How We Keep Our Goats Happy and Healthy at Merry Meadows

The health and happiness of our goats are our top priorities. They aren’t just livestock; they’re an essential part of our farm family. We believe that the love and care we give to our animals reflect directly in the quality of the milk and products we create. From providing a spacious environment to ensuring top-tier health care, here’s a detailed look at how we care for our beloved herd.

Room to Roam

Goats are natural explorers, and we believe in giving them the space to be themselves. Our 18-acre farm in Kingston, Oklahoma, provides plenty of room for our goats to roam, graze, and forage. By allowing them access to a variety of grasses and plants, we encourage their natural grazing behaviors, which support their physical and mental health. We also practice rotational grazing, which ensures the pasture stays lush and nutritious while reducing the risk of overgrazing. This approach keeps our goats happy and nourished while promoting sustainable land management.

Goats grazing in field at Merry Meadows

A Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Diet

A healthy diet is the foundation of any happy goat, and we go the extra mile to ensure our herd gets everything they need. In addition to fresh pasture forage, we supplement their diet with high-quality feed, nutrient-rich alfalfa hay, and specially formulated mineral blends. These supplements support strong bones, healthy digestion, and robust immune systems. Of course, no meal is complete without access to clean, fresh water, which we provide around the clock. Our focus on nutrition ensures our goats remain healthy and thrive in every season.

Routine Health Checks

Our commitment to goat care includes regular health checks for every member of our herd. This hands-on approach allows us to monitor their weight, examine their hooves, and check for any signs of illness or discomfort. We follow a tailored vaccination and deworming schedule to protect against common health issues and keep them in peak condition. Catching potential problems early is key, and by staying proactive, we ensure our goats lead long, healthy lives.

Goats eating fresh pumpkin

Safe and Comfortable Shelter

Providing a safe and comfortable environment is crucial to keeping our goats healthy. They have access to clean, well-ventilated shelters that shield them from harsh weather conditions. During the summer months, we focus on keeping their living spaces cool and shaded to help them avoid heat stress. In the winter, we provide cozy bedding and windbreaks to keep them warm and comfortable. A clean, dry shelter not only protects them from the elements but also minimizes the risk of illness caused by damp or unclean conditions.

Gentle Handling and Positive Interaction

Goats are intelligent and social animals that thrive on positive interactions. At Merry Meadows, we prioritize gentle handling to build trust and reduce stress. Spending time with our goats daily allows us to bond with them and understand their individual personalities. This consistent interaction makes routine tasks, such as hoof trimming or milking, a calm and seamless experience for both the goats and us. By treating our goats with kindness and respect, we ensure they feel secure and valued every day.

Goats eating leaves

Milking with Care

Milking is an integral part of our farm operations, and we approach it with care and mindfulness. Whether milking by hand or using gentle machines, we ensure the process mimics the natural nursing experience, keeping the goats comfortable and stress-free. The milk we collect is handled with the utmost care, preserving its quality for use in our goat’s milk soaps, lotions, and dairy products. This attention to detail means that the love we put into caring for our goats extends to every product we create.

Goat playing on tire toys at merry meadows

Socialization and Companionship

Goats are herd animals that thrive on social interaction. We make sure our goats always have companions to bond with, creating a supportive and enriching social environment. Watching their playful antics and herd dynamics is one of the joys of farm life. Their ability to form strong connections within the group contributes significantly to their happiness, reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviors.

Goats grazing at merry meadows farm

Commitment to Ethical Farming

At Merry Meadows, ethical farming is not just a practice—it’s our philosophy. Every decision we make is guided by the belief that our animals deserve the best possible care. By providing them with freedom to graze, high-quality nutrition, regular health checks, and a clean, safe environment, we ensure our goats lead happy, healthy lives. This commitment not only benefits our animals but also ensures that our products reflect the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Why Goat Care Matters

Proper care for our goats directly impacts the quality of the products we provide to you. Happy, healthy goats produce better milk, which translates into superior soaps, lotions, and fresh dairy items. By focusing on their well-being, we can proudly offer you products made with love, care, and the best ingredients our farm has to offer.

Visit Us at Merry Meadows

We’d love for you to meet our happy herd and see how we care for them firsthand. Whether you’re curious about ethical farming practices or just want to spend some time on a family-owned farm, Merry Meadows welcomes you! If you’re in the Lake Texoma area come on over to visit us! You can find directions here.

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