Scours in Goats: My Hard-Earned Lessons and How to Beat It

If you’ve ever walked into your goat pen and spotted loose, watery droppings, you know the sinking feeling all too well. Scours in goats isn’t just a messy inconvenience—it’s a warning sign that something’s wrong. Over the years, I’ve dealt with scours more times than I’d like to admit, and while it’s never fun, I’ve learned that quick action and the right approach can make all the difference. Let me share the signs I look for, how I track down the cause, and what actually works to get my goats back on their feet.

Goat Deworming

When I first started raising goats, goat deworming meant grabbing whatever product was on the shelf and dosing the whole herd every few weeks. I thought I was being thorough, but in reality, I was setting myself up for bigger problems. I later learned that parasites can build resistance to dewormers if you overuse them.

Now, I deworm with intention. I monitor my goats closely, test when needed, and only treat those who show clear signs of a heavy worm load. Not only does this keep my herd healthier, but it also means my dewormers still work when I need them most.

Goat Diarrhea

All scours is diarrhea, but not all diarrhea is scours. Goat diarrhea can be caused by something as simple as a sudden change in diet—like moving goats to fresh pasture—or something more serious, like a bacterial infection or internal parasites.

If one of my goats has diarrhea, I look beyond the mess. Are they eating normally? Are they hanging back from the herd? Is their coat rougher than usual? These clues often tell me if I’m dealing with a minor upset or something that needs immediate attention.

Best Dewormer for Goats

The best dewormer for goats is not the same for every situation—it depends entirely on the type of worms you’re battling. This is where knowing your enemy comes in. I make sure to test first so I can match the right treatment to the problem.

Once I know what I’m up against, I choose the dewormer that targets that specific parasite. This way, I’m not wasting time, money, or risking resistance by throwing the wrong product at the problem.

Deworming Schedule for Goats

I used to follow a strict deworming schedule for goats—same time every year, no matter what. But after learning about resistance issues and wasting money on unnecessary treatments, I switched to a flexible, needs-based schedule.

Here’s what works for me now:

• Check goats regularly for signs of worms.
• Run fecal tests during high-risk seasons.
• Treat only when needed, not because the calendar says so.
• Keep records of treatments to track what’s effective.

This approach keeps my herd healthier and my dewormers more effective.

Goat Worm Symptoms

One thing I’ve learned the hard way—goat worm symptoms aren’t always obvious at first. The signs can creep in slowly, so it’s important to be observant. I watch for:

• Pale eyelids (a sign of anemia)
• Weight loss despite eating well
• Swelling under the jaw (bottle jaw)
• Lethargy or staying away from the herd
• Rough, dull coats
• Scours that don’t clear up quickly

Catching these early has saved me a lot of heartache (and vet bills).

Scours in Goats

When it comes to scours in goats, my first step is always isolation. I separate the sick goat from the rest of the herd to prevent stress and reduce the spread of possible infection. Then I take their temperature—normal is between 102°F and 103°F. A high temperature could mean an infection; a normal or low temperature might point toward parasites or dietary causes.

From there, I focus on hydration. Electrolytes are my go-to for preventing dehydration. If the cause is parasites, I treat with the appropriate dewormer. If it’s diet-related, I adjust their feed and monitor closely. The goal is always to address the root cause, not just the symptom.

Goat Worm Treatment

When a fecal test or symptoms confirm parasites, I move quickly with goat worm treatment. I use the right dewormer for the type of worm present, and I follow the correct dosage for goats (which is often different from sheep or other livestock).

I also provide supportive care during treatment:

• High-quality hay to keep their rumen working
• Plenty of clean water
• Shelter from bad weather
• A calm environment to reduce stress

This combination speeds up recovery and helps prevent future flare-ups.

Goat Fecal Test

One of the best tools in my goat-keeping kit is the goat fecal test. It’s simple to do, and it tells me exactly what I’m dealing with before I start treatment.

I collect fresh droppings, prepare a sample, and check for parasite eggs under a microscope. If you don’t want to do it yourself, a vet can handle it for you. Either way, testing keeps me from wasting time and ensures my treatments are on target.

Goat Health Problems

Scours might be the issue I notice first, but it often points to other goat health problems. Poor nutrition, stress, and environmental factors can all make goats more vulnerable to parasites and other illnesses.

That’s why I focus on prevention:

• Rotate pastures to reduce parasite exposure.
• Keep shelters clean and dry.
• Feed a balanced diet with the right minerals.
• Handle goats gently to avoid stress.

A healthy goat is far less likely to develop scours in the first place.

Final Thoughts on Scours in Goats

Dealing with scours in goats isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The biggest game-changers for me have been staying observant, testing before treating, and focusing on prevention. By tailoring deworming to actual needs, keeping an eye out for early signs, and maintaining overall herd health, I’ve seen a big drop in scours cases.

Raising goats will always come with challenges, but with the right tools and habits, you can keep scours from becoming a regular headache—and keep your goats happy, healthy, and thriving.

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