In March, we had the complete audit of our goat care. It took eight hours and produced a three page review of our goat care practices. Since then we have attempted to implement best practices for the health of our animals.
1. The goat space in the garage doubled as well as the pen onthe side of the house, both for mothers and kids. David says we no longer have a garage, but a true barn. No cars are stored there. Now each goat has enough space to avoid conflict in cramped quarters.
2. We reviewed our veterinary practices including burning horns of the babies, and maintaining wound sprays and other health needs.
3. Our paperwork continues to be a challenge. We have a diary of goat health, as well as a journal of health incidents. David has set up a number of excel programs with production data which we input on our smart phones when milking.
4. Culling the herd is a best practice. We process the male goats at 12 weeks, which is preferable to selling them to questionable owners who could mistreat them.
5. While we remain fatigued at moving animals around the neighborhood, our goats have never been this healthy. No major parasite problems have appeared this year.