Gatting Started

[Watch Your Step]

I do not have goats, (yet)I want some though. I really like Aplines, (correct me if I'm wrong) I hear they are good for beginnings and are herdy.(I also love the way they look ) I already know what I need for fencing, but I need to know:
How much they eat (On Average)
What they eat (I know they eat hay, but don't they need other special food....)
How much they typically cost
What are some illness that I need to look out for
What poisinous plants I need to look for (I'm in NH)
And anything else I might have missed

Thanks.

 

[Lukius]

Good luck, I'm new myself so no help. This forum is great just sift through the threads and you'll find pretty much everything you need.

 

[SmallFarmGirl]

They need to eat hay, alfalfa, and grain.
They should have free choice hay and a certain amount of grain for the breed.
I've got minis so can't help you on how much.
I would suggest going to the library and find a goat book. They'll list what to look out for and how to prevent.
Well goat's cost A BUNCH when you first jump in but, they pay off.
~ You'll need a companion for a goat so you'll need 2. goat's price= anywhere from $150 to $400
~Hay,feed, and other needs will vary. (remember having some extra for vet trips)
~Shelter can be a lean to or a fancy barn so costs differ.
There is a list somewhere on here for plants they should stay away from. I would search for it!


Hope that helps.

 

[Queen Mum]

I do not have goats, (yet)I want some though. I really like Aplines, (correct me if I'm wrong) I hear they are good for beginnings and are herdy.(I also love the way they look ) I already know what I need for fencing, but I need to know:
How much they eat (On Average)
What they eat (I know they eat hay, but don't they need other special food....)
How much they typically cost
What are some illness that I need to look out for
What poisinous plants I need to look for (I'm in NH)
And anything else I might have missed

Thanks.

If you have GAS (goat addiction syndrome) they will cost a fortune, because you will end up buying all sorts of stuff that you don't need. But really, you will need to feed hay on a regular basis. Grain when milking or conditioning.

They need regular minerals.

How much it costs depends on your area, whether you have browse (weeds, trees, grass) for them to eat besides the hay?

They will need to have their hooves trimmed regularly.

You will need buckets for feeding, feed pans and a hay rack. (You can build the hay rack and feed stands cheaply out of scrap lumber.

You will need a simple shelter for the goats. this can be built out of scrap lumber as well.

You will need some first aid supplies which you can purchase at the feed store. Penicillin G, with syringes. Vitamin B injectible, Betadine or iodine. CD/T vaccine. to name a few. (There is a good thread on this website with first aid list.)

You WILL need a milk stand (not just for milking but also for trimming hooves. Fias Co farms has free plans for a very simple milk stand that can also be built out of scrap lumber.

Otherwise plan on spending every spare penny on your goats because they are like children. they grow on you and they are like rabbits they multiply.

And plan on falling in love with the babies.

Also, beware, of GAS.

 

[Watch Your Step]

I'll look out for GAS How much land/area do they need?

 

[autumnprairie]

I'll look out for GAS How much land/area do they need?

avg back yard is fine watch out for the poisonous plants

 

[Queen Mum]

Land area depends on the size of goats. Alpines need more land than Nigerians because they are bigger. Of course, if you have time, you can train your goats to follow you anywhere (like I do) and ride in your car or truck. Then you can take them hiking and backpacking. That way you can take them up in the hills and feed them on the bushes and trees in vacant lots, in which case you don't need much space at all. You can dry lot them and then they will require lots of hay.

 

[Watch Your Step]

We have a little over an acre, is that enough?

 

[Queen Mum]

Yes. An acre is fine for a couple goats. But remember, they do multiply.

 

[SmallFarmGirl]

Yes. An acre is fine for a couple goats. But remember, they do multiply.

Exactly. AND watch out for G.A.S. It makes all that saved up money for stuff dry up like magic. You'll spend it on goats!