There are lots of things you need to know if looking to pursue the art of owning a goat or two, and you may be wondering ways to keep them cool in the summer. Goats can get easily overheated and lots of other animals rather enjoy cool water to lounge in. You may think? Can I get a pool for my goats? Before you answer that question, however, you have to ask yourself, can goats swim?
Goats are great swimmers, and if given the opportunity they will actively participate in swimming with their friends in VERY shallow water! As long as the water is warm, and they can properly dry themselves off after, swimming can be a fun activity for your goats!
If you’re interested in allowing your goats a fun, and safe, swim time, then here are some things you’re going to need to know!
They Need Shallow Water!
Unlike dogs, or other animals who may enjoy things like swimming, and are avid swimmers in deep water, goats do not enjoy deep water. For goats, swimming for extended lengths of time requires endurance and muscle training, and most of your goats don’t need to swim across water to obtain feed or shelter.
So if you’re interested in pursuing a “pool” for your goats, you’re going to need a very VERY shallow pool. We recommend no deeper than a foot, to avoid not only other animals perhaps seeking refuge in your pool, but also so that the goats can safely navigate it.
Pools are ONLY For Warm Weather Climates
If you have goats, and you live somewhere that dips below 50 degrees, a pool is not the thing you’re going to want for your goats. If the weather isn’t in the 70-degree range or warmer, or a cooler evening is approaching, you won’t want your goats getting anywhere near water. Whether in a pool or bathing them.
The water can get cold, and even freeze, and can be harder to keep up with. Having to clean it, perhaps keep it heated, and anything else can be extremely costly. And in the situation that your goats do happen to get in the water, they could get hypothermia and freeze to death.
Some Goats DON’T Like Swimming
Depending on what type of goats you have, some are going to love swimming, and others are going to hate it. Some goats, especially dairy goats, are going to hate water, even hitting them from above their feet. There’s a reason for this, they have self-preservation instincts. If they slip, and fall, a goat can hurt itself and will be more susceptible to predators.
Storms Can Cause Pool Issues
If you have a pool for your goats, then you’re going to need to be aware of any storms or rainy seasons that may be common in your area. Rain can increase the depth of the pool and create mud, which can cause health issues for your goats.
Goats rely on their coats to keep them warm, and lower temperatures can make it harder for them to dry, and stay warm. It can also cause a number of issues health-wise if you’re not careful. Mud that’s attracted by water can cause rain rot or other fungal issues of the skin. Excessive moisture in the air, especially when combined with a wet or cold goat, is a recipe for a lung issue such as pneumonia! So unless you’re in a good environment, avoid putting in pools.
Pools Need Upkeep
If you do have a pool for your goats, then you’re going to need to keep up with it, and especially heat it. Keeping it warm throughout the winter and throughout the colder nights. You’ll also need to keep it clean, as to avoid any of the goats congesting any bad bacteria.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can add chlorine the way you would add an average pool. You need to be careful about making sure that the water you’re putting in this pool is clean and comfortable for your goats. You also need to have a floor that isn’t going to be slippery. Things like tile in a normal pool, you’re going to need one that’s the course and not one that you can slip on. Concrete is a great option for this, and can help to make sure that your animals don’t slip and hurt themselves.
Ways To Keep Your Goats Cool, AWAY From Swimming
So if you’re NOT in the mood to keep up with the pools, or just can’t financially handle it, there are other ways to keep your goats happy and cool in the warmer seasons.
Sprinklers
Just like children, goats love water and love sprinklers. Of course, you’re going to need to keep up with things such as mud build-up, but a sprinkler can be a great way to keep your goats cool when the weather gets heavy. It’s cool water without absolutely soaking them, and it’s seasonal so you don’t have to keep up with any of the money or damage that can be created.
Shaving Them
While there is a belief that shaving goats and sheep is unnecessary, a belief that is often promoted in the vegan world. Vegan, or not, this isn’t really the case. Instead, they almost need it. In order to keep their body temperature cool, they’re going to need to shed a few layers and that’s not something that they do naturally so carefully making sure not to knick them, you’re totally okay to sheer some of their furs or coats off. This will keep them nice and cool, and no longer make a pool necessary.