Rarin' to go!

[InspiredtoHerd]

Hi! My name is Cindy. No herd to speak of yet, but my partner and I are about to move into our dream homestead early new year and we are VERY enthusiastic about the lifestyle. And of course I spend every free moment browsing through threads on this site and others, gleaning your words of wisdom. Along with getting a vegetable and herb garden going, we plan on keeping chickens, rabbits, bees and goats (not sure which order yet). I'm certainly aware that no amount of research is a stand in for experience, but I'm hoping to be as prepared as possible going in as a newbie homesteader. So feel free to "quiz" me or give any sort of advice. Thanks!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Hi there, and welcome from Texas. Hope you get settled into your new place and get going on your dreams asap!

 

[Hens and Roos]

Welcome , glad you joined us! What breed of rabbits are you thinking of? We raise Californian and French Angora. We just added Nigerian Dwarf goats last fall.

 

[BlessedWithGoats]

Welcome to BYH!! Best wishes as you start out on your new adventure!!
I have a few rabbits, some goats, chickens, and a LGD. I'd be happy to answer questions you may have on those as best as I can, and you'll also find lots of other kind people on here that are willing to answer questions you may have!!

 

[InspiredtoHerd]

Welcome , glad you joined us! What breed of rabbits are you thinking of? We raise Californian and French Angora. We just added Nigerian Dwarf goats last fall.

We want to raise them for meat. Still doing my research, but I know we don't want giants. I read that New Zealand are great for meat. As far as goats, we just want fresh dairy. How are you finding the Nigerians?

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings from the front range in Colorado! ! Wow! I hope you achieve all your dreams! What you plan sounds great! I started with chickens, then went to bees, and hope to start goats this coming year. My order choice was based on the work (time/effort) required for each, as well as the expense to get started. Of course there's the cost of the critters, but then there's daily maintenance, feed costs, vet/health care costs, housing, living space, etc.

Though it's quite a bit of work and money/time expense to get started, the rewards of feeding yourself and being self sufficient are truly worth it! Best of luck and keep us posted (please & thank you)!

 

[InspiredtoHerd]

Welcome to BYH!! Best wishes as you start out on your new adventure!!
I have a few rabbits, some goats, chickens, and a LGD. I'd be happy to answer questions you may have on those as best as I can, and you'll also find lots of other kind people on here that are willing to answer questions you may have!!

Thank you. I've heard stories of people get dogs to guard the livestock and they turn into more trouble than they're worth (like eating the chickens/rabbits). Has anything like that ever happened with you? And what's your advice for keeping a successful LGD?

 

[Hens and Roos]

We want to raise them for meat. Still doing my research, but I know we don't want giants. I read that New Zealand are great for meat. As far as goats, we just want fresh dairy. How are you finding the Nigerians?

we enjoy the Nigerian breed, they are small and easy for us to handle(we have 3 kids) and work for our size place(almost 3 acres). 2 of our 3 does were 1st fresheners this year so we were all learning the milking routine. We enjoy the milk and each goat's milk has a different creaminess level to each.

 

[Poka_Doodle]

Welcome from The Goldy Show Hens!!! I am a fellow chicken owner, feel free to ask me any chicken questions you may have

 

[La-Z Hooves Farm]

Hi! My name is Cindy. No herd to speak of yet, but my partner and I are about to move into our dream homestead early new year and we are VERY enthusiastic about the lifestyle. And of course I spend every free moment browsing through threads on this site and others, gleaning your words of wisdom. Along with getting a vegetable and herb garden going, we plan on keeping chickens, rabbits, bees and goats (not sure which order yet). I'm certainly aware that no amount of research is a stand in for experience, but I'm hoping to be as prepared as possible going in as a newbie homesteader. So feel free to "quiz" me or give any sort of advice. Thanks!

Howdy! I've just recently joined the herd. But i can tell you this is the friendliest group I have had the pleasure of joining. My hope for all down home explorers is to all come together an advise each other on the do's and don'ts they have experienced. Just like the old days. farmers talking about things on the farm, and the good and bad, what works and what don't work. Okay, well you asked about goats; we raise ADGA Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats. If you've never had goats milk before, what ever you do, don't think store bought in the can is the real thing, cause it an't. ND goat milk to me is the best. but then again, thats my babies. Now I do think they milk has the highest butter fat in it. hey, when i got started i did alot, i mean alot of reading, reading everywhere too. Good Luck on your New Adventure.