Hello from a mini farm in SE WI!

[TAH]

What things are your kids interested in?

x2

 

[Mini Horses]

Welcome from VA.

I second the goats milk "taste test". My Saanens give milk better than the store cow milk. Yep, I wanted a cow but, WHY? Goats can be great....easier for your kids, also.

Ahhhh, nice garden. Looks like some nice produce there. Congrats. Good job.

 

[Raiquee]

My kids are interested in video games sadly lmao! I'm not overly pushy on them with the animals, as I don't want them to hate them growing up. But they are required to help. We had a set back with a real jerk of a rooster that scared my kids from chickens and now they are even scared of the hens. The oldest used to feed, water and get eggs and now he doesn't. He will get eggs as long as a hen isn't on the nest, and he likes feeding them but gets nervous when they get up in his face about food. It's just going to take time with them again. It's hard to be trusting when you had one chasing you all around the backyard, flogging you all the way.

So we will see what 4H brings.

I think I will try goats regardless so I can try get used to milking on a much smaller animal. I definitely like the smaller package of goats.

 

[Latestarter]

Wow, nice garden plot, and great looking fresh veggies! My favorite oldest daughter is 36, and after being attacked by one of my roos, she's not all that fond of the chickens anymore either Tried to tell her if he even starts to posture or give her the stink eye, smack him good until he backs down. If I really (really, really) need her to chicken sit, she'll do it. The watering system only needs filled every 7-10 days, so all she has to do is feed them and they take care of themselves. Looking forward to some 4H tales from you. That's awesome for kids... wish I'd had the chance when i was a kid, but then I wouldn't be the late starter that I am today

 

[Latestarter]

You know, there are dairy sheep as well... supposedly their milk (if a dairy breed) is even better than goat milk, which is better than cow milk, and you'd be able to have the fleeces to work with. There are several sheeple on here that milk their sheep and have nothing but good to say about it and the product. http://www.sheep101.info/201/dairysheep.html

 

[Alexz7272]

Yay! Another mini-farm
We are just under 5 acres and have almost exactly what you do. We also have turkeys and chickens, as well as ducks, quail and rabbits. I highly recommend alpacas & sheep, they do not require excessive amounts of space and can be kept together. So far we have 3 sheep and 2 alpacas together, will add more in the future. I will get enough fiber for my own purposes and to sell some for extra money, plus they have awesome personalities! I feel you about the cow vs goats milk, we too would prefer a cow but worry about the space, so still debating! (aka I am harassing my partner to just get both ) We also have 2 pigs, just butchered one and trying to AI the female soon for piglets. They are also a lot of fun and definitely earn their keep
I am completely envious of your garden! That is the one thing I have failed at time, time again. Our acreage is laid out oddly and I cannot seem the find the right location. Your's looks amazing!

 

[Poka_Doodle]

I asked because I'm in 4h. Small animals are good to start and then working the way up might be an idea. I started with chickens and have worked my way up to horses.

 

[Hens and Roos]

Hens and Roos- My hubby does want to get into meat rabbits, forgot about that. That will probably be coming up soon for us as well.

Pigs and rabbits are top priority. Alpaca I asked for my birthday for. lol

my DD asked about getting an Alpaca, we ended up with Nigerian Dwarf goats- they are very friendly and gentle!!

 

[Raiquee]

@Hens and Roos I am liking your angoras! They are beautiful. Where is Wisconsin are you?

@Alexz7272 Yay mini farms! I was thinking it would be fine to keep sheep and alpacas together. How much of your property do they roam on? What type of fencing? Electric?

 

[babsbag]

Welcome from CA. I love your garden and those are some pretty carrots and anyone that can grow cantaloupe and watermelon is doing something right. I have totally given up trying to grow melons so I grow goats. I have about 40 of them, so yes I am a little biased...every farm should have goats; you'll love them but let me warn you, they are addictive. We have a goat addict anonymous thread just for that reason.