[truth64]

I bought my first two goats just last spring, male dwarf kids. Its getting very cold now, dropping down to 19F and it will only get colder as winter sets in. I heard goats are very hardy, and mine have grown nice thick coats, but I swear one of them was shivering. Do you think I should get coats for them? I want to avoid that extra cost if I can, but if its better for them I'll get it.

 

[ksalvagno]

Do they have a place to totally get out of the elements? Just put down lots of straw. They should be ok.

 

[packhillboers]

Our goats have shelter with straw and still will lay down outside in the cold and wind. They only go inside if it rains.

 

[MsScamp]

I heard goats are very hardy, and mine have grown nice thick coats, but I swear one of them was shivering. Do you think I should get coats for them? I want to avoid that extra cost if I can, but if its better for them I'll get it.

If your weather is anything like ours, winter hit a bit early this year. Shivering is natures way of keeping them warm, and they will respond by growing heavier coats. Unless they are sick or underweight I would not put coats on them. Coats will interfere with them growing an adequate winter coat and, if they get torn up or destroyed, your goats will be in for a hard time. If you are still cleaning out their shelter, stop. The hay and manure will create a manure pack that gives off heat as it decomposes. Lay in a good, thick layer of bedding and they will be ok. If ammonia becomes a problem, sprinkle barn lime or Sweet PDZ and rebed.