Considering goats?

[Ebers]

I'm considering getting a couple goats... mostly as lawnmowing pets & I really don't care to breed them so wd it be best to have 2 does, 2 wethers, or a doe & a wether which wd be the best pairing as far as the goats getting along & living the most enjoyable life?

 

[Mini Horses]

Doesn't seem to matter, they just like a playmate. Just know that the wether can still have active sperm for about a month after being neutered. So be careful of that or you could have a pregnant doe, if you get one of each.

 

[Ebers]

That's good advice... thank you

 

[TAH]

How much pasture will they have?

 

[Ebers]

They will have access to about an acre or so

 

[chiques chicks]

Have you considered sheep? Goats are browsers, sheep are grazers .

Not trying to talk you out of goats, I have some and don't have sheep.

From my understanding, sheep are easier to contain. Goats will find a way out.

 

[Ebers]

I like the baby doll south down sheep but goats are much easier to get than sheep where I live

 

[Latestarter]

Chiques chicks said what I was going to say...mostly/majority/generally... goats browse, sheep graze. If you have brush/vines/etc to remove, goats are your best bet. For lawn mowing, sheep are better (but they too will eat leaves and tree stems etc.). Good luck with your plan and share some pics when it happens. If goats are the way you have to go, I'd look on craigs list (CL) for parents getting rid of wethers as their kids have grown or moving, etc. Many folks get wethers and then a year or more later get rid of them. If you get a couple on the cheap, it could fit your need and budget.

 

[OneFineAcre]

If you are not going to breed them then get 2 wethers.

 

[Ponker]

Watch for their health. Look for vaccinated goats that are tested yearly. Don't being home someone else's disease. It's very costly in the long run. Spend more up front getting viable healthy animals from reputable breeders.