My two favorite websites for goat health information—rich resources for raising goats as companions or for income.
Please note: I am not a veterinarian. The following reflects my personal experience and the resources I consult. Research carefully before making decisions for your goats, and consult a trusted veterinarian whenever possible. The internet contains a lot of conflicting or misleading information. Though I rely on these resources, always verify recommendations with a qualified professional before medicating or making major changes. Goats are sensitive animals; be certain of your plan before acting. When in doubt, call your vet.
Earlier this week I posted a short video showing Elderberry and Buckwheat eating baking soda, which prompted a lot of questions. Many readers asked for more detail and wanted to know which websites I turn to when I need reliable goat care information. I’ve written about specific topics like copper toxicity and coccidia in goat kids, but I hadn’t summarized the two sites I most frequently consult for general goat health, husbandry, and troubleshooting.
Goats can be more challenging than they first appear. I was one of those people who brought goats home because they were adorable, not realizing how much care and attention they require. I didn’t know about conditions like bloat or coccidia, or how critical it is to provide a balanced, monitored diet. Losing Rosemary was a hard lesson in responsibility, and since then I’ve spent a lot of time learning proper goat care. I still consider myself a student, but when problems arise I consistently find accurate, practical advice on two sites: Fias Co Farm and Onion Creek Ranch.
Both sites are packed with detailed, practical articles. They cover routine care, emergencies, medications, feeding, and prevention strategies. While some content is written with producers or breeders in mind, most information is directly applicable to small-scale keepers and pet owners. Below I summarize why I value each site and list some of their most useful topics. I’ve removed direct external links here to keep the focus on content—search the site names to find them.
More about Caring for Goats:
15 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Goats
Raising Goats: Keeping the Barn Clean
Fias Co Farm:
Fias Co Farm is a comprehensive, user-friendly resource that covers almost every question a goat owner might have. The site walks you through practical topics like vaccinations, administering medication, udder care, and handling routine procedures such as dehorning and hoof trimming. The tone is approachable and supportive—ideal for new owners who may not yet recognize common problems like bloat or nutritional imbalances.
Notable topics I consult on this site:
How to build a milkstand and safely handle milk if you keep dairy goats.
Proper techniques for oral drenching and giving medications at home.
Guidance on keeping goats as pets, including social needs and enrichment.
Step-by-step instructions for trimming hooves and maintaining good hoof health.
Dehorning and disbudding considerations and timing.
An extensive medications guide that explains common drugs, dosages, and precautions.
A natural remedies and herbal care overview (note: I do not personally rely on herbal worming without veterinarian guidance).
A practical care schedule covering vaccinations, deworming, and seasonal checks.
Clear explanations on recognizing and treating pinkeye.
Feeding guidance that explains forage, concentrates, and how to avoid feeding errors.
An especially thorough article on bloat—what it looks like, immediate actions to take, and prevention.
Information on coccidiosis, poisonous and edible plants (surprising examples included), respiratory infections, urinary stones, and typical goat behaviors across ages and sexes.
Resources on conditions like milk neck and bottle jaw, with signs to watch and when to seek help.
Onion Creek Ranch (Tennessee Meat Goats):
Onion Creek Ranch offers a wealth of information compiled over many years, presented in a practical, farm-tested manner. While the site often targets producers and meat goat operations, the veterinary and husbandry content is highly relevant to anyone keeping goats. The articles are detailed and focus on diagnosis, prevention, and management of common health issues.
Key topics I use from this resource:
Minerals and vitamins, with explanations of deficiency and toxicity risks—very helpful for setting up an appropriate mineral program.
Urinary calculi (stones) in bucks and wethers: causes, prevention, and treatment approaches.
Probiotics and gut health recommendations for sick or recovering animals.
Toxicity and poisoning guides covering common household and pasture hazards.
Hay and grain toxicity—how feed mistakes can lead to serious problems.
Internal and external parasite management: identification, lifecycle basics, and control strategies.
Diarrhea and digestive upsets: differential diagnosis and supportive care tips.
Practical guidance on deworming routines and vaccination strategies.
Information on anemia, rumen function, and how to identify rumen-related disorders.
Articles on coccidiosis, stress management for goats, and troubleshooting “what’s wrong” with a sick animal.
Specific sections about soremouth, pneumonia, diagnosing illness, administering injections, and treating dehydration—each focused on clear, actionable steps.
The site also lists supplies and medications commonly needed by goat keepers; this checklist is a useful starting point when assembling a first-aid kit or preparing to care for a small herd.
There are other worthwhile sites and books, but for nearly every health concern I’ve encountered with Elderberry and Buckwheat, Fias Co Farm and Onion Creek Ranch are the places I check first. They provide clear, practical advice that helps you make informed decisions quickly in a crisis and plan sensible preventative care over time.
I hope these resources help you feel more confident caring for your goats. If you have a favorite goat-care resource, please share it in the comments so others can benefit.
If you’re planning a short trip away from the farm, check my tips for finding a reliable farm sitter to ensure your herd stays safe and well cared for while you’re gone.