a safe environment, and regular health care - you’re well on your way to success.

Caring for goats is more than just a farming task - it’s a fulfilling, rewarding lifestyle. From the first bleat to the first healthy kid born on your farm, every step brings something new to learn and love.

And remember - every goat keeper started where you are. With curiosity, patience, and the right information, you’ll soon be confidently managing your own happy herd.

Need Help Getting Started?

At Goat Nutrition (GN), we’re proud to support goat farmers across the UK - from first-time owners to seasoned breeders. Whether you're looking for nutritional advice, supplements, or milk replacers, our expert team is here for you.