Dairy goats - at the end of a tether and the end of the series
Pet dairy goats are popular on lifestyle blocks, but they require thoughtful care, especially if tethered. In this article, we cover the pros and cons of keeping pet goats, the legal requirements for tethering, and a basic animal health plan to help you manage your goats year-round.
Choosing and Caring for Pet Kids
Pet goats are often surplus male kids from commercial dairy herds. To ensure a good start, they should be at least seven days old and have received adequate colostrum. Ask the breeder to disbud and castrate the kid before sale, with wounds healed before transport.
Hand-rearing requires a milk substitute. Commercial goat milk powder is ideal, although costly. Refer to Part 2 in this series for detailed feeding guidelines.
Keep kids well away from gardens, especially rhododendrons and other toxic plants.
Tethering Goats Safely and Legally
Tethering is not recommended except for short-term supervised grazing. A permanently tethered goat is likely to suffer from loneliness, inadequate nutrition, lack of shelter, and higher risk of injury or death.
Legal minimum standards now require that any tethered goat:
Must have continuous access to clean water.
Must be provided with dry, clean, and weatherproof shelter from heat, cold, wind, and rain.
Must have a properly fitted collar that does not cause injury or restrict movement.
Must have a safe tether that prevents entanglement and injury.
You can be fined if these conditions are not met. In addition, goats are social animals and should not be kept alone. Roadside tethering remains one of the most common causes of animal welfare complaints in New Zealand.
If you must tether:
Only use tame, hand-reared goats.
Supervise frequently and change locations often.
Prioritise paddock grazing where possible.
Preventative Health Programme for Goats
A proactive health plan helps reduce disease and improve productivity. Tailor your calendar to your local environment and stock numbers.
Worm Management
Strategic drenching and pasture management are vital. Overdosing encourages resistance; underdosing fails to control parasites. Refer to Part 6 for full details.
Hoof Care
Trim hooves every 4 to 6 months or as needed. Prevent foot rot with footbaths using 10% zinc sulphate.
Trace Element Supplementation
Consult your vet about selenium and iodine supplements for pregnant does. Injectable long-acting iodine is preferred. Provide mineralised salt in a clean, dry area year-round.
Clostridial Disease Vaccination
Vaccinate does and follow up with boosters annually. Kids should be vaccinated at 12 weeks if born to vaccinated does; earlier if their status is unknown.
Johne’s Disease Control
If Johne’s is present, vaccinate kids early. See Part 6 for more information on disease management and prevention strategies.
Final Thoughts
Dairy goats are intelligent, sociable animals that thrive with the right care. They suit lifestyle farms well, provided owners invest time and planning into their welfare. If this series has helped clarify how to care for your goats, we encourage you to take the next step with our online course on goat care.
If you’re thinking about getting started with goats, our What You Need to Keep Goats course is a great place to begin. It covers the essentials including shelter, fencing, nutrition, health and behaviour. The content is designed specifically for lifestyle block owners.
