I want goats but I don't think I can. :(

[Mac14]

Here are some rough plans so far, when my brother and dad saw it they were confused, so it doesn't make much sense right now.
Okay never mind, I can't put on pictures, or at least I can't figure out how. So maybe it will work later. *Sigh*

 

[cjhubbs]

I have been trying to figure out how to post pictures as well. I just came across this link

which explains how to post a pick although I am still confused on how it works. Sorry for my lack of insight, hopefully somone more knowledgable will help. Ugh I give up, i don't mean to take hijack this post but sould someone also mention how to post links as well? Thanks

 

[rinksgi]

The easiest way I found to post pictures is to up=load them to photo bucket. Click the picture you want to post,copy the image code, it is the 4th choice on mine. Paste it here.

Now, how did my non-goat Cuckoo Marans get on here?

 

[chubbydog811]

I would personally wait at least through the summer before getting any goats. Do tons of research and ask knowledgeable people as many questions as you can.
Save up money so then you can start off with a nice herd and not spend more money on a bad one. Also so you have a money reserve in case of emergency. Any goat can get expensive fast. Many times I had a cheap/free goat turn into a $300+ goat in the course of a week because of unforeseen health issues/injuries. If it weren't for my already stored away money, I wouldn't have been able to help them.
Other expenses - hay ($3-10/ bale depending on where you live), grain ($10-15/bag), vet work ($40+ per visit). Then include price of supplies to build a shed and good fencing.
Feed wise they are cheap, but there is a lot more to them than feed.

I have full sized dairy goats, but also have raised nigerians and pygmies. They require super tight/sturdy fencing (most are smart enough to get under/over a poorly built fence. If it is a not so sturdy wire fence, then they might even go through it (ask me how I know...Jeez!) I ended up lining a 3 board wood fence with chain-link before I could keep them in.

Also, routine is still necessary, even for wethers. You need to set aside time to feed/check water at least 2ce a day (am/pm). Here I do a mid day check, especially in cold weather. Also need to keep in mind to keep healthy goats, you need to clean up after them. Their shed would need to be cleaned either as needed, or at least once a week depending on the bedding you use. Yards should be raked up every other week (unless you have a small enclosure, then more often).

Lastly, if you are the one who wants the goats, then you should be the one responsible for them. You should not expect anyone else to chip in or care for them if you are sick/tired/busy/whatever else excuse you could come up with. You need to be able to make time for them, and not expect anything. If you want a break, then you should be responsible enough to pay someone to care for them (or offer extra chores around the house or work/labor in exchange).
I've had farm animals (started with horses, now have horses, goats, sheep and chickens) since I was 8 - now 23. I have never expected anyone else to do my chores. I am out in the barn whether I am sick, tired, cold, ect because they are my animals. I felt horrible when my mom was doing chores while I was at the hospital having a baby this past Nov. I was back out to doing chores 5 days post birth.
Anyway, long story short, REALLY sit down and think about it/plan before you start seriously considering buying goats. Best piece of advice I can offer.

 

[suzeqf]

I agree I'd research for a least a year. I've been researching for at least a year and we've finally decided to get 2 we should be getting to doe's in May

 

[Mac14]

Ya, my mom said that this year isn't going to work anyways, so next year is in process. The thing is that I keep getting really discouraged, and I don't know what to do about it. I try to repeat this thing I made up, Get Over All Timidness Silly and get GOATS, and it helps a bit, and also just coming here helps. But I am defiantly going to keep researching so I can get a answer from my parents.

 

[Catahoula]

Ya, my mom said that this year isn't going to work anyways, so next year is in process. The thing is that I keep getting really discouraged, and I don't know what to do about it. I try to repeat this thing I made up, Get Over All Timidness Silly and get GOATS, and it helps a bit, and also just coming here helps. But I am defiantly going to keep researching so I can get a answer from my parents.

I never thought I would be goat owners and I have FOUR goats. It will happen for you too. Take your time. I did rush into my goats a little and there are a few things I would do over again if I could.

 

[Mac14]

Has anyone read "Your Goats, A kids Guide to Raising and Showing"? I have been reading and re-reading it, but I wanted to know how accurate it is. I'm pretty sure that the info in there is correct because much of the info I have seen here on BYH. Thanks.