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Baby Goat Pass Through
Guide to Building and Using a Baby Goat Pass-Through
A baby goat pass-through is an excellent way to ensure that young goats have their own space for bedding and food, free from competition with larger goats. Follow these steps and tips to create and manage a baby goat pass-through effectively.
Why Use a Baby Pass-Through?
- Promotes Growth: From 0 to 1 year, baby goats grow 60% of their body weight, making proper food and shelter essential.
- Avoid Competition: Babies won’t have to compete with adult goats for resources.
- Encourages Independence: Provides a safe area for babies to eat, sleep, and thrive.
Building the Pass-Through
- Design & Dimensions:
- Start Larger: Begin with an opening approximately 12 inches tall by 10 inches wide (adjustable to fit your setup).
- Adjust Later: As babies get used to it, shrink the size to exclude larger goats.
- Materials Needed:
- Framework: Build a sturdy box-like frame for the pass-through.
- Securing the Pass-Through: Use screws and wire to secure the frame to the fence or pen to prevent movement.
- Placement:
- Choose a spot that allows babies easy access to their space while keeping adult goats out.
Training Baby Goats to Use the Pass-Through
- Initial Introduction:
- Remove the adjustable board to make the opening larger and more inviting.
- Use Grain as Incentive:
- Place a small pile of grain just inside the pass-through on the baby side.
- Call the babies over and guide them gently toward the opening.
- Encourage Leadership:
- Baby goats are social; once one goat passes through, others will follow.
- Focus on getting a confident or curious baby goat to go first.
- Repeat Daily:
- Spend a few minutes each day guiding the babies through until they learn the routine.
Adjusting for Size and Security
- Downsize the Opening:
- Once babies are comfortable, adjust the pass-through to exclude larger goats.
- Ensure the opening is just small enough for babies but too tight for adults.
- Monitor for Sneaky Adults:
- Larger goats can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces. If an adult goat figures out how to get through, adjust the opening further.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Persistent Adults:
- If an adult goat repeatedly squeezes through, modify the design or temporarily block the pass-through to retrain the herd.
- Positive Reinforcement:
- Ensure every trip through the pass-through is rewarding for babies, using grain or a safe, fun area to play.
- Observe & Adjust:
- Check for issues like structural movement or sneaky goats daily.
Final Notes
A baby goat pass-through is a practical tool for fostering healthy, independent growth. With consistent training and monitoring, you’ll create a space that benefits the babies while ensuring the adult goats stay in their own areas.
Happy goat-raising!
