Goat Checkers are the goats' friendly protectors, but their role is far from casual. While volunteers will enjoy spending time with the goats, they also take on a crucial responsibility for their care. Each Goat Checker is required to check on the goats once a day, and this must be done before 10 AM to ensure any issues are identified early. While things often go smoothly, when problems arise—such as a fence malfunction or a sick goat—it can require significant effort or present a potential danger to the animals. This role is not just about spending time with the goats; it’s a serious responsibility that demands reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to the well-being of the animals. We depend on Goat Checkers to ensure the goats remain safe, healthy, and properly cared for.
Goat Welfare Checklist
Frequency
of Checks:
Goats should be checked at least daily BEFORE 10AM and after storm events.
Daily Checks:
- Patrol the Entire Fence:
- Ensure the fence is intact and that no branches are leaning against it.
- Check the Fence Energizer:
- Ensure the battery and energizer are working properly and that the connections are secure.
- Refill the Water Tub:
- Parks staff will keep a tank or jugs of water on-site to refill the water tub.
- Check the Goats' General Health:
- Goats should be walking around and eating or resting. They are usually all doing the same thing at the same time.
- Look for any signs of distress, illness, or injury (e.g., limping, bleeding, panting, or lying still/unconscious when others are active).
- Check for Warning Signs:
- Ensure “Caution: electric fence” signs are posted at each place where people will first encounter the fence.
- Signs should be placed at the corners of a paddock adjacent to a trail or where the paddock crosses a trail.
Emergency Contact Information:
For questions, fence repair assistance, or to report an escaped goat, call:
- Paul Quinlan: (608) 469-2164
- Park Rangers: (608) 235-0448
In case of emergencies (e.g., injured or sick goats, fence malfunctions that Parks staff cannot fix, or a large number of escaped goats), call:
- Greg: (608) 577-3028
- Brooke: (608) 444-9195
For updates or general questions, call Paul Quinlan at:
- (608) 469-2164
Bonus: How to Determine When Goats are Done Grazing a Unit
- A key indicator that the goats are done grazing is when they have eaten all the leaves off the raspberries. They usually clean up the foliage of woody species first.
- They often leave buckthorn re-sprouts within six inches of the ground but should have stripped the rest of the buckthorn stems.
- They won't eat poplar and only reluctantly eat Virginia creeper, so if there is still any green in the pen, they won’t starve before the contractor arrives to move them.
