The Importance of Goat Watching

Reader Contribution by Carrissa Larsen

In the evenings, after I’ve come home from my 9-5 and the barn chores are complete, my very favorite thing to do is to sit with my goats. This brings me a lot of peace and makes everything feel “worth it”, no matter how horrible the rest of my day has been. Each goat gets a little bit of individual attention, and my pats and scratches also search for lumps, bumps, scratches, ticks, and any other hidden surprises. I feel their coats and try to be aware if anyone is feeling particularly coarse or has flaky skin. Occasionally I manage to snag a hoof and check to see if a trim is needed.

Most importantly, I watch. Each goat has her own personality, her individual quirks. I love watching them interact, seeing their evolving relationships with each other as a herd. Sadie and Flinder, our two girls in milk, are currently trying to hash out who’s herd queen. Our “teenage” girls live to chase the younger “babies” of the group. The “Babies” spend a lot of time perched on the igloos, staying out of reach and trying to avoid harassment.

I’ve always considered this time spent sitting with goats a little indulgent on my part, and even a little on the lazy side since I enjoy it so much and I get to sit down and essentially do nothing. Recently however, I learned just how valuable this observation time is, and how essential it is to goat health and management.

While I was at work the other my husband messaged me and let me know our doeling Jubilee hadn’t finished all of her morning grain and had scoured. Since they were now browsing all of the new Spring offerings in their outside area, I chalked it up to an upset tummy and we gave her some probiotics. As the day progressed my husband let me know Jubilee was eating hay, browsing and drinking well, so I didn’t worry. When I got home and the goats were given their evening grain, Jubilee ate her share and I was reassured she was fine.

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