Websites
Fir Meadows-- They sell high quality herb blends for all your animal species. This is where I buy all of my herbal blends from.
Discount Dr. Christopher's-- This is where I buy my single herbs from. The prices are good and the quality is excellent!
Premier 1 Supplies-- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND their heat lamps!
Jeffers Pet Supply-- If you want to have collars on your goats, DO NOT buy dog collars! Jeffers sells the plastic chains and connecting links for break away collars. I usually just buy the connecting link (the lighter weight link works fine for bucks and does) from Jeffers and then I purchase the plastic chain in 10-20 foot lengths from our local hardware store. Twice, in the past, when I used to use the typical dog collars, I came out to find a doe nearly unconscious from getting caught and strangling herself. It happened once on the fence and once on a tree branch. I know that these plastic chains don't look especially good but trust me... they are a must!
Narrow Gate farm-- She maintains a very informative blog and Facebook page!
We buy our Organic grains from Azure Standard and Modesto milling.
Advanced Biological Concepts-- I use their free choice minerals for my herd. I recommend getting the 15 piece starter kit and then buying the individual bags as you need them.
Discount Dr. Christopher's-- This is where I buy my single herbs from. The prices are good and the quality is excellent!
Premier 1 Supplies-- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND their heat lamps!
Jeffers Pet Supply-- If you want to have collars on your goats, DO NOT buy dog collars! Jeffers sells the plastic chains and connecting links for break away collars. I usually just buy the connecting link (the lighter weight link works fine for bucks and does) from Jeffers and then I purchase the plastic chain in 10-20 foot lengths from our local hardware store. Twice, in the past, when I used to use the typical dog collars, I came out to find a doe nearly unconscious from getting caught and strangling herself. It happened once on the fence and once on a tree branch. I know that these plastic chains don't look especially good but trust me... they are a must!
Narrow Gate farm-- She maintains a very informative blog and Facebook page!
We buy our Organic grains from Azure Standard and Modesto milling.
Advanced Biological Concepts-- I use their free choice minerals for my herd. I recommend getting the 15 piece starter kit and then buying the individual bags as you need them.
Books
The Accessible Pet, Equine, and Livestock Herbal-- This is the only book that I have found that TRULY teaches you how to care for your animals naturally! The book is very large and covers the health issues for all of the domestic animal species. I have used this book hundreds of times and HIGHLY recommend it if you are interested in taking care of your animals naturally like I do!!!
Confirmation, DHI (milk testing), and Linear Appraisal
A Guide to Dairy Goat Confirmation-- By Weed 'em and Reap.
Easy Dairy Goat Confirmation
Dairy Goat Evaluations-- Kat, who owns Fir Meadows, Discount Dr. Christophers, and is the writer of the book; The Accessible Pet, Equine, and Livestock Herbal. She also does these evaluations that I have found very helpful and educational! They are well worth the price! She has over 20 years of experience with raising a top of the line herd of Lamancha and Toggenburg dairy goats! You just have to order however many evaluations you plan to do, and then send her pictures and she will send you back a detailed description of the goats strengths and weaknesses!
305 Day Milk Test-- By Puddle Haven farm.
Interpreting Milk Test Data-- By Puddle Haven farm.
One Day Milk Test-- By Puddle Haven farm.
All About Milk Stars-- By Puddle Haven Farm.
DHI FAQs-- By ADGA.
DHI Record Plans-- This will describe the different DHI Record plans that are approved by ADGA and AGS. You will need to pick one when you decide to start on 305 day milk testing. I personally use the standard 20 test plan which is the most common among goat breeders.
List of Regional Affiliates-- This is a list of the organizations that will help you with connecting with a lab for milk testing. They will also coordinate your milk test data to ADGA. Most people use the one that is closest to them. I have talked with half a dozen of them and worked with several of them. Indiana State Dairy Association has been the best to work with and had the best pricing. That is who I would recommend testing with.
Linear Appraisal Scores-- By Puddle Haven farm.
Superior Genetics (SG)-- By Puddle Haven farm.
ADGA Superior Genetics FAQs-- By ADGA.
This chart gives you a general idea of what the ideal linear point range should be.
Goat Health, Husbandry, and Disease Testing
UBRL Livestock Diagnostics-- This is where I send blood samples for them to run a biosecurity screen which covers the testing for Johne's Disease, CL, and CAE. They also offer bioPRYN pregnancy testing for goats. Here is their pricing and schedule sheet.
How to Treat Goat Diseases and Illnesses Naturally-- This article has some good information on how to treat some of the common health issues of goats using natural remedies.
Fias Co Farm-- TONS of good information about goat health and husbandry.
Land of Havilah farm & Herbals-- Good information on raising goats naturally.
Gestation Calculator-- Very helpful for calculating due dates. Just be sure that you click "Miniature Breeds" before you enter the day that the doe was bred.
Check back in the near future... I plan to write some articles that I think you will find very helpful. Such as, how to get rid of mites & lice naturally (a method that actually works)! And, how to save at least 25% on your grain cost while increasing the bioavailable nutrients of the grains by 300 to 1,000%!!!
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