Natural Goat Care

I love this book! Pat Colby gets to the bottom of many goat problems so that you can work to correct the imbalances that ALLOW those conditions to exist, including some natural treatments in emergencies, based on her own experience.That's one of the things I love about this book, it's from the perspective of "been there, done that". Although the author lives in Australia, I found most of the information fully applicable here in MN where I live. The chapter on minerals alone is worth the price of the book. If you own goats and keep dealing with the same problems over and over, something is missing. A friend has been following her recommendations on copper to keep worms at bay for several years and has drastically reduced her need to worm her animals. So far, mine haven't shown signs of worm infestations either since making sure they get sufficient copper. After checking it out of the library several times, and needing it yet again, I finally decided I had to have my own copy to refer to when I need it, and not have to wait to get to the library or call my friend to look things up in hers.

As a new dairy goat owner I tackled the steep goat learning curve by plowing into a ton of research. At first I joined all sorts of information groups about treating common goat illnesses. Every bit of vet advice suggests that raising goats is mostly a matter of keeping them awash in a constant stream of chemicals. Horrible parasites and almost certain gastrointestinal disease are inevitable, they said, and prevention is as mysterious as a cure. Everywhere I looked vets recommend a barrage of antibiotics to keep unhappy goats alive longer than a few short years. This was pretty discouraging as an organic homesteader and it made no sense because I've lived abroad where goats live happily with long chemical free lives. This book reveals the essential role goat nutrition (proper balance of minerals, vitamins, and quality forage) plays in prevention and treatment of every possible goat trouble. Along the way I've learned a lot about human health as well. If you own a goat you must own this book.

I've had goats for 4 years. During that time I have learned a LOT from other goat owners and trial and error. We've had more than our share of birthing problems and kid issues. I followed the instructions from the breeders we bought from and was not able to duplicate the prize winning results that they had. Now I know why. Immediately after giving my goats the mineral mix suggested in the book, my goats were quieter, chewed their cuds more, calmer, and the one who had dandruff and an off color coat returned to normal. I don't know enough about all the information to say whether it should be followed or not, but I think the mineral advice is worth the price of the book and the time it takes to read it. I'm looking forward to a healthier, more successful breeding and kidding season thanks to Pat Coleby. If I am unreasonably optimistic, I will let you know!

I can not say enough about this book. I believe every goat owner should read this book. I try to go all natural with my goats and this book has been the only book out there so far that I have found that gives you basic solid information to follow that you can actually use. You also do not have to go and buy expensive ingredients or chemicals to care for your goats which I highly recommend.This book covers almost every area that you can think of. If you are a serious goat owner who only wants the best for your goats then I would highly recommend it. I do wish they would have put a way to contact the writer of the book. I have had questions about feed and I can not find the answers because there is no way to get a hold of her. Other than that this it is an excellent book and one I would never be without out.

Bought it for my mother. She said it was very helpful for her interest in raising market goats.

At first blush, this book appeared to be a collection of anecdotes and unproven assertions. After a year of keeping goats, this book has become my go-to source for information. It's far more useful than the more conventional goat care books which seem to always point the troubled goat keeper to a vet, and encourages them to rely solely on the recommendations of feed mills who they claim produce "complete feeds". I don't have access to a vet who's willing to treat goats. I've dealt with more than a few folks who fed "complete feeds" and still managed to lose goats to urinary calculi, and have does who's bellies have never returned to normal shape even after only one freshening. Two of my girls just kidded a week ago and already the muscles of their bellies have returned to a normal healthy shape. The kiddings were unbelievably easy, and obviously fertility is good. All of my goats are shiny, active and healthy. The males haven't shown a hint of urinary trouble. This book is a must have.

Definitely a recommended book if one considers having goats. It makes you realize that in order to have a healthy herd you must pay attention not only to their genetics, but also to the health of the soil of your land and many other important factors. It also is full of great information regarding the health of a goat and the more common health issues, providing also a more natural approach to healing and emphasizing the importance of prevention. Focusing on maintaining a healthy herd with strong immune systems will always fare better than typical practices such as "routine deworming".

If you have goats, if you want goats, please get this book, for yourself and your animals. I’ve bought several books on goatcare and this has by far been the best so far.Helps you understand the fundamental needs of goats in a way other books do not. Most problems are simply prevented as a result, but there’s good advice on what to do if they come up as well.

This book has always been my bible.its my first port of call

This book gives sensible, practical advice on keeping goats healthy and happy, naturally. I refer to it all the time!

Now this book is a huge go-to book, the sheer amount of information is crazy. I know people are not goats either but man some of the things are awesome for people as well, like the artheritis part. I cannot believe how it worked on my hands, no more expensive Trexall when my hands are so much better. Everytime we had an issue with our goats, we are beginners with goats, the book was just amazing. We had our first vet visit after a year of getting goats and she was amazed at the health. It's nice being told that "you look like you know what you're doing" especially with the hectic yelling "WHAT DOES IT SAY IN THE BOOK?" "Where is the book?" "I Don't know we had it in the living room" That was how that year went before the visit.

Excellent