Simple Steps for Show Goats

You’re going to buy a goat show project. What now?

1-- Have a pen and shelter ready with no escape holes. 4”x4” square panels that are 4’ tall are the best. Have CLEAN WATER in pen.

2-- Purchase feed before buying goat. A quality feed with 15 to 17% protein and 2.5 to 4% fat. Should have a decox in the feed and ammonium chloride. I recommend Honor N-Timidator or ShowRite Developer or Doelicious.

Start with ¾ of small coffee can, twice a day. After several days of the goat cleaning this feed up, raise amount to desired level. (normally 1 full can) Small amounts of hay are also needed—grass and alfalfa.

3-- When buying doe kids—check mouth and teats. Wethers should be dehorned.

4-- Ask if they have had shots and wormed.

5-- Within 1 week of getting your goat home, give an overeating shot (Covexin 8)-- 3 cc’s subQ. This will prevent overeating and tetanus.

6-- Worm within the first week of owning the goat. Rotate wormers monthly. Drench with Cydectin, Valbazen and Safeguard. Can also use Ivomec in rotation.

7-- Use an elevated feed pan. Clip onto fence. Do not feed in a pan on the ground.

8-- Student should start bonding with the goat. Catching and holding the animal before feeding. After several days of this, put a halter on the goat and begin the halter breaking process.

9-- Once the animal is halter broke, start using a show chain to break to show. Goat should lead calmly on the chain and stand with head up and legs square.

10-- Exercise regularly. Goats, especially wethers, must be exercised on a regular basis in order to manage finish and muscling.

11-- Trim hooves monthly.

12-- Check for fungus and ringworm. Take preventative measures to protect your animal for fungus. DO NOT take your goat to a show with active fungus.

13-- Have socks and blankets for goats in the winter months.