There are a number of problems that can be caused by ticks and fleas in a goat herd.You can keep your herd healthy and happy by controlling the environment and removing ticks and fleas by hand.
Step 1: Pick out all the ticks on your goat's body.
If you feel a small lump in your goat's fur, you can run your fingers through it to see if it is a tick.If you inspect your goat before you go, you can make sure you don't miss any ticks that may be hiding in hard-to-reach areas.The ears, groin, and eyelids are moist.
Step 2: To remove ticks, use tweezers.
Pull the ticks out of your goat's skin with tweezers.Put the ticks in a plastic bag or pill bottle to be tested for diseases they may have passed to your goats.If you don't remove the entire head of the tick from your goat's skin, it can cause infections.
Step 3: The flea comb can be used to rid your goat of fleas.
Fleas and flea dirt can be removed with a comb over your goat's entire body.Start with the head and work your way to the tail, then work from the chest down your goat's belly.The fur on the legs needs to be combed.The same type of flea comb can be used with cats and dogs.If you see fleas or flea dirt on your comb, rinse it with hot, soapy water.
Step 4: Pick out the tick or flea species that is attacking your goat.
To find out what type of tick or flea your goat has, use an identification key.You need to know which species requires different pesticides.If you have trouble distinguishing the species of the tick or flea, you can always call your doctor.The cat flea and the sticktight flea are the most common flea species in goats.The American Dog tick, the Gulf Coast tick and the Lone Star tick are the most common ticks that attack goats.
Step 5: It's a good idea to consult your vet on the best way to treat it.
If you have identified the specific tick or flea species that is killing your goat, you should call your vet to find out the most effective way to kill them.Permethrin can be purchased online, at pet stores, or at farm supply chains.
Step 6: Give your goat water to drink and wash their fur with flea spray.
If you want to kill as many fleas as possible, you should spray your goat with water and apply a flea spray to its fleece.Then rinse your goat with the water.Giving your goat water can keep them hydrated.You should wear gloves to protect yourself from fleas, ticks, or irritants.Don't use human hair products.Humans can cause irritation to your goat's skin.It is possible to shear your goat if it is around the time you frequently do so to remove ticks and fleas.
Step 7: For 3 months, apply insecticide every 30 days.
The goat's spine, chin, and chest should be sprayed with the insecticide.Spread the insecticide evenly around their body by rubbing it into their fur.Don't look at the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
Step 8: Your goats bedding needs to be changed frequently.
Eggs are laid on goats and dropped onto the ground to be hatched.Fleas can grow into adult fleas in the hay or other bedding material used by your goats.Change the bedding of your goats frequently.Both dry and wet bedding can attract flies.Fleas can finish their life cycles if dry bedding is not changed every 2 weeks.
Step 9: Take your goats out of the pastures.
It is important to move your goats between different areas on a regular basis because ticks thrive in pastures with tall grass.This way, the ticks won't have a hospitable environment to live in.
Step 10: Around shelter areas, cut vegetation short.
It's important to keep vegetation around the barn or shelter so that your goats don't sleep too long.It will deprive ticks of a good environment to grow in.
Step 11: The herd dogs should be treated for ticks and fleas.
Fleas can easily be transferred from your herd to your goats.Fleas and ticks can spread between your goat herd and your dogs.It's a good idea to talk to your vet about the best way to use an insect on your dogs.
Step 12: For 30 days, keep new additions out of your herd.
A new goat can introduce parasites to herds.To make sure that the new goat is free of fleas and ticks, be sure to stymy the herd for 30 days.Before you add a goat to your herd, be sure to kill any fleas or ticks on it.