Goat Deworming Basics – FAMACHA, Fecals, and Choosing the Right Dewormer

Here at Choose Joy Farm, our goats are more than livestock—they’re family. Healthy goats are happy goats, and one of the most important parts of keeping your herd thriving is a smart, strategic deworming protocol.
Let’s break it down.

🧪 What’s the Big Deal About Worms?Internal parasites, especially barber pole worms (Haemonchus contortus), can cause anemia, weight loss, and even death. These worms suck blood and reproduce fast in hot, humid weather (hello, Virginia summers!).
But overusing dewormers can lead to resistance, which is why selective deworming based on need—not routine—is key.

👁️ What Is FAMACHA Scoring?FAMACHA is a tool that helps you check a goat’s mucous membranes for signs of anemia caused by barber pole worms.

1. Gently pull down the lower eyelid.
   
2. Compare the inner color to a FAMACHA chart (1 = bright red, 5 = pale/white).
   

Only treat goats scoring 3, 4, or 5. Don’t deworm goats with a score of 1 or 2—this helps prevent resistance.
🧡 Farm Tip: Check FAMACHA every 2–3 weeks during parasite season (typically spring to early fall).

🔬 Why Do Fecal Counts Matter?A fecal egg count (FEC) identifies which parasites are present and how heavy the load is. It’s best done by a vet or trained goat keeper using a microscope and flotation solution.
Do fecals:

• Before deworming
  
• 10–14 days after deworming (to see if it worked)
  

💊 Dewormer Types & DosagesThere are 3 main classes of dewormers used in goats. Always dose by weight and use goat-safe dosages, which are often different from what’s on the label (usually intended for sheep or cattle).
1. Benzimidazoles

• Example: Safeguard (Fenbendazole)
  
• Often underdosed by label. Not very effective unless doubled.
  
• Typical dose: 10 mg/kg orally; double for resistance.
  

2. Imidazothiazoles

• Example: Levasole (Levamisole)
  
• Stronger and more effective than Fenbendazole, but can be toxic if overdosed.
  
• Dose: 8 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously.
  

3. Macrocyclic Lactones

• Examples: Ivomec (Ivermectin), Cydectin (Moxidectin)
  
• Cydectin is stronger and longer-lasting.
  
• Ivermectin dose: 0.4 mg/kg orally
  
• Cydectin dose: 0.2 mg/kg orally
  

🧪 Note: Oral dewormers are preferred in goats for best absorption. Always use a weight tape or scale to get an accurate body weight.

🌿 Natural SupportDeworming doesn’t stop at a syringe. Good pasture rotation, browse-heavy diets, and minerals all support a low-parasite environment. Some folks also use herbal dewormers or copper boluses as part of their protocol.

🧭 Final ThoughtsWorm management is a journey, not a one-and-done task. At Choose Joy Farm, we use a mix of FAMACHA scoring, fecals, strategic chemical deworming, and clean management practices to keep our herd healthy year-round.
Want to learn more or need help with your goat’s health plan? Reach out—we’re always happy to chat goats!