BYH Official Poll: What are the things that you should consider before buying herds?

[bgundersen]

I would say that all of the items in the poll are important to consider, but I chose the amount of land as first and how much time you have to spare as second, because a lot of people have "off the farm" day jobs but still want to experience country life.

I was raised on a farm and have been farming on my own for about 20 years now and I always tell people the same thing: start small. Start a garden. Get a few chickens, or rabbits. If you can go a year without killing off or losing any of these animals, think about another species, if you have the room and inclination. Most people can handle half a dozen chickens and a trio of rabbits in their suburban back yard if zoning permits, plus a small veg garden or mini orchard.

If you are on a larger piece of property, some goats or sheep, or even alpacas (they poop in one spot and don't challenge fences!!) might be a next step. We have 30 acres and just recently moved into dairy cows...and this is after farming as long as I have. I just did a LOT of research into what I was thinking about and made sure when I started shopping I had a good list of common questions to ask. Care for animals at each step helps you decide what the next step is that you may want to take. I was raised with goats, so I was prepared for the amount of work and fencing that they take. Not everyone is going to find goats as agreeable to deal with. Cows are certainly less work in the fencing and maintenance department, but need more space and food. And if I had known about alpacas sooner, I might never have messed with goats...lol. Of course, back then I couldn't have afforded them, so everything in its time, I suppose.

As far as the amount of time you spend, if you find caring for gardens and animals a refreshing start and relaxing end to the day, that is wonderful! But keep in mind that unless you have kids that can handle responsibility well, you will have to be the one checking that the chores are taken care of every day, 7 days a week including holidays. And no vacations unless you have a generous friend or family that can take over while you are away. Just the facts...Our chores with all the things going on RIGHT NOW can take us from breakfast nearly to lunch just for the morning. The evening chores start after dinner and go to bedtime. But, that's what my hubby does for his "job" while I bring in the income to keep things running that require cash and act as animal midwife and johnny on the spot. It works for us.

So, start small, do your research, prepare for whatever you choose to take your first step with and see where life leads you. You may have a plan, but just remember - animals don't speak English and don't care that your plans included a Sunday afternoon nap when they decide to deliver quad kids every which way but straight. Be flexible and go with the flow and you will find a new normal that you didn't even imagine would be so delightful.

 

[Bekkidotes]

I would add that you should think about having at least two quarantine areas planned out to separate sick or new stock, and have a plan for how you are going to separate the intact boys from the girls (keeping in mind that many animals such as goats can and will mate through a shared fence!)

 

[greybeard]

Purebreds are not always the best choice. A cross has hybrid vigor and can be more resistant to disease that a purebred. Many purebreds have inherent breed specific problems while crossbreds do not. A purebred is not always the best choice depending on your goals.

winner winner steak dinner!!
If the goal is show, becoming a seedstock producer, or phenotype alone, then registered purebred stock may be the best bet, but for production, 2,3 and even 4way crosses have proven time and again to be the best way to improve stock.

 

[Terrace]

You might consider buying and selling with fluctuation in the market.

Or available grass. Like buying bred ewes near the end of winter. Take advantage of the pasture for spring and summer going into fall. Selling off the ewes just after weaning.

Its great for pasture management if you have a few dairy animals.

 

[norseofcourse]

It's *always* going to take more time than you ever thought it would.

It's *always* going to take more money than you ever thought it would.

You will experience joy, frustration, awe, worry, laughter, pain, peace, heartache, pride, anger, accomplishment, self-sufficiency, and increased knowledge. You will do things you never thought you could.

Your life will change.

 

[Prairie Fleur]

Another thing I'd like to add is what you're comfortable handling, size, breed and individual temperament of animals. I'd never had livestock experience and we got chickens and goats. I wanted something small easy to handle and a milk animal so I went with Nigerians. Lost a buck the first winter due to copper deficiency that the previous owner didn't catch, but made it thru that and they've been fairly easy for us.
A good mentor that's willing to guide a newbie is worth their weight in gold as well!! You're better off paying a little more for animals from someone who's willing to answer questions and help trouble shoot than less from someone who disappears as soon as the money changes hands.
Agreed on the predator thing. LGDs are valuable animals!

 

[Mr Fixit]

Before even considering the idea, you must check your zoning ordinances. If not, you could run into a lot of trouble with the town, county, or even state. Make sure you have some extra money in the bank to help you get started. Vet visits can come up unexpectedly. You also need to establish a plan for when you are out of town. Who will feed and water your herd when you aren't there? Make sure you buy the animals from a reputable breeder, and preferably the animals should be pedigreed purebreds. You can expect optimal performance and get it with purebreds; with mongrels, you cannot expect what kind of results you will get.

Seems like the opposite to me, never had problems with the "mutts", only the purebreds, probably due to inbreeding. ..

 

[danimal]

One of the first and most salient considerations—not mentioned in the list, so “other”—should be to contemplate the type of environment you’ll be working in, as that can crucially inform your decision about what species (and how many) to keep! This includes the type of landscape, the local resources, the climate, type of flora (and fauna, with omnivores) available as forage, the cultural climate, and other qualitative factors—not just the size of available acreage and price of feeds. The notion is so intuitive for many it often goes overlooked. But it is worth highlighting.

Do you have a rocky, steep area full of brambles? That might make goats an obvious natural choice for a dairy animal over cows. Do you already operate or have connections with a creamery or bakery, or have a large avocado orchard? Suddenly, pigs make that much more sense. Do you live in a tight community of devout Hindus? Maybe a beef steer, despite it’s appeal, just might not be worth the friction with the neighbors. Got a “slug problem” in the garden? That might just be your garden crying out to you for some ducks.

When one looks at livestock species in this way from the get-go—as puzzle pieces that should fit harmoniously into the larger agro-ecological/cultural/economic picture—much may become clearer, cheaper, and simpler, and the animals may be better off.

 

[Pat Taylor]

I live on an island. Will I need to fence the river bank as well?

 

[Pat Taylor]

I'm only getting as pets. Trying to decide on 2 goats or a goat and pig.
What types of parasites do I check for on my property? Can goats eat the grasses on the riverbank and I supplement with additional feed?