All answers to these questions are provided in regard to Myotonic goats specifically and may differ when it comes to other breeds. Please reach out to us via email if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We welcome interested buyers to our farm by appointment only. Contact us for scheduling.
Yes, we are able to deliver purchased goats to any location within the state of Virginia. However, additional fees may apply based upon travel distance or other necessary accommodations.
No, not at this time. Any animal purchased for slaughter must be received by the buyer alive or we may offer delivery of purchased animals to a slaughterhouse of the buyer's choosing.
We do not perform disbudding (horn removal).
There has been a lot of research done and more is ongoing regarding the benefits of not having a regularly scheduled deworming program for goats and other animals as well.
All animals carry with them a certain number of parasites called "load." So long as the load does not exceed the host's ability to thrive, no significant detriment is being caused to that host. If the parasite load should exceed the animal's threshold, they will begin to show clinical signs such as a low famacha score (indicating possible anemia), weight loss, skin issues, hair loss etc. The thought is that regular deworming ("old school" method) regardless of whether the animal(s) is clinical (symptomatic) or not actually does more harm than good by causing parasite resistance to the medications. With each treatment, some of the parasites always manage to survive. After repeated exposure to the medication, only the resistant parasites remain, over time rendering the medication ineffective. Without any means to control the resistant parasites, the animal succumbs to its infection.
For this reason, we choose to only deworm those animals that are clinical, unless specifically requested by the buyer.
Goats are herd animals and can suffer from stress if they are not matched with a companion. We strongly recommend that if you do not already have goats at home, that you purchase a minimum of two to provide that companionship. Some goats learn to accept other farm animals as herd mates such as horses, smaller breeds of cattle, and sheep. If this is the route you are choosing, be sure to consider the appropriate size and personality of both parties to avoid potential injury or death to the animals as well as any health concerns of mixing species. We reserve the right to refuse a sale based upon an unsafe living condition for the animal.
A general rule of thumb for housing would be an interior space of a minimum of 10 sqaure feet per goat with an additional isolation pen no smaller than 4ft x 6ft to be used for quarantine, kidding, rehabilitation from illness or injury, etc.
A paddock intended to provide forage should contain no more than 8 goats per acre. Smaller paddocks may be used of course but will require higher amounts of supplemental feeding. Outdoor areas should be a minimum of 250-300 square feet per animal and contain environmental enrichment. Myotonic goats do not usually climb fences but do enjoy opportunities to jump onto low to the ground platforms, bridges, or logs. Keep the objects low as a fainting goat falling from height may cause injury.
Bigger is always better. Too many animals in a small space can often lead to stress and stressed animals may become more sucpetible to illnesses. Consider these numbers as guidelines but always provide more space if possible.
We do our very best to ensure that on the day you arrive to take your new goat home that you are receiving a healthy, robust, ready to thrive animal. We are confident that you will find success. Otherwise, we would not make the sale. Our goal is not to sell sick or injured animals, passing them off as healthy. Unfortunately, environmental conditions outside of our own farm are a concern or contamination and so all sales are final. We are happy to discuss your concerns and make any recommendations we can to improve the difficulties that you may be experiencing.
Its important to keep in mind that goats are browsers not grazers (cattle and sheep). They much prefer woody and stemmy vegetation such as briars, blackberries, raspberries, saplings, and vines to grass. They are often used for clearing such "brush" from pastures or wood lots for later use by grazers or for maintenance of pastures. This is the primary food source that we provide for our goats. They absolutely destroy autumn olive, Callery pear, multi-flora rose, and native species as well such as Virginia creeper and poison ivy.
We supplement with high quality 2nd cut hay as needed primarily in the winter as their preferred vegetation goes dormant.
Does also receive a small ration of grain each evening. This allows us to train the animals to return to the shelter each night for inspection for any signs of injury or illness and to be sure all our goats are in peak body condition. We increase the ration of grain during gestation and lactation to aid the does in the physical demands of those times.
Bucks and wethers do not receive any grain of any kind unless it is for a specific medical need to promote weight gain prescribed by a veterinarian. Feeding grain to bucks increases the risk of "blocking" because of the high phosphorous content of most grains. Blocking is the development of Urinary calculi, also known as stones in the urethra causing an obstruction. This is a serious health risk and requires veterinary attention immediately. Bucks are more prone to developing an obstruction due to their longer and more narrow urethra.
We choose to provide the goats with as much of a natural forage diet as possible, but we also understand that is not always possible for everyone. It does not mean that you cannot maintain a happy healthy goat. Generally speaking, each goat will need a ration of grain (14-18% protein) and 2-5lbs of high quality hay/forage per day). The grain amount will depend upon the chosen grain (check bag recommendations), age, weight, and status of the animal (doeling, pregnant, lactating, etc). If your goat is in good body condition with a healthy coat, its likely getting ample nutrition. Always remember to keep clean fresh water and minerals available at all times.
It is a common misconception that a goat will eat "anything." Goats will eat their most preferred foods first and move along to other plants (browsers). Only when these desirable plants are exhausted will they turn to less preferred forage. Most of the commonly found toxic plants are only consumed out of starvation, curiosity, or learning what to eat and what to avoid. Typically, these plants are not consumed in high enough quantities to cause significant health risks and are avoided when quality food/forage is provided.
We do not offer any recommendations as to actions that should be taken against these plants. Instead, we suggest you research which toxic plants may be in your area. Use field guides or contact a horticulturalist or forestry agent to identify which species are present in and adjacent to your goat areas and consult with your veterinarian regarding which may be of highest concern to determine any course of action.
I will say that ornamental plants are usually of greatest concern such as yew. Keep your goats contained within appropriate areas and avoid planting ornamental trees, shrubs, and grasses within reach of goat fencing/boundaries.
The answer is, no. Myotonia is genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes the goat's muscles to contract usually when startled. The muscles of the legs and back stiffen and are unable to relax for short periods of time. Often, if on uneven ground or their momentum causes them to lose their balance, during these episodes they may fall over or "faint." The goat does not lose consciousness and the episodes usually last for only a few seconds before recovering with no harm to the animal. The degree of myotonia varies between each individual and episodes range from little to no stiffness, stiffness only in the legs, to frequently falling over. Each animal's degree of myotonia is listed within their MGR documentation.
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