How time consuming is raising dairy goats?

Queen Mum

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Everyone elsse already said how much time it takes so I won't add to that. The one thing I will say is it is a farm chore. You need to do it every day. You need to be consistent. You don't get to skip it and go out and take time off when you feel like it. So the key is dedication to the task.

If you are prepared to do that then the time it takes is pretty minimal in the overall scheme of things. And the payback is fabulous. Fresh milk, cheese, and companionship with some great animals.

You will get attached to those animals. They have personalities. You will end up frustrated some days. You will wish you had a day off some times, but in the end, It is worth it.
 

bonbean01

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Vacation? Don't remember what that is ;)

Our family and friends come here to visit...we are pretty much stuck here...but it's worth it to us :)
 

ragdollcatlady

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I forgot to mention that when we were on vacation, one doe absolutely refused to let the babysitters milk her more than just a time or 2 so she was pretty full. We were only gone 4 days and she was only being milked once a day so she wasn't in dire straights, but you might want to make sure your babysitters can come over more than a couple times to let your goats decide they are friends, not foes! Our babysitters did come over to practice but what can you say to a goat? They do what they do....and that's pretty much that sometimes! :lol: That little stinker is the one that kicks at the bucket about 3/4 of the way through milking to be sure that I am aware that "this Princess is sooooo done!"
 

GoatCrazyLady

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bonbean01 said:
Vacation? Don't remember what that is ;)

Our family and friends come here to visit...we are pretty much stuck here...but it's worth it to us :)
Ditto!

Please keep us posted. Good luck!
 

SkyWarrior

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:welcome

They're a lot easier to keep than some other types of barnyard animals, IMO.

Milking -- :gig -- what ksalvagno says is true. I taught myself to milk on a goat who had never been milked. :he It took about a week to learn it. Now, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes on one goat, if that.

Goats are lots of fun. I love having them. :thumbsup You'll need good fences, though. They're born escape artists.
 

that's*satyrical

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GoatCrazyLady said:
bonbean01 said:
Vacation? Don't remember what that is ;)

Our family and friends come here to visit...we are pretty much stuck here...but it's worth it to us :)
Ditto!

Please keep us posted. Good luck!
Ditto x3!!!
 
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