Hello, I was just a lurker, now made it official and joined

[WyoLiving]

I have been lurking on Backyard Herds for a while, but have finally decided to join.
My husband and I have recently purchased a farmstead with 20+ acres and I am sure I will need your advice as we try to decide what to do with our little slice of paradise.

The former owner left 5 rabbit hutches, 2 really nice horse box stalls, and a bunch of buildings with a lot of potential. I have been thinking of meat rabbits, dual purpose chickens, a steer, possibly some sheep, and now, with the box stalls, a couple of horses. I have been thinking off and on about getting a milk cow, not sure if I want to be tied down that much.

We will need to clear an area for a garden and compost bins. Also talking about digging a pond on the property, we will need to do some research on that one before we decide to do it or not.

 

[OneFineAcre]

Welcome from North Carolina

 

[elevan]

Glad you came out of lurking @WyoLiving ! Welcome to the forum!

 

[Sumi]

Welcome to BYH!

 

[kinder]

Hi there. Welcome. from VT.

 

[hilarie]

Welcome aboard!
What are your specific goals? when you speak of maybe one kind of animal or another kind, it may inform what you get. I got dairy goats because I wanted cheese, and chickens because I wanted eggs and meat. What's calling you?
And how much experience do you have at this kind of lifestyle?
Don't be surprised if you find it addictive....this year I'm raising turkeys too, and next year (I hope) Sebastopol geese.....

 

[Sandy'saddiction]

Welcome to the group. Im new to and I'm lovin it! !
I hope you find what calls to you.
Yes I agree it is very addicting and I don't mind being tied down as its so fun

 

[COWGUY1123]

If you do plan on getting a milking cow like a jersey or holstein you can have a couple of calves on her at all times and raise them up to about four months then sell them and make a prophet. SO if you just want to milk her every so often just keep a calf on her at all times and she won't go dry.

 

[WyoLiving]

I forgot to mention the 8 guineas that came with the place. We now have 7 in the coop every night, so hopefully we have one hidden out on a nest.

I have been reading about the practice of keeping the calf so you only have to milk occasionally. It sounds like a great idea to me. I don't know how much milk we would use with only two of us in the house. I would like to make butter, yogurt and cheese.

Anyone use Dextors or Devon cattle for a small household milk cow? I like the idea of a smaller carcass and good on grass.

 

[SheepGirl]

Definitely get some sheep