🐐 Bringing New Goats to the Farm: Everything You Need to Know and Document

Bringing New Goats to the Farm: Everything You Need to Know and Document

Bringing new goats onto your farm is exciting—but it’s also a critical time for protecting your existing herd and setting yourself up for long-term success. Whether you’re a first-time goat owner or adding to your established herd, gathering and documenting the right information upfront can make or break your goat-keeping experience.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you need to know, ask, and write down when bringing new goats to your farm.

📝 1. Basic Goat Profile

Create a profile for each new goat that includes:

  • Name or Tag Number

  • Breed

  • Sex (Doe, Buck, Wether)

  • Date of Birth (or estimated age)

  • Color/Markings

  • Horn status (horned, disbudded, polled)

  • Tattoo or Microchip Number (if applicable)

  • Photo (front and side)

📜 2. Purchase Information

Record details from the seller:

  • Seller’s Name and Contact Info

  • Farm Name or Source (breeder, auction, rescue)

  • Date Acquired

  • Price Paid or Trade Terms

  • Bill of Sale or Transfer Agreement

🧬 3. Health History

Ask for (and document) all available health and medical history:

  • Vaccination Records (CD&T, Rabies, etc.)

  • Deworming Schedule (Dates, products used, dosages)

  • Coccidia Prevention or Treatment History

  • Hoof Trimming Dates

  • Illness or Injury History

  • Vet Visits or Diagnosis

  • Reproductive Health (e.g., any birthing complications, abortions, retained placentas)

If the goat is coming from a breeder or established farm, ask for:

  • CL, CAE, Johne’s, and Q-Fever test results

  • Any known genetic conditions or herd issues

🧬 4. Quarantine Plan

Even if they look healthy, always quarantine new goats for at least 30 days. Before mixing them with your herd, track:

  • Date quarantine started and ended

  • Any signs of illness

  • Deworming during quarantine

  • Fecal test results

  • Temperature logs if needed

🧑🌾 5. Feeding and Routine Care Info

Get the inside scoop on what the goat is used to:

  • Current Diet (hay type, grain brand, supplements, minerals)

  • Feeding Schedule

  • Water preferences (some goats are picky!)

  • Mineral type (loose vs block, brand)

  • Any known sensitivities or allergies

  • Grooming routines or quirks

Knowing this helps avoid sudden diet changes that can lead to bloat or digestive issues.

🐐 6. Breeding History (If Applicable)

For breeding-age does or bucks:

  • Is the goat proven?

  • Last heat or breeding date

  • Past kidding history (number of kids, issues, kid survival)

  • Any retained offspring on the farm

  • Lineage or pedigree (if registered or known)

🧾 7. Registration and Papers (If Applicable)

If the goat is registered or comes from registered stock:

  • Registry Name (ADGA, AGS, NDGA, etc.)

  • Registration Number

  • Pedigree Chart

  • Transfer of Ownership Form

Make sure you get copies of all official papers during the sale.

🧠 8. Temperament and Training

This one’s often overlooked but can be hugely helpful:

  • Is the goat halter trained?

  • Leash friendly?

  • Used to handling?

  • Skittish or confident?

  • Used to dogs, kids, or other animals?

  • Any behavioral quirks? (e.g., hates men, fence jumper, food aggressive)

Knowing what you’re working with saves you so much headache.

🧰 Bonus Tip: Set Up a Binder or Digital Record

Create a binder or digital folder (like in Google Drive or Notion) where you track everything. If you’re running a herd, this will save you so much time later—especially during breeding season, emergencies, or when selling/trading animals.

🚨 Emergency Contact Sheet

While you’re setting up your records, include:

  • Your vet’s contact info

  • Nearest 24/7 emergency vet

  • Poison control

  • Feed store or mineral supplier info

  • Your own contact info if someone else is caring for your herd

Bringing new goats to the farm isn’t just about adding cute faces—it’s about biosecurity, long-term care, and herd growth. A little upfront paperwork can go a long way toward keeping your goats healthy and your records rock solid.

Let your records work with you, not against you.

 

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