About the Author

Karen Kopf

Karen Kopf and her husband Dale own Kopf Canyon Ranch in Troy, Idaho. They enjoy "goating" together and helping others goat. They raise Kikos primarily, but are experimenting with crosses for their new favorite goating experience: pack goats! You can learn more about them at Kopf Canyon Ranch on Facebook or kikogoats.org
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Articles by Karen Kopf

Deep Freeze! How to Keep Goats Warm in Cold Weather
November 27, 2022 · · Health

How cold is too cold for a goat? Temperature can be the least of challenges when determining how to keep goats warm in cold weather.

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Extension Cord Safety in Barns
November 27, 2022 · · Feed & Housing

Heat lamps aren’t the only cause of barn fires in the winter. Extension cord safety is a must when trying to keep livestock warm.

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The Doe Code
November 22, 2022 · · Ownership

Oh, the game is strong with this experienced one… She knows the Doe Code all too well! Contractions about a minute apart. Why is our goat in labor tonight?

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Avoid Goat Scams
November 8, 2022 · · Members Only, Ownership

Goat scams are becoming more and more common. How can you be sure you are working with a legitimate seller?

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Goat Care During Fire Season
October 4, 2022 · · Health

When raising goats, prepare for many seasons: breeding season, kidding season, show season, winter — and for many in the western states, FIRE season.

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Goat Lice: Are Your Goats Lousy?
September 14, 2022 · · Health

The thought of goat lice may make your skin crawl but they’re common in the winter months. Learn how to identify and treat these pests.

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What to Do for a Goat Horn Injury
July 17, 2022 · · Health

Horns crack, chip, and break. Depending on where in the horn this occurs, a goat horn injury can range from unremarkable to life-threatening.

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Are You Feeding Straw or Hay for Goats?
July 13, 2022 · · Feed & Housing

If you dread choosing hay for goats, you are not alone … there is much to know about what to feed goats.

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Listeriosis in Goats: Dangers of Feeding Moldy Hay
June 10, 2022 · · Feed & Housing

Circling Disease and Silage Sickness are other names for listeriosis in goats, commonly associated with feeding moldy hay.

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The Fear of Fescue Hay
June 7, 2022 · · Feed & Housing

Red bag, abortions, thickened placentas, founder, necrosis, failure to freshen — all are symptoms of fescue toxicity … and yet tall fescue is one of the most common forages for livestock in both pasture and baled grass hay.

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