[ChristIsKing]

Hi All!

i am hoping to get a couple Nigerian Dwarf does for milking. I live in Maine, and it is very rainy here. our land is pretty marshy and mossy. I am wondering if Goats will be ok in this? if i make sure they have a big sheltered very dry area?

Thanks for the help!

 

[happybleats]

Wet conditions can create difficult situations. Hoof rot. Parasite issues, rain rot. And while dry is better people get her done lol. Offering plenty of off ground locations, lofts and platform's and feeding off the ground, may need a covered grazing spot to graze or only allow grazing in dry areas along with a good parasite prevention protocol. A herbal parasite weekly and a quality wild orange essential oil once a week would help the prevention. Keeping a broad base chemical dewormer on hand for a as needed source. .I know we have members who raise in wet conditions so hopefully they will chime in

Best wishes

 

[wheel-bear-o]

The two issues with wet land tend to be:

1) increased susceptibility to parasites, because the life cycle of ruminant parasites favors wet grass. You will probably want to institute frequent regular parasite checks via FAMACHA/fecal testing, and a preventative parasite strategy such as rotational grazing (multiple pastures, letting each sit for 6 weeks between sessions), with herbal worm preventatives and/or natural parasite preventatives such as BioWorma.

and 2) increased need to tend to hooves, because with boggy land hooves will not wear down and will require more frequent trims and checks to make sure there are no foot infections, hoof wall separations, et cetera.

You're going to be fine, you will just need to adopt a management style that suits your particular conditions.

(edit: and there are some great ND herds in Maine, so you won't have trouble finding good animals and friendly people to learn from!)

 

[Rysktal]

I would find a herd that is already thriving in those conditions near by and get goats from them!

 

[Jessica84]

I agree! Wet is not usually ideal when it comes to goats but it if you go for those proven genetics that thrive in that condition and do a bit of prevention you absolutely can make it work and succeed doing so.

 

[alwaystj9]

It's swampy here and mine do fine, Everyone's right about the parasites and feet. Feet are very easy to trim here because they tend to be soft. I have to keep an eye on herd dynamics as I use run in sheds and a favorite winter sport is when one or two does won't let anyone else in. The goats will be fine as long as your management is appropriate.

 

[BloomfieldM]

We have a covered gravel dry lot for rainy season (PNW so many months) and a larger indoor area. This year we have had moisture issues with the hooves and have been applying Kopertox with hoof trims as a precaution. Keeping hay mold free/storage is also tricky sometimes. I have not had a big parasite issue (knock on wood) but I think it because mine primarily eat hay vs grazing

 

[toth boer goats]

I agree with the others, not the best environment for goats.

 

[needmoredoez]

Its only 2 goats so should be fine
Bonus if you can find goats raised in similar local conditions