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This week on the ranch, we’ve got our young hens working half the barn, scratching through the bedding and cleaning up after the goats. They’re doing what chickens do best—turning packed areas into loose, manageable bedding. Watching them work reminded me how often I get asked whether goats and chickens can safely live together, so that’s what we’re diving into today.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the real benefits of keeping goats and chickens together, the legitimate risks you need to manage, and the simple guidelines that make mixed housing safe. I’m also sharing what the newest research says about coccidia—specifically whether chickens can give it to goats—and how to decide if this setup is right for your farm or homestead.

At the end of the episode, I’ll give you a quick preview of next week’s topic where we’re going deep into coccidia: what it is, how it works, why some strains are more dangerous, and the management shifts that helped us break the cycle of coccidiosis in our own herd.

In This Episode, I Cover:

  • Why goats and chickens can safely share space
  • How chickens help disrupt goat parasite cycles
  • The barn-cleanup advantage of having chickens around goats
  • The #1 rule of mixed housing: keep goats out of chicken feed
  • What modern research really says about coccidia and species-specific strains
  • When mixed housing becomes risky
  • How to set up a safe, low-stress environment for both species
  • When you should NOT mix species—especially if anyone is sick

Key Takeaways:

  • Chickens do not give goats coccidiosis. The strains are species specific.
  • Goats getting into chicken feed is the biggest danger—and it’s completely preventable.
  • Dry bedding, enough space, and clean feeding areas make mixed housing much safer.
  • Some diseases can move between species, so never mix sick animals.
  • With the right setup, mixed species can simplify chores and support parasite management.

Related Episodes:

All the Best,
Millie

Resources & Links:

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

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87 episodes