100 Days of Growing Food Challenge: Day 19

It’s Worming Wednesday!!!

One of the biggest learning curves with the goats has been learning how to manage them holistically. I don’t know anyone personally that relies on holistic care for their goats.

And yes, before anyone puts on their Argument Pants, I’m aware that there are some cases where conventional pharmaceutical medicine is needed; however, just as I care for my children, I believe that other options should be attempted first.

Goats can be quite susceptible to parasites. A small measurable amount is acceptable and completely normal with tested samples, but when the worm-load exceeds the goat’s ability to take in nutrients to thrive, intervention must take place.

With a holistic approach, I’m focusing on providing them with free choice minerals, kelp, vitamin C, and herbal mixes from Land of Havilah Farms.

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Herbs

My main arsenal for deworming consists of an herbal deworming blend from Land of Havilah paired with a GI herbal blend to soothe the digestive system, along with a mix of essential oils from Young Living. An herbal and essential oil deworming routine on a strict schedule is necessary for parasite load management.

The herbs are used more frequently than a pharmaceutical dewormer. Not only do they help suppress the worm-load, but they also provide vital nutrients and build the immune system. For the herbs I’m currently using, a full treatment is given initially, twice a day for three days. After that a weekly application is given (I choose Worming Wednesday. The alliteration helps me remember when everyone needs their herbs!).

And then generally once a month, or as needed another full 3 day dosing is done. I chose to do our monthly 3 day dosing around the full moon.

LOH recommends adding a garlic and ginger paste to their deworming mix to act synergistically with the herbs and help in its effectiveness. I do equal parts garlic and ginger blended with enough olive oil to form a smooth paste.

On Worming Wednesdays, a tablespoon is added to their food and herbal mix morning and night.

We began giving the kids a morning and night dosing of herbs after birth on day 3, and then started them on the weekly routine.

We decided to start out with Land of Havilah herbs as I’ve heard many successful reviews from their products, but also the location of their Master Herbalist is in a similar location and climate to our own. Finding herbal supplies near you is key, as the herbalist will have experience treating ailments that accompany your climate.

Essential Oils

I reached out to a holistic goat keeper online for recommendations on what essential oils would aide in parasite management. Following her guidance, I use a blend of several oils mixed into a carrier oil. One full dropper gets added onto their morning breakfast.

I use Young Living essential oils for their high quality and Seed to Seal promise. Feel free to message me for more information on essential oils, if you have any questions!

How do I check if my goats need an extra dosing?

Every few days I check their FAMACHA scores to make sure they are within a healthy level. Their coat and skin is monitored, as well as their demeanor and overall shape. A FAMACHA score is found by pulling back an eyelid and checking the skin around the eye for color. Depending on the color, you can tell if the goat is anemic. A light pink or white color tells you the goat is quite anemic (usually from the barber’s pole worm).

Other mineral deficiencies can be shown in their coat and skin. Dry, flaking skin can be a sign of zinc deficiency. Burnt orange/copper colored hair shows a copper deficiency. Also goats stripping the bark off of trees and shrubbery can also be a sign of copper deficiency.

Both of our adult does (Oona and Edda) show signs of both zinc and copper deficiency and have since we brought them home. Their free choice mineral options are usually evenly picked over, but the kelp has needed to be replaced weekly since we started offering it! Kelp is high in both zinc and copper content (among other vitamins and minerals).

Where am I getting my information from?

Obviously, I am not a goat expert. We have only been goat owners for about 6 or 7 weeks. I do know that their FAMACHA scores were pretty concerning along with the state of their coats. There has been some amazing turn around with their FAMACHA scores.

Books

“Natural Goat Care” has been a great reference for treating and identifying nutrient deficiencies.

“The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable”

“Essential Oils Animal Desk Reference”

People

Finding like-minded goat owners online and connecting with them. For me, I learn best through hands on experience. But talking with people who have experience and knowledge with years of experience is vital to caring for yourself and your animals holistically!

Rabbits

Aside from caring for the goats, we harvested 6 rabbits, ranging from roughly 3lbs-6lbs.

We still have 15 kits growing, and will be harvested in another 7-8 weeks.

Cornish Cross

Our last batch of meat birds for the year have been officially moved onto pasture! We currently have 39 birds that will be harvested in about 6 weeks.

Garden

Delicata, spaghetti, butternut, blue Hubbard, and summer squash varieties were planted in the garden. We’ve got several pumpkin starts that need homes. I started way more than we have room for, so they are on standby as we find a good location for them.

I have dreams of storing them over winter for pies and bread in the cold months of January. The hogs will also greatly enjoy any extras that grow!

Bonus: Pumpkin seeds also act as a natural preventive dewormer!

We were teased with rain and thunderstorms all day, but nothing more than a light sprinkle made it our way.

The boys and I harvested flowers and herbs for tea this winter. Comfrey, stinging nettles, rose petals, red clover, red raspberry leaves, peppermint, and violet flowers and leaves.

The greenhouse temperatures have been climbing to upwards of 95 F (35 C) which is too toasty for my seedlings. BUT it is perfect for dehydrating herbs!

I’ve got my mesh drying rack hanging from the ceiling and the herbs should be dried enough for storage in a few days.