Hi!!

[Stephanie107]

Thanks so much for adding me to your group. I've already learned so much- thank you!

I've always loved goats and after helping out at a farm I hope to finally get a couple of my own this spring. I'm on a couple wait-lists for 2 ND wethers. I've done a lot of research and have the space for their main run and shelter figured out. They'll be next to the house when they are on their own but we have some wooded areas and meadow that I'll take them to graze and play in each day. We live in ruralish- Virginia and have bears, coyotes, and foxes, along with lots of dogs, so I want them to be close to the house when I'm not with them. I'm still trying to decide if I put a roof over their entire area or run a couple hot lines around the pen. I'll put a cover over part of it, to be sure, but it would be a large area and I assume they'd like some sun in their enclosure.

I'm still learning about daily care and food. I've found some sources for hay and know not to give alfalfa since they'll be wethers and that they don't need much, or any, grain. I've also been learning about what treats are ok and what they cannot have. I have to go through the posts some more to figure out what they'll get on a daily basis now that I know what I can get locally as far as hay. I've also been scanning all of your great tips on budget-friendly toys and am going to start looking for items I can salvage to use (tires, benches, etc.

One other thing I've been wondering about is how to avoid worms and such. I'm going to try to clean up the area of any deer scat or dog poop all all that lovely stuff. I assume that is how most of that stuff gets into the so I plan to clean up their pen and shelter as best I can either daily or every other day. Is there anything else I can do proactively?

I'm so excited and hope I can start this adventure in the next couple months. I'd love to hear any tips or suggestions you have!
Thanks again, so much, Steph

 

[Baymule]

Welcome to the forum! So glad to have you here. Two wethers! Of course you know that is only the beginning. Goats and sheep are legal drugs, you just gotta have MORE! Plus we are great enablers..... we will always encourage you to add to your herd. LOL

 

[Stephanie107]

LOL, I've been warned about goat math! The rest of the family is not excited about my decision to do this but I'm hoping they won't help but fall in love and there will be more in our future.

 

[B&B Happy goats]

Hello and welcome to BYH from Florida, ...goats are super addictive and wonderful animals

 

[Baymule]

So are sheep!

 

[Stephanie107]

Baymule- my daughter is trying to convince to get a sheep, too. Maybe some day!

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

 

[Alaskan]

One other thing I've been wondering about is how to avoid worms and such. I'm going to try to clean up the area of any deer scat or dog poop all all that lovely stuff. I assume that is how most of that stuff gets into the so I plan to clean up their pen and shelter as best I can either daily or every other day. Is there anything else I can do proactively?

Welcome to BYH!!!

Sounds like yes.. you ate doing great on trying to reduce worm load.

I would research, ask around (livestock owners, local vet, local extension office) to get a list of those parasites common in your area. They should also be able to tell you if the parasites in your area show a resistance to specific drugs.

Once you know what you might be dealing with... then research and figure out how to manage what it in your area.

Personally, whenever possible make sure all livestock are FULLY wormed before being brought onto your place. Don't bring it in.

 

[Stephanie107]

Thanks, Alaskan!! I really appreciate the feedback.

 

[Longhornbreeder101]

Thanks so much for adding me to your group. I've already learned so much- thank you!

I've always loved goats and after helping out at a farm I hope to finally get a couple of my own this spring. I'm on a couple wait-lists for 2 ND wethers. I've done a lot of research and have the space for their main run and shelter figured out. They'll be next to the house when they are on their own but we have some wooded areas and meadow that I'll take them to graze and play in each day. We live in ruralish- Virginia and have bears, coyotes, and foxes, along with lots of dogs, so I want them to be close to the house when I'm not with them. I'm still trying to decide if I put a roof over their entire area or run a couple hot lines around the pen. I'll put a cover over part of it, to be sure, but it would be a large area and I assume they'd like some sun in their enclosure.

I'm still learning about daily care and food. I've found some sources for hay and know not to give alfalfa since they'll be wethers and that they don't need much, or any, grain. I've also been learning about what treats are ok and what they cannot have. I have to go through the posts some more to figure out what they'll get on a daily basis now that I know what I can get locally as far as hay. I've also been scanning all of your great tips on budget-friendly toys and am going to start looking for items I can salvage to use (tires, benches, etc.

One other thing I've been wondering about is how to avoid worms and such. I'm going to try to clean up the area of any deer scat or dog poop all all that lovely stuff. I assume that is how most of that stuff gets into the so I plan to clean up their pen and shelter as best I can either daily or every other day. Is there anything else I can do proactively?

I'm so excited and hope I can start this adventure in the next couple months. I'd love to hear any tips or suggestions you have!
Thanks again, so much, Steph

WELCOMEEEEE