Preparation for Your New Goat
GOAT BUYING GUIDE
Property Identification Code (PIC)
Before introducing goats to your property, you must obtain a Property Identification Code (PIC). All properties keeping goats — even as pets — require a PIC.
Breeders must complete a National Vendor Declaration when animals leave their property. This document requires the PIC of the destination property and must be transferred to the new owner within 3 days.
PIC numbers are free to obtain. Victorian residents can apply via Agriculture Victoria.
Goat-Friendly Environment
Goats are highly social herd animals and require companionship. A minimum of three goats is recommended so that if one passes away, the remaining pair still have company. Responsible breeders only sell goats in pairs or small herds unless joining an existing herd.
Ensure your property has sufficient space, appropriate feed, clean fresh water, secure fencing, and weatherproof shelter — goats dislike rain!
Fencing and Shelter
Fencing should be secure and at least 1.2 m high. Ring-lock up to 900 mm with 1–2 strands of electric wire above is generally effective. Goats love to rub on fences; installing bristle brushes or bovine scratch brushes can help prevent damage.
Goats hate getting wet, so provide a solid shelter with a floor. Shelters should be positioned away from fences to prevent climbing or jumping out and should block wind and rain.
Bedding must be kept dry and regularly cleaned to prevent illness such as mastitis or coccidiosis. Sweeping out the shelter weekly is recommended. Provide hay feeders inside shelters for easy access during bad weather.
Food and Water
Goats are ruminants and require a diet based on fibrous roughage such as:
· Grass
· Hay
· Leaves and shrubs
· Brush and woody plants
Goats are fussy and will not eat hay that has fallen on the ground or become wet. A raised hay feeder with a tray underneath is ideal. DIY options include pallets or metal laundry baskets.
As browsers, goats will graze grass but prefer shrubs and brush. Grass should be kept above 10 cm to help reduce worms.
Fresh, clean water must always be available. Small troughs or buckets are easy to refresh and clean.
Wethered Goats and Urinary Calculi
Castrated males (wethers) are more prone to urinary calculi due to diet, water intake, and anatomy. Feed mostly browse, pasture, or good‑quality grass hay, with only small amounts of balanced goat pellets. Ensure constant access to fresh water to reduce risks.
Vaccinations
Goats in Victoria are typically vaccinated against Enterotoxaemia (pulpy kidney) and Tetanus. These diseases are present in the environment across Australia.
Vaccination helps prevent sudden illness, especially during dietary changes, lush pasture growth, or stress. All goats from Niedlich Farm come fully vaccinated with Glanvac 3.
CAE and JD Testing
CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) is a serious disease causing mastitis, ill‑thrift, arthritis, pneumonia, and paralysis. There is no vaccine or cure.
Johne’s Disease (JD) is a chronic wasting disease that is fatal. Vaccination exists but does not provide full protection and vaccinated goats will test positive on blood tests. Faecal testing is required to rule out active infection.
Niedlich Farm performs annual CAE and JD testing to maintain a disease‑free herd. When buying goats, always request recent blood test results from the breeder.
Hoof Trimming
Hoof trimming is one of the most important regular care tasks. Goats require trimming every 6–8 weeks. In wet regions like South Gippsland, more frequent checks may be necessary.
Securing goats in a crush with a treat helps make trimming easier. Silverline hoof trimmers or small pruning shears work well.
Niedlich Farm provides training on proper hoof‑trimming techniques when you purchase a goat.