easy matter to feed into the racks from above, if there is a loft to the 

 barn. The does are fastened with a short chain through a hole in the foot- 

 board, the chain connecting with a snap to a ring placed in the collar, which 

 the doe always wears. Each animal should always be fed in its own in- 

 dividual stall, because if they are fed together they are apt to injure each 

 other and some will predominate over others, causing the weaker to lose 

 their share of the feed. 



The loose boxes are arranged for the young kids and does that are 

 soon to kid, as at that time each doe should be by herself. 



Attention is called to the milking bench on the outside of the barn. 

 This bench can be placed under cover by making a sort of lean-to off from 

 the barn, or .the milking can be done in a nearby building. It is always 

 best to do the milking away from the stalls and other goats. 



In connection with the barn a good yard should be provided, or if the 

 dairy is in the country, a good pasture, where the goats may get air and 

 exercise. If there is a platform or some boxes in the yard the goats will 

 find them a source of pleasure, as they prefer to lie upon something high 

 and dry. A doe will go directly to her own stall at feeding time where it 

 can eat in peace, and at the same time get all the feed that is due and no 

 more. The comfort of a goat cannot be added to by giving her bedding in 

 the stall f<^ she will paw it away. For the purpose of absorbing the liquid 

 manure that does not pass below the slatted platform, chaff or saw dust 

 might be used, but they are probably more bother than a benefit. 



i 



FENCES FOR MILCH GOATS 



N building a fence to retain goats it should be so constructed that it will 



not only keep the goats in, but also keep their enemies out, such as 



dogs and wolves. 



Woven wire is one of the very best fences, especially if the meshes are 

 not too far apart near the bottom, as goats with horns will become fast if 

 they can get their heads through. A woven wire fence that is three feet 

 high with one strand of barbed wire on top makes a very good fence for 

 goats, or if made of barbed wire entirely ten strands with posts set 18 to 20 

 feet apart and having three stays between is a good one. The lowest wire 

 should be one inch from the ground, the next four or five wires S 1 /^ inches 

 apart, and each strand higher up can be spaced Vz inch, more gradually 

 making the strands farther apart. 



Sloping rails and boards should not be placed about the fence, as a 

 goat can climb such objects, and if one leads the rest are sure to follow, 

 and it can be depended upon that they won't forget where it is. The fence 

 should be tight close to the ground, as they are crawlers as well as climbers, 

 and it often astonishes people by its success in crawling through small 

 openings. Such places would allow entrance for dogs which sometimes 

 worry the kids and should never be allowed in the goat yards. 



26 



