Summer Essentials for Goats

Miley, the G.O.A.T. model, styling her sunshades and ready for the summer days!

The sunny summer months are here and so are the hot sunny days! Luckily, and for the most part, goats can tolerate heat very well; and no, they don’t need sunglasses. But they do like to sun-bathe. They also goatscape the fields under the sun with ease.

The Dottie’s Goat Farm crew comfortably goatscaping under the sun for a client.

Because goats are independent and smart creatures, you can rest assured they will manage to find the most suitable shady spot to protect themselves from the sun, as soon as they need to take a break. But their self-sufficiency does not mean that humans are not responsible for providing them with a safe environment. If you own or hire goats—for brush-clearing—you must follow important steps to ensure the goats will thrive in high temperatures and won’t suffer from heat exhaustion.

Goats and guardian dog extraordinaire, Apu, enjoying the breeze while resting under the shade of a large oak tree.

What should you do to protect goats from heat?

• 1) Consider their physical characteristics

  • Female goats usually handle high heat better than males

  • Very young or old goats have less heat tolerance

  • Goats with loose skin or long fur and long ears tolerate heat better than those with shorter hair and smaller ears

  • Dark goats tend to be more easily affected by high temperatures than light-colored ones

• 2) Provide shade

  • Goats love to rest under trees and feel the breeze

  • In the absence of trees, installing tarps or canopies will be necessary

  • You can opt to purchase portable open-shelters or build them

• 3) Ensure they have access to water

  • Some natural creeks, streams, lakes are ideal water sources

  • Install self-filling water pans

Your goats will be happy with these summer essentials, and you will be killing two birds with one stone! Yes, because if you have guardian dogs, they will also benefit from these acts of care. As part of the four-legged farm family, guardian dogs naturally share the living space and water sources with the goats.

Marvelous guardian dog, Ranger, conveniently sitting under a portable open-shelter right next to a water source.

So, caring for these fascinating and hardworking animals, with true intention, is another way to show how much you appreciate the important role they play in keeping fields neat and protecting our environment from wildfires.

If you have questions or comments don’t hesitate to contact us any time.

Some information provided in this blog can be found in: see source.