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Buttercups are prepared to offer goats on a fostering basis to those who are able to provide the required facilities. Our standards are high and only the very best homes are selected.
How
do I apply to obtain goats from Buttercups?
If
you are considering fostering goats please read the information on this
page first. If you decide you would like to proceed please telephone
us on 01622 746410 to discuss matters further. Arrangements
can then be made for us to visit you to ascertain whether your home
would be suitable for our goats. A short training course in goat care
must be attended before animals are released into your care.
Should you decide to become a goat owner, we are sure you will not be
disappointed. Goats can make very affectionate pets, and, given the
right care and attention, will make excellent companions. If you decide
to offer a home to any goat from Buttercups not only will you be providing
love and care for an animal that may never have had the opportunity
to experience this previously, but you will also be helping the sanctuary
by making room for the more needy goats requiring specialist care. The
goats remains in the ownership of Buttercups Sanctuary and homes are
visited at least twice per year to ensure the goat's well being.
Can
I keep a single goat?
Goats
like company, and as such, may be termed 'herd' animals. It is recommended
therefore, that at least two animals will give the companionship that
they require.
How
much land is required?
Two goats
will need at least a quarter of an acre in which to feel free to roam.
The land should be free of poisonous plants such as Ragwort, Laurel,
Bracken and Yew. Goats are ( browsers' and like long grass. They are
not lawn mowers in as much as they do not like the grass too short.
Tree and other shrubs should be protected as goats quickly strip any
foliage and bark - nothing is spared.
What
about stabling?
A good sound shelter or stabling is required that is dry, warm and draft
proof.
What
about finances?
This is a difficult question as goal posts move regularly. The cost
of hay and food, the health of the animal and what the weather brings,
will determine the actual cost but an average guide may be set at between
two and three hundred pounds per year.
What
does it take in time to look after them?
Daily
routine should be 'hands on' contact, maybe with grooming or checking
feet for trimming, or just providing a little "tit bit' biscuit and
a chat. Water buckets should be checked as goats do not like dusty or
stale water and the stable should be checked every day. "Mucking
out' should be a regular feature so that the bed is always clean and dry.
A
salt mineral lick should be provided to promote good health and a proper
'worming' routine should be followed depending on the pasture and grazing
that is offered. Regular checks for lice infestation and other parasites
must be made. All this routine care will become second nature after a
while.
Some
other facts
There is no charge for delivering and, should it be found that
the animals are unhappy, there would be no charge for collection.
Once the goats are in your care you would be expected to cover the costs
of feed and veterinary advice together with all the bills associated with
worming, illness and other conditions that may arise. Trimming of hooves
should be looked at every 4 to 6 weeks.
The goats will undergo a full medical examination prior to leaving the
sanctuary. It will be appreciated that goats from all backgrounds are
accepted into the care of Buttercups some from good homes and more often
than not, some from poor homes, where their condition is distressing.
Should any ongoing medical condition be evident this will be discussed
in full with the prospective fosterer. Goats that are unsuitable would
never be offered for fostering.
Where
can I learn more on how to care for a goat?
Buttercups run training courses on Basic Goat Care and Health Care. If
you decide to offer a home for any of our goats you must attend a Basic
Goat Care Course for which no charge is made. As part of the re-homing
agreement our Welfare Officer will visit you two times a year to check
on the Goat's well-being and to offer advice.
We strongly advise that, before making your final decision to provide
a home for goats, you discuss this with your veterinary surgeon. Through
contacting them you will have a better idea of the costs involved in caring
for them
If you would like more information on our fostering scheme then please call us on 01622 746410
or
write to us at:
Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
Boughton Monchelsea
Kent... ME17 4JU
or click here to email us
