Understanding the Herd’s Temperament: How Mineral Imbalances Affect Goat Behavior & Mothering Instinct On the farm, we know our goats have big personalities—some are skittish, some are pushy, some are aloof, and some are the most attentive mothers. Often, we chalk this up to “just their nature.” But what if their behavior and maternal instincts…
Category: Feathers, Fur, and Hooves: Exploring the Enchanting World of Horse-n-Bear Ranch
Explore the enchanting world of Horse-n-Bear Ranch, where a menagerie of mules, cattle, goats, chickens, and a diverse array of four-legged companions coexist. Join us for heartwarming tales, insightful tips, and captivating adventures in this extraordinary menagerie of feathered, furred, and hoofed wonders. Discover the vibrant tapestry of life at our cherished sanctuary. “Feathers, Fur, and Hooves: Exploring the Enchanting World of Horse-n-Bear Ranch” blog invites you into a captivating world where a diverse collection of enchanting creatures resides. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of life at this extraordinary sanctuary, where mules, cattle, goats, chickens, and a harmonious blend of four-legged companions coexist in harmony. From the watchful presence of Great Pyrenees dogs to the tireless work of Border Collies, and the playful antics of a Mountain Cur, each resident adds their unique charm to the dynamic rhythm of the ranch. Join us as we share heartwarming tales, insightful tips, and captivating adventures that celebrate the extraordinary menagerie thriving at Horse-n-Bear Ranch. Get ready to explore a world filled with feathered, furred, and hoofed wonders, accompanied by the heartwarming purrs of feline companionship. Welcome to the captivating menagerie that defines life at Horse-n-Bear Ranch.
Goat FEC with McMaster slide
How We Perform Fecal Egg Counts (FEC) on Our Goats On our farm, we use fecal egg counts (FECs) as a practical, low-tech way to monitor internal parasites and make informed deworming decisions. This method uses a McMaster slide and can be done right at home with basic supplies. Our goal is not to chase…
HTMA for Goats
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for Goats: Why Minerals Matter More Than You Think If you raise goats long enough, you start to notice patterns. One goat struggles to maintain weight while another thrives on the same pasture. Milk production fluctuates without an obvious reason. Parasites seem harder to manage some years than others. Hooves,…
Goat Anemia
Natural Support for Goat Anemia Horse-n-Bear Ranch | The Herb Peddler Goats can become anemic after heavy parasite loads, kidding, or illness. Pale eyelids, weakness, and poor appetite are common signs.This article offers safe, natural ways to support red blood cell health using ingredients you can find at most feed or farm stores. ⚕️ Fastest…
Protozoa Protocol
🌾 IntroductionTea for the Tender Gut A Protocol for Protozoa and Poise In the hush of the barn, where hooves tap rhythms older than memory, a young goat falters. Her belly speaks in watery tones, her eyes dim with discomfort. And so, the herbalist listens—not just with ears, but with instinct. A kettle sings. Roots…
ABCs – Deworming
🌿 The ABCs of Natural Health: Deworming with Purpose On our farm, healing follows the rhythm of nature. We honor the cycle of Activate, Build, and Cleanse—a framework that guides how we care for our animals, our land, and ourselves. 🐐 Cleanse: The Deworming Phase Parasites are more than a nuisance—they’re silent thieves of vitality….
Meningeal Yes or No
🚨 Kid Goat Paralysis? Here’s What to Do Before You Deworm Woke up to find your month-old goat kid dragging its back legs? Panic is natural, but reaching for fenbendazole might not be. Sudden paralysis in young goats isn’t always meningeal worm (in fact, it’s almost never). Here’s a practical breakdown for goat owners who…
Common Parasites in Goats
Barber Pole Worm and Other Common Goat Parasites in the Southeast At Horse-n-Bear Ranch, we’ve been fine-tuning our goats’ treatment for the notorious Barber Pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) and other common parasites. Our journey has taught us valuable lessons about managing these pests and ensuring our herd remains healthy and thriving. Understanding Barber Pole Worm…
Goats as Livestock Guardians?
From personal experience, ever since we got Livestock Guardian Dogs, we have lost more chickens due to being killed by the dogs than we ever lost to predators. Yes, the dogs will bark at intruders and kill opossums that actually have killed a chicken once, but I think we underestimated our goats’ guarding abilities. While…