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Do You Know What’s Normal? Why Every Goat Owner Needs a Health Baseline and a Medical Plan

When was the last time you took your goat’s temperature just because?

If your answer is “never,” it might be time for a quick herd health reality check.

Knowing your herd’s baseline health—what’s normal for their temperature, behavior, feed intake, and overall vibe—isn’t just for show breeders or vet techs. It’s for every goat owner, from backyard hobbyists to full-on farm operations. Because when something’s off, you need to know it’s off. And fast.

Why Baseline Health Matters

Goats are notorious for hiding symptoms until things are critical. By the time you notice they’re not eating or lying in the corner, the clock is already ticking.

Establishing a baseline gives you a solid “normal” to compare against when something feels wrong. That means:

      • Knowing each goat’s typical temp, heart rate, and rumen activity
      • Being familiar with their attitude, appetite, and social behavior
      • Catching subtle changes before they spiral into emergencies

What’s in Your Goat Medical Bag?

Imagine this: You find a goat down at dusk. The vet can’t come until morning. What do you do?

Having a well-stocked medical kit and the knowledge to use it can be the difference between life and loss.

Essentials every goat owner should have on hand:

      • Thermometer (you’d be surprised how many people forget this!)
      • Drench gun and syringes
      • Electrolytes, probiotics, and vitamin B complex
      • Injectable antibiotics and knowledge of which to use for what
      • Dewormers and coccidia treatment options
      • Tools for treating anemia and understanding FAMACHA scores
      • A quick-reference guide that actually fits in your pocket (or phone)

Your Knowledge Toolbox: Don’t Guess—Check

That’s why I created the Goat Emergency Online Edition—an interactive mobile PDF designed to give goat owners fast, fingertip access to everything they need to assess and act.

What’s inside?

      • Normal vitals, estrus, and gestation timelines
      • Vaccination schedules by age
      • Dosing charts for dewormers, coccidia treatments, antibiotics, and more
      • A deep dive on Polio/Listeria and how to act quickly
      • External parasite control
      • Anemia support + FAMACHA visual reference

It’s not a substitute for your vet. But it is the thing you’ll reach for at 10 p.m. when you’re alone in the barn with a goat who’s suddenly not okay.

👉 Grab your Goat Emergency Mobile Guide here

Keep it on your phone. Review it while you sip coffee. Pull it up when the panic starts.

Because when you know what normal looks like, you’re one step closer to catching problems before they become emergencies.

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Saying Goodbye to the Herd — But Not to the Mission

After years of dedication to breeding Moriesians and Myotonic goats, Dutch Hollow Acres is officially retiring our livestock operations. The loss of our breeding stock due to age, unexpected medical issues, and a recent tragic event has made continuing no longer possible.

While this chapter closes, our doors are not.

Dutch Hollow Acres is still very much in business — just refocused. We’re now channeling our passion into digital products designed to support farm and pet owners, all available through our Etsy store: DutchHollowAcres.Etsy.com.

We also remain the exclusive distributor of MudSlabs.com in Western and Central New York, continuing to help others tackle tough mud problems with practical, farm-tested solutions.

We’re grateful for everyone who’s been part of our journey. Thank you for your support then — and now.

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2024 Hobby to Profit Farming – Podcast #1

🌾 Welcome to Dutch Hollow Acres – Your Digital Farmstead! 🌾

Join us where the pastures are virtual but the advice is as real as it gets. Every week, we dive into the authentic world of small-scale farming, bringing you hands-on advice, heartwarming stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at life with our lovable livestock.

🐔 What’s New This Week? In today’s episode, we’re giving you the insider tips on livestock care that can only come from daily life among the animals. We’re talking health, happiness, and the hustle that turns a hobby farm into a thriving homestead.

💡 Farm-Fresh Advice “Click, listen, and let the countryside connect with your device. Ready for today’s farm-fresh advice? Let’s jump in!” We’re here to make sure you’re equipped with everything you need to know to make your farm flourish.

👨‍🌾 Connect with Us Don’t forget to subscribe and hit that bell icon so you won’t miss out on any of our episodes. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below—we love hearing from our fellow farm enthusiasts!

📱 Follow Our Journey Get more Dutch Hollow Acres: Instagram: @DutchHollowAcres Twitter: @DutchHollowAcres Facebook: Dutch Hollow Acres

📧 Contact Us For collaborations and inquiries, reach out to us at: shop@dutchhollowacres.com T

hank you for being a part of our online family. We can’t wait to share more of our farming journey with you!

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An Unforgettable Journey: Cherry and Her Stillborn Foal

There are few events in the equine world as heartrending as the loss of a foal. As the owner of a beautiful mare named Cherry, I have experienced this sorrow firsthand.

Cherry, always the picture of equine health, was expected to deliver a healthy foal. Throughout her pregnancy, we worked closely with our local vet, ensuring she had regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and ample exercise. Every step was taken to ensure both Cherry and her unborn foal were in peak condition.

However, nature has a way of reminding us that even the best-laid plans can go awry. Cherry went into labor and gave birth on her own, as many mares do. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, her foal was born breech and, to make matters worse it had been a “red bag” which means the placenta detached from the uterine wall. The foal didn’t make it.

In the aftermath, we were left with many questions. Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? Seeking answers, we arranged for blood work to be done by our local vet. The samples were then sent off to the Cornell Equine Hospital, one of the most respected institutions in the field, for further analysis.

The results confirmed that Cherry was in good health, and the foal had been viable but the complication of a red bag ended its life. This information, while reassuring in some ways, also made the loss more poignant. It was a stark reminder that even with the best care, there are factors in equine birth beyond our control.

Despite our profound loss, we have taken comfort in knowing that we did everything we could for Cherry and her foal. Cherry’s strength and resilience have been an inspiration throughout this challenging time. Her loss is felt deeply, but her story underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment we have with these incredible animals.

Cherry’s journey and the loss of her foal is a poignant reminder of both the beauty and fragility of equine life. It’s a story that will stay with me forever, a story of hope, loss, and resilience, a story that, although steeped in sorrow, is also filled with love. It’s the story of Cherry and her stillborn foal, a story I will never forget.

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24-Hour Foal Vet Checks: A Celebration of New Life and Health

Lights, camera, action! A new foal has entered the world, and it’s time for the most important event in their early life: the 24-hour foal vet check! This exciting and crucial check-up ensures that both the foal and its proud mama are in tip-top shape, ready to conquer the world together. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of 24-hour foal vet checks, uncovering their significance, benefits, and their role in contracts and insurance policies.

A Timely Health Check for Stars in the Making

The first 24 hours of a foal’s life are like the opening credits to their very own movie. It’s the perfect time for a health check, as the little one’s immune system is just starting to kick into gear. Our skilled veterinarians will take center stage, examining the foal’s condition, growth, and vital signs, ensuring they’re ready for their close-up. Of course, the leading lady, aka the mare, will also be evaluated for any potential post-birth complications.

The Placenta: An Unsung Hero

In the world of foal vet checks, the placenta plays a critical supporting role. Mare owners should treat it like a VIP, placing it in a feed bag and tying it off with twine until the veterinarian can give it the attention it deserves. By examining the placenta, our talented vets can confirm a successful expulsion and ensure there are no hidden health risks for the mare.

Contractual Adventures and Live Foal Guarantees

The 24-hour foal vet check isn’t just about health; it’s also a thrilling subplot in the equine industry’s contractual agreements. When selling a foal in-utero, it’s not considered “alive” until it passes its blockbuster vet check, marking the official transfer of ownership. For mare owners seeking a sequel, some stallion owners offer a “Live Foal Guarantee.” If the foal sadly passes away before the 24-hour mark, the mare owner can breed back without paying another stud fee, although other fees will still apply.

Insurance Companies Join the Cast

Last but not least, insurance companies play a crucial role in the 24-hour foal vet check saga. A thumbs-up from the veterinarian means the foal is a low-risk investment, making it easier for owners to get coverage. However, any plot twists or health concerns discovered during the vet check might lead to higher premiums or even a denied insurance policy.

Conclusion

The 24-hour foal vet check is like an exciting premiere for our newborn stars and their leading ladies. This essential evaluation plays a starring role in the equine industry, with plotlines weaving through contractual agreements and insurance policies. By scheduling a 24-hour vet check, mare and foal owners can be confident that they’re providing the best care for their equine companions, setting them up for a lifetime of thrilling adventures and successful performances.