Ask The Expert

As a Backyard Goats member or digital subscriber, you’ll have access to hundreds of questions we’ve answered through the years.

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What’s more, you can ask our goat experts about your goat’s health, feed, production, housing and more! We’re here to help.

Please note that although our team has dozens of years of experience, we are not licensed veterinarians. For serious life and death matters, we advise you to consult with your local veterinarian.

Winter Pests and Goats

Though warm sunny days may seem a more likely time to find creepy crawlies on your critters, there are several varieties of goat pests that are more prevalent in winter than summer.

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Veterinarian Breeding Soundness Exam

It is also essential that the buck you select can perform his job well. So, how does one know if a buck can breed well? Enter the breeding soundness examina.

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Back from The Vet: Just Kidding

While does most commonly deliver their kids without incident, proper preparation ensures that when problems with kidding arise, they can be identified and corrected quickly.

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Kat’s Corner: Dehorning Goats and Trail First Aid

Katherine Drovdahl answers reader questions about dehorning goats past the age of disbudding, what to do if your doe has a hard udder, and first-aid items to carry for your pack goats!

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Back from the Vet: Milk Fever in Goats

Hypocalcemia can cause serious illness in pregnant and lactating does. Establishing a nutrition plan for your does through pregnancy and lactation will reduce the risk of any animals contracting milk fever.

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Can Goats Eat Christmas Trees?
December 20, 2021 · · Ask The Expert

Can goats eat Christmas trees? The simple answer is yes, they can. The real question is whether goats should. Trees can be treated with fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, growth regulators, color enhancers, and flame retardants during their lifespan.

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Back From the Vet: Pregnancy Toxemia

Pregnancy toxemia occurs most commonly in the last one to three weeks of gestation. Early signs include lethargy and decreased feed intake, especially of grain.

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Kat’s Caprine Corner: Freezing Goats and Winter Coats

It’s freezing! Goats get cold, too. But when do they need extra winter protection from predators and the elements?

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Kat’s Caprine Corner: Runny Goat Nose and Leaking Does

Kat Drovdahl answers your questions about runny goat noses, kids with diarrhea, leaking does, milk production drops and whether you should let your goat eat frozen clover.

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Back from The Vet: Johne’s Disease

It can lurk in your herd for years without any signs of illness and can spread rapidly. There is no vaccine, no treatment, or method to slow the progression. It is often fatal. What is this insidious disease?

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