Goat Basics...what do I need to know before getting a goat

[mrsgibber]

Hi Everyone. My family and I are considering getting a pair of dwarf goats for our backyard. They would be joining a flock of nine chickens (first questions I guess would be are they ok around chickens).

So I have a few basic starter questions that I am hoping you all can help me with:

1. How much land/space does a dwarf goat require? (I have just under an acre with a large wooded area included).

2. What do goats eat (yes, I know pretty much anything...lol) for feed? Grain, hay, etc.??

3. What are the ongoing health/vet care a goat requires (shots, trimming, etc)?

4. What kind of housing would two dwarf goats require living in southern new england?

5. Any recommendations of a nice dwarf breed? We are only looking for a pet, no fleece or milk. I have kids between the ages of 8 - 15.

Any answers, comments, suggestions are really appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Henrietta23]

Hi Everyone. My family and I are considering getting a pair of dwarf goats for our backyard. They would be joining a flock of nine chickens (first questions I guess would be are they ok around chickens).

So I have a few basic starter questions that I am hoping you all can help me with:

1. How much land/space does a dwarf goat require? (I have just under an acre with a large wooded area included).
I have three non-dwarf goats in a pen. My backyard is a half acre but they do not have access to all of it. They have boulders and some toys for exercise and I'm training them to walk on leads as well.

2. What do goats eat (yes, I know pretty much anything...lol) for feed? Grain, hay, etc.??
Hay, small amounts of grain, pasture if you have it. There are some plants that are toxic to goats.

3. What are the ongoing health/vet care a goat requires (shots, trimming, etc)?

4. What kind of housing would two dwarf goats require living in southern new england?

5. Any recommendations of a nice dwarf breed? We are only looking for a pet, no fleece or milk. I have kids between the ages of 8 - 15.

Any answers, comments, suggestions are really appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

A few of my answers are imbedded in your message above.
Two suggestions:
www.fiascofarm.com
and The STorey's Guide to Raising Goats are both great resources!
Goats are great!!!

 

[mrsgibber]

Thanks, great info on that site. Need to get the book. I know the chicken version was very helpful when I started raising poultry.

Now I need to find out where to buy a goat around here!

 

[mamaluv321]

all questions I would *love* to hear the answers to...

 

[glenolam]

Hi Everyone. My family and I are considering getting a pair of dwarf goats for our backyard. They would be joining a flock of nine chickens (first questions I guess would be are they ok around chickens).

Yes! The chickens also help with the bug control that the goat droppings attract.

1. How much land/space does a dwarf goat require? (I have just under an acre with a large wooded area included).

As much space as you want to give them! Obviously, you don't want to keep them confined 24/7 to just a dog house, but you get the idea. They need exercise, to you can boost small areas with lots of toys for them to play on/in/under/over...

2. What do goats eat (yes, I know pretty much anything...lol) for feed? Grain, hay, etc.??

They need hay 24/7 if you aren't going to send them out to pasture all day every day. Grain depends on what you're getting. Wethers don't need much grain, if any at all, but a lactating or pregnant doe will require much more. There also are some poisonous plants, and the Fias Co Farm site has a pretty good list. Goats also require fresh water 24/7. They drink A LOT.

3. What are the ongoing health/vet care a goat requires (shots, trimming, etc)?

They need their hooves trimmed as often as needed. Some people trim once month - some trim every 3 or 4 months. If your goats have lots of rocks or houses with shingles on them, they might not require frequent hoof trimming. Your goats will also need a CD&T shot every 6 or 12 months depending on if you are showing your goats or not. Worming is needed as necessary and fecal tests either done by you or a vet can show if your goats have worms. You really should find a good vet in your area who knows something about goats for an "in a pinch" situation.

4. What kind of housing would two dwarf goats require living in southern new england?

Some type of 3 sided lean-to or two LARGE dog houses would be good for dwarfs. I found that my goats lived inside 24/7 this past winter with the snow we had, so they had plenty of room in their barn, which is 8x12. You could also just buy a metal shed from Home Depot or Wal-mart and make that their home. It depends on what you're looking for as far as aesthetics.

5. Any recommendations of a nice dwarf breed? We are only looking for a pet, no fleece or milk. I have kids between the ages of 8 - 15.

Pygmys are very small goats with sweet tempermants. Nigerian Dwarfs are also a nice breed as well. If all you want are pets, wethers would be really good to have.

What part of SNE are you from? I might have 2 wethers for you!

 

[lupinfarm]

Pygmy's are FANTASTIC goats Of course, I'm a little biased having 2 Pygmy crosses but shhh. They're compact, fun to play/hang out with, and have an absolute heart of gold!