Goat keeping is a busy, sometimes stressful endeavor. Products that help make goat keeping easier and more efficient? I am ALL about that. I thought it was high time to write a blog post full of the little things that I've found over the years. Many of these are items I simply cannot find locally.
Full disclosure - this post contains Amazon affiliate links! What does that mean? That means I get a tiny commission for promoting these products if you purchase them through the links. It does not change the price of the item for you. Just click on the green links and do your Amazon shopping as you normally do! I am sticking with products I've used and liked, only, so I can give a truthful review and recommendation! My goal is to help you find useful products and to make this blog pay for itself without adding ugly ads.
Carabiner Clips
I seriously can't have enough of these. I liked this package of multiple sizes, and they've been good and sturdy. I use the small ones for clipping lead ropes to the fences and hanging buckets and hooking gate chains. I use the larger ones for securing gates and sun shades and tarps. Plus a hundred more things! Always keep a stash of carabine clips.
Double Ended Snaps
While you're at it, keep a stash of these double ended snaps, too. I like these for collars and lead ropes and my show line and also for easily clipping my sun shades and tarps to the fences. I was happy with how strong these were and like the case they come in - makes it less likely I will immediately lose them all!
Reusable Zipties I did not know these resuable zipties were a thing for too many years and now I'll never go back.
I use these in conjunction with snaps and clips or to tie down tarps, shade cloths, and to secure my goat hauler cover. I even use them to connect panels or mineral feeders to fences. I am happy with how sturdy they are. Absolutely love them! It is best if you can tuck the ends where the goats can't chew them as that makes them hard to take on and off. I like that that particular pack has multiple sizes but I also like these large resuable zipties, especially for securing my goat hauler cover and tarps.
Bucket Hooks There are a plenty different types of these bucket hooks around. I've tried a few and also straps and clips. So far, these are my favorite way to hang water buckets. I've not had a goat yet that can remove a bucket from this type of hook but they're simple for those blessed with opposable thumbs! I especially like that there's nothing sharp on these and the plastic is hard enough they can survive a nibbling (mine is several years old in this picture).
Sun shades Since we are essentially in the south, we get a lot of hot summer sunshine. While there's no shortage of shade trees or shelters, my water tanks are usually out in the open (have you tried keeping a water tank under a black walnut tree or hickory tree with a thousand tree rats dropping gnawed on nuts willy nilly? Never mind all the leaves!)
I purchased a few different sun shades from Amazon over the years and I'm very pleased with them! There are multiples sizes, styles, and colors to choose from. This is the rectangle sun shade I've used and also purchased for a friend's chicken run. Since they are permeable, there's no fear of water pooling on them and the curved edges mean they don't droop as long as you space your corners correctly. I've used fences, t-posts, and buildings to secure them. I can personally attest to the strength of these - I've had more than one inquisitive goat pawing at them and even one ding dong yearling JUMP onto them, and they've held up. The heavy duty d rings and strong hems have survived many many storms. My triangle one (above) is 2+ years old and shows zero wear. The Amgo sun shade also boasts a temperature reduction of up to 15 degrees! That can make a huge difference to the comfort of the animal or the potability of the water tank. The Amgo version also comes in a ton of sizes and a few different shapes.
Hanging Scale
Whether keeping your own barn records or participating in milk testing programs, a hanging scale is quite handy! This one weighs in tenths of pounds, as required, and is on the current DHI approved list. I also use mine for weighing newborn kids! A few of the reviews noted poor battery life but I have not had this issue in three+ years. I do keep a pack of batteries on hand.
Smart Phone Tripod We've all tried to get decent show or sale pictures solo. Talk about a headache! Cue the smart phone tripod. I bought this for myself and then bought one for a friend. I thought it was super-affordable. It is very adjustable for both the phone and the height and even angle that you need. It is very secure and I was not afraid of my phone slipping out at all. One small remote to control the phone camera shutter. My only SMALL complaint is sometimes it will drop the bluetooth phone connection when not in use for a while. It does work for Android or iphone. Just a note my Google Pixel worked on the ios option. Sand Flea Rake If you're thinking "what?" well, I see your point. The Ozarks is a long way from the ocean. But recently I've began deep-bedding my barns and shed with sand, whether that sand is just sand or topped by winter bedding. This sturdy sand flea rake is amazing in conjunction with sand bedding, scooping out goat pellets perfectly! Just scoop and shake. The sand falls out and the pellets remain. I've been able to keep one shed fresh this way for months. It does not work with any other bedding, but if you have sand as a base, you can "clean" it once the top bedding is removed. As a bonus, the handle is long...that's such a nice change when you're a tall goat lady used to tools made for the not-so-tall folks. I can't complain about the pretty color, either!
Bottle Brushes Bottles and storing milk in half gallon glass jars means lots of cleaning where I can't fit easily fit my hand. I could not find long slim bottle brushes locally! I like that these have give but aren't floppy, making it easier to get through narrow necks but then reach the corners.
Hantop Milking Machine
I will point out immediately that I've only used this a few times. I prefer hand milking and I found out I do not like cleaning inflations or hoses. If you can afford it, I would recommend a Simple Pulse as they're more the "gold standard." BUT. If you need a very affordable milking machine in a pinch or because you have a small herd or because of budget, this ProPlus Hantop is the one I would go for. I have no electricity in my barn so the battery-powered was essential. I chose to get the one where the pressure is adjustable, for the comfort and safety of my does. It does pulse and has a pressure gauge, which are very important for udder health.
Fecal Testing
If you run fecals on your herd, you're going to be using a lot of these fecal sample containers. I also prefer the pre-made fecal float solution as opposed to making it myself because one - it is less work and two - the pre-made solution is a consistent, correct specific gravity. Correct specific gravity is necessary for the parasite eggs to float! Yes, that float solution is currently a decent chunk of change, but I've had mine several years now and still have almost a half gallon. So looking at it as $ per sample, the cost is reasonable, in my opinion. (I wish it came in smaller volumes, too!)
Hanging Solar Lights
I absolutely LOVE these. Again, no electricity in my barn, but I have plenty of sun so these solar powered lights were a must-try. Did not disappoint! Long cord, sturdy metal clip for hanging. Easy to move around. Big button on the top to turn them on and off. They're surprisingly bright. Two light up the whole kidding and milking side of my barn - a 10x20 area. It does not take many sunlight hours for them to charge or they can be charged via USB. So much better than a flashlight or headlamp, for me. I have them in the barns and in the chicken coop and plan on getting another set to put one in the pump house. Just really handy.
While this is certainly not ALL of my goat-related Amazon purchases, these are my current must-haves and favorites. I hope you find something new to try!
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