What do you keep on hand?

[PotterWatch]

I want to raise our goats as organically as possible, not only because I feel it is the best way, but also because I will be selling some of their milk and want to be able to say they have been organically raised. I want to put together a good first aid box and am wondering what remedies that fall under organic standards I should put in there. What non-organic remedies should I have on hand for emergencies? While I want to be as organic as possible, I also will not let an animal go without treatment if it is needed. Thanks for any help!

 

[Cornerstoneacres]

Don't know if these qualify for emergencies but I keep dried blackberry leaves and dried red raspberry leaves. Blackberry leaves I have found to work very well for diarrhea caused by stress, feed changes, etc (I haven't had to use it for any major diarrhea issues). Red raspberry for help in milk production (don't know if it has helped, but it certainly hasn't hurt LOL). I keep vinegar and rubbing alcohol (don't knowhow organic that is considered) on hand for ear issues (we have a lamancha that requires regular ear cleaning) I'm sure I have other things, just not thinking well at the moment
Good luck and I'd also love to hear other ideas from others as well.

 

[Bifrost]

I keep some essential oils on hand. A few to mix fly repellant sprays and Lavender for calming and happiness. I also keep Gods Greens and Better Daze herbal blends from Fir Meadow ( http://www.firmeadowllc.com/ ) as well as their herbal wormer.

 

[Lorelai]

As a relatively new-ish goat owner currently experiencing a major, in my mind, disaster, I would like to know what people keep on hand as well. Like the OP, we will intervene with non-organic methods to save a goat's life, but would like to know what to do to prevent such issues from happening. Our problem is with a free goat that we rescued with another person whose philosophies differ from ours, in that he will not intervene. We did not deworm her when we should have because of this, and she might die (yes, it's that bad, I'm beating myself up over it big time). We took her to the vet to find out exactly what was wrong and how to prevent it happening in our other goats, which we do NOT co-own. I advise never to co-own unless you are sure you are on the same page. We dewormed her with Safeguard, gave her some penicilin (before we did the fecal and took her to the vet), and the vet gave her some probiotics and a B vitamin shot. I truly hope she pulls through.

Anyway, we feed organic grain when they are on the milk stand, hay, pasture, and sometimes organic greens. We supplement with baking soda and a loose mineral. Living in northwest Washington, what else should we be doing on a regular basis? If you say BoSe shot and copper bolus, could you be more specific on how often, how much, where you get it, etc., because I'm a newbie. Can anything dietary help supplement what the aforementioned would cover?

I'd just feel comfortable if I knew what other people's management looks like. We know not to worm on a schedule, but can we worm with something like Safeguard and then do an herbal wormer and try to prevent outbreaks? When do you worm with the heavy duty stuff?

Thanks in advance!