As ranchers, most of the goats we sell get loaded in the bed of a pickup truck or the back of a trailer so they can reach their new owner's farm further down the road. Some folks bring rigs that look nicer than most houses; others have simpler setups that get the job done just as well. But, there are a few tips we like to give prospective goat breeders before they drive off with their new herd.
A goat trailer should be fully secured from top to bottom. In case you hadn't heard, goats are pretty good at jumping! Since goats like to lie close to each other on road trips, they make excellent launching platforms for any escape-minded travelers in the group. To avoid this, the trailer walls or truck pen should either be very tall (which often isn't practical) or they should have a ceiling of some sort. No one wants to see a flying goat in their rear-view mirror!
Also, a goat trailer should have some wind protection to keep the animals warm and to protect their eyes. The air moving through a trailer at 75 miles-per-hour can get very cold very fast. Goats will do fine huddling together for warmth in most weather. However, a trailer without wind protection can produce wind chills that are just too cold for their health. Furthermore, the air running through the trailer can damage their eyes with enough time. Fast-moving air will dry their eyes much faster than the winter wind ever did on the farm. With enough exposure, that can lead to temporary 'wind-blindess' or even long-term eye problems.
So, whether you've got a Hollywood mansion on wheels or a faded stock trailer with a dent in the side, make sure you take a few precautions so your goats will be in top shape once they reach their new home.
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