New to Goats, New to farms... New to it all! From NC

[Southern by choice]

Like southern said you really don't want dairy goats to have horns
Of course it took a couple of years for her to come around to my point of view

Yes and No really...
Actually, I still do like horns and have them on my meat goats!
We also have always had naturally polled goats... the issue came from Millie- you can read about our experience here-
http://www.backyardherds.com/threads/de-horned-2yr-old-doe-week-3-update.28257/page-2#post-358403

and I wrote all about horns in an article-
http://www.backyardherds.com/resources/horns-dis-bud-polled.31/
My no longer sedate and have had no issues. We had 2 bucklings affected by sedation
My neighbor vet probably had the greatest influence in this arena.
I heard story after story and I would get the stink-eye from him. I had to hide when Millie did her antics! I told my vet- DON'T SAY A WORD!
I do my own disbudding now because I just don't like having to have it done and have to go back because it was not a good disbudding. Remember, vets, breeders they all end up with scurs... you know it's time to do your own when you want to take the iron from their hand because you know they are "missing" the area.

I also didn't have little children... but many of our clients do so I felt an obligation to think ahead and look out for those that may not know better. A 3-5 year old is at eye level with those horns!

Goats in confined spaces are more prone to injuring another goat.. that is where the dairy goats getting disbudded comes in IMO. The Kiko's no problems...and I love the "handles" especially on a 300 lb buck. But they can get their horns stuck.

We still get lots of request for horns. So I require goat to be paid for in full with no refund if we leave horns on. If the future owner backs out I can still take goat to slaughter. Usually after I show them Millie's horns (yes we saved them to show to people) they change their mind real quick about wanting horns.

Goats are so much fun! There is nothing wrong with starting out with 2 or having 4... It isn't much different. More to love on.
Goats really are easy. Lots of love, shelter, fresh water, hay, and a little understanding of parasite management and it generally goes smoothly.

 

[Devonviolet]

Hi Ericka
Welcome to Backyard Herds, from another proud Texan!

I have 4 wethered Nigerian Dwarfs, and adore them all! @animalmom is so right! Goats are addictive! You haven't lived until a goat looks you in the face with adoration in his or her eyes. It just makes you melt!

We have 5 wooded acres and are trying to get some fenced, so we can let the goats clear all the undergrowth, and help us get this land cleared. Next Spring I want to get a couple MiniMancha does, so I can start milking.

I'm new enough at this, that I don't feel qualified to give you advise. But then, you have one of the best resources (Southern) advising you. I can confirm what Southern said. Four goats is perfect for a first time goat owner. more goat to love!

So glad you found us, and can't wait to watch your progress.

 

[Ericka]

Okay so we are officially on board with the idea that horns just aren't going to fit in our family right now.

Also, we finished up the fencing portion of the goats area Currently using the shed "front" as their house 6x8? and then 40x60 is their fenced area. Hope that is enough for our future kids.

Added pictures of the area - you can see our hens house is "back" side of the shed! Love our sweet girls. Our easter eggers just started laying with blue eggs!

Now looking for farms close by that believe in disbudding and kidding sometime soon! It's still a work in progress, building the play areas to jump on and getting the hay feeders set up etc, but feeling like it's coming together super fast.

 

[Latestarter]

That looks like a great and appropriate sized enclosure for 2-4 Nigies. 6x8 feet might get a little tight for 4, and won't really be enough for later when mom has kids, to be separated for safety... But then, you can always build on an addition

Of course once y'all are bonded, you'll most likely want to let them out so they can follow you around the yard helping you do chores by getting underfoot... Or assist by stealing and re-positioning any tools you might have lying around... Or eating your favorite ornamental planting. I mean, they'll just be trying to help!

 

[Ericka]

Ha I love that you said mom have kids... LOL we opted for all whethers. We love the idea of goats as pets! Our dogs will need some training on appropriate behavior with our young ones before they come help in the garden silly pups goats are for eating :/

 

[Southern by choice]

That looks fantastic!
The shelter should be fine for the number of goats. Of course future kiddings will be a ways off so no biggy on the kidding stall.
You will need to make sure your fencing for the coop area is strong and secure. Goats LOVE chicken feed and will do just about anything to get to it and if they do they will eat and eat and eat til they gorge and bloat.

As far as the shelter - they must have ventilation- a completely closed small area will be problematic.

What kind of floor do you have in the shelter?

Just saw you posted... as far as dogs. This is a serious concern and I am glad to hear you are thinking about this now. As the family dogs are often a bigger threat than coyotes.

So excited for you!

 

[Ericka]

We have an electric fence on the dogs and they are amazing with our chickens and keep our yard safe. Having 4 acres is a big task but our girl Zoe has already taken on a raccoon this summer. She was a champ and saved the hens! But she needs lots of work before she will be out and about with the kids.

I lied my husband said it is 8x10 close enough... both doors open fully and there is a operating window on the wooded side. It is also wired for lights etc. Has floods on the outside for chickens at night.

The shed itself has a vinyl floor - wanted something that was easy cleaning! It also has shelving on the inside for balancing on and playing with on too cold of days.

I should take pics tomorrow of the inside!

 

[Ferguson K]

Looks great! Glad you put some meat behind the welded wire. Goats LOVE to stretch it out. They ruuuuuub on it and loooove on it and tell you they're hungry on it etc. Etc.

Can't wait to see how the boys settle in!

 

[Ericka]

Terrible photo... but the doors open. Was thinking would it be good to cut em in half and to leave the bottom open all the time?

 

[Latestarter]

OH! 80 square feet vice 48? It's like you knew! You planned ahead! When goat math strikes, there'll already be room in there for a couple more!