Various Questions on Goats!

[Javamama]

It's just that there's no one right way to anything with goats
so I'll take a stab at it
1. housing - must be sturdy. Can be anything fro a large doghouse to a barn. Depends on the size of the goats. They will climb on it, rub on it, chew on it. They need at least a 3 sided shelter to get out of wind and rain. I have my 3 minimanchas in a 6x12 3 sided shelter that we can add a door to in the winter if needed.

2. Fencing - you will need a good fence. I use 4 foot tall woven wire goat fencing, some people use cattle panels, some people use electric. You don't want them running loose because they get into everything, and you want them protected from predators. Give them as much room as you can. Mine are in a 40x 20 -ish pen most of the time but we are adding more pasture fencing to let them into.

3. From the description of your property, it sounds like yard plus some wooded area would be nice for them. The wooded area would provide shade and browse for them to munch on, yet you could keep them close.

4. Winter care - just give them a draft free place to be. Mine do great in the cold weather and I did shovel out a nice area for them to stretch their legs as they did not care to go out in the snow. So if you get alot of snow, a bigger shelter/barn might be nice

5. They need good hay, I feed alfalfa to my does. I only feed grain to those in milk. I do not have any males and I believe their needs are slightly different.

6. Poop- I have mine about 20 feet from the house and no odor. Poop is everywhere. I was shocked at how much they poop. But it's small berries, doesn't really smell to me and it just gets ground up into the bedding and ground. Instant fertilizer IMO.

7. structures to play on are always a plus.

8. Mine take me for regular walks They do well on the leash. Mine are total lovebugs, and love a good scratch. They are very food motivated. All goats have different personalities though. I have one that would come from an acre away if she thought I had a cup of grain and the other would give me the finger and come when she wants.

 

[Goatherd]

I don't know if this is something you would be interested in, but this shed is in my pasture for my goat's "daytime" shelter. It houses 3 adults and one kid at the moment and they DO use it when it rains or want respite from the others.
They go into a barn at night for their safety as well as my peace of mind as I do not have a livestock guardian for them at this time.

Goats do need some kind of shelter and you can make it as simple or elaborate as you see fit. If you are not handy or want an "instant" shelter, a shed such as this may work for you.
It is made of a plastic resin and to date, my goats have done no damage to it whatsoever. They are not interested in chewing, ramming or generally destroying it.

Others will may tell you otherwise, but this works for me.

If you are going to only have a couple of goats for pets, this would more than suffice for a full-time, permanent shelter.

Good luck with your endeavors.

 

[Javamama]

Thanks goatherd! I was wondering how one of those would work - they do seem pretty heavy duty. Looks nice.

 

[Goatherd]

This shed in particular is made by Rubbermaid.

Forgot to say...this shed, as well as any other plastic shed variety needs an absolutely level surface to be erected on. The assembly is not as forgiving as wood would be, hence the pressure-treated platform.

 

[LauraJean]

Everyone farms their goats differently even if they are only pets...so you're not going to get any 1 right answer...you still need to research and make some decisions for yourself.
I'll try to help here:

Thank you! I appreciate your input very much. And yes, this is only a part of my research. As I mentioned in a later post, I enjoy the interaction and reading of what other goat owners do, but by no means would use that as a sole source. Some good goat books are next on my list. I'd like to find some pet-oriented books; I did a BRIEF search recently and only saw "meat or dairy" oriented books, but I am sure there are some on owning goats that are more general and/or companion oriented.

1. Housing - You said you want small breeds...I recommend Pygmy - you can house 2 pygmies in a large igloo dog house or a calf hutch.

This is already interesting. I had no idea a smaller house like this could work. I highly doubt I will buy an igloo dog house, but at least I know that it does not need to be a large barn either. Good to know.


2. Fencing - You need to know what predators are in your area. 4' fence is minimum...but if you live in FL you'll need 10' with electric topline...

Due to my research before (and since) getting chickens, I am familiar with the predators in my area. I have racoons, possum, skunks, owls, hawks, things along those lines. AND the occasional dog that might get loose from a neighbor up the road. Although that's not common, it has happened and I am grateful for my secure chicken run. My chicken run is built like fort knox, I was VERY cautious, most likely overly cautious about predators. But I never regretted building it so securely, I take great comfort in knowing that only a bear could get into that run, which we never see in this area. I will need to research now fencing needs based on these types of predators and which of the animals I mentioned are a threat to goats. For example, raccoons are common: would they bother a small goat? I have no clue. I do know that they could dig under/climb just about any fence however, which is again, why my chicken run is so secure.

3. Pasture/browse - Goats eat browse...woody shrubs, lots of weeds, trees, wild rose...all make a good goat pasture.

I have lots of woodsy shrubs, trees, etc., but need to figure out exactly how to fence a woodsy area. Maybe I'll call a fence expert who might be able to offer advice in that regard.

4. a bit of stuff on winter care - draft free environment

5. TONS of opinions on feeding! - see the link in my signature and you'll get an idea of just how many opinions there are on this

Will check your link, thank you!

6. bedding/cleaning options, deep litter vs straw vs shavings etc - I use deep litter...it can be a bit of a pain though

I remember all the controversy about chicken litter methods and I ended up doing the deep litter method myself, although I built a generously sized coop vs. the number of chickens I got, so I find this method to be quite easy.

7. Great toy/gym threads with awesome pics! - Goats get bored and need things to entertain themselves

I gathered that from the little bit of reading I have done so far, about them wanting to play.

8. training to leash walk - certainly can be accomplished and will make your goat easier to handle

Yes, easy to handle is important to me, living alone. If that will help then I will work on that. I think it would be a good way of interacting with them also and give them a change of scenery!

9. area needed threads are included in housing and pasture - the smaller the area you give the more you're gonna need to supplement

I plan to do a lot of reading on the other threads as well, just wanted to post this here as a starting point. I read somewhere about an "acre per goat" which seemed absurd. I will do more reading about this.

10. Hoof trimming, disbudding, dealing with scurs, horns vs no horns, vaccinations, WORMING!!!! Research worming!!!! - You tube has good videos for hoof trimming. http://goat-info.blogspot.com/ has good info on disbudding and scurs, horns vs no horns is a personal choice and you need to be aware of both sides before making a decision, vaccinations - imo you need to do CDT at the least, worming is an important topic...and there are definitely tons of threads on here about it.

I am least educated on this stuff, but books and articles will help me I'm sure. I know things about chicken diseases and care that I will likely never need to know, but it seems there is more upkeep health-wise with goats, so I will be doing a lot of reading on this.

Thank you for taking the time to answer all those questions! It gives me some great starting points to look into more!

 

[LauraJean]

This shed in particular is made by Rubbermaid.

Forgot to say...this shed, as well as any other plastic shed variety needs an absolutely level surface to be erected on. The assembly is not as forgiving as wood would be, hence the pressure-treated platform.

You beat me to it, I was just going to ask about the platform. Yes, it would only be 2 small breeds, that's it. I have no interest in a bunch of them, and would prefer small over large. But let me ask you, do you think something like that would still be adequate in snowy cold climates? I'm in upper New England and we get very cold temps and lots of snow. I know you said larger would be better in regard to the snow, so they could have some inside moving space, but temp-wise it would still be okay? Thank you SO MUCH for posting those pics! Very much appreciated.

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

If ten people each answered one question, I'd have them answered in ten posts. :/ In any case, thanks for the link, I will check it out now.

unlike chickens where basic shelter + feed/water = success.... goats can be a little more complicated and many folks have different ideas about what works. so its best if you do your research and figure out what is gonna work out best for you.

but you are right, fencing is superduper important...and if you ask 14 people what is best, you'll actually get 15 answers! ha!

as for references... another great reference to check out is one of the Storey's Guides for goats - i think they have books for meat and dairy goats and either will give you a good idea if you just want friends.

and Hobby Farms magazine usually has good overview articles to help you get a handle on what you're getting into.
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/farm-breeds/others_goats_all_landing.aspx

and you can always contact local breeders or 4H groups to find out what breeds will do well in your area.

good luck!

Like I said, I already know I just want them as pets. I don't eat meat or drink milk and I live alone. I just want them as companion animals. Incidentally, I never found food/water + shelter = success with chickens, lol. I read extensively and discussed on boards in depth about them and asked many questions such as I am now on goats. But on the chicken board I actually got specific answers.

I am surprised at how different this board seems to be than BYC. If I ask chicken questions there, people actually answer them. No one says "go do chicken research"; that's what I am trying to do (in part) by asking goat questions to goat owners. I don't mean that in any sort of disrespectful way, I am just surprised that no one seems willing to answer even one specific question.

Okay, I'll just go buy books and check out other websites. Thanks anyway.

PS: Thanks for that link also, I'll go check that out now.

Just have to say, tisk tisk.

Please understand where Freemotion is coming from- tackling your initial post and explaining the basics of all aspects of goat care in one thread is a time commitment indeed. When you ask such a broad question the only answers anyone will have time to give are the most basic and probably least useful. If it's specific answers you're wanting, it's specific questions you'll want to ask. Reading threads devoted to those individual topics will help you narrow down your broad, generalized questions that people can endeavor to answer in less than an entire afternoon. If it were simple enough to sum up in a few posts there wouldn't be such a large number of threads devoted to a single topic, such as "what do I feed my goats?"

 

[elevan]

Everyone farms their goats differently even if they are only pets...so you're not going to get any 1 right answer...you still need to research and make some decisions for yourself.
I'll try to help here:

Thank you! I appreciate your input very much. And yes, this is only a part of my research. As I mentioned in a later post, I enjoy the interaction and reading of what other goat owners do, but by no means would use that as a sole source. Some good goat books are next on my list. I'd like to find some pet-oriented books; I did a BRIEF search recently and only saw "meat or dairy" oriented books, but I am sure there are some on owning goats that are more general and/or companion oriented.

You're very welcome

1. Housing - You said you want small breeds...I recommend Pygmy - you can house 2 pygmies in a large igloo dog house or a calf hutch.

This is already interesting. I had no idea a smaller house like this could work. I highly doubt I will buy an igloo dog house, but at least I know that it does not need to be a large barn either. Good to know.


I have dwarf breeds (pygmies and NDs) but still opted for full sized barns...I like to be able to stand up!

2. Fencing - You need to know what predators are in your area. 4' fence is minimum...but if you live in FL you'll need 10' with electric topline...

Due to my research before (and since) getting chickens, I am familiar with the predators in my area. I have racoons, possum, skunks, owls, hawks, things along those lines. AND the occasional dog that might get loose from a neighbor up the road. Although that's not common, it has happened and I am grateful for my secure chicken run. My chicken run is built like fort knox, I was VERY cautious, most likely overly cautious about predators. But I never regretted building it so securely, I take great comfort in knowing that only a bear could get into that run, which we never see in this area. I will need to research now fencing needs based on these types of predators and which of the animals I mentioned are a threat to goats. For example, raccoons are common: would they bother a small goat? I have no clue. I do know that they could dig under/climb just about any fence however, which is again, why my chicken run is so secure.

Coons would only be a problem if they carry rabies in your area...in the USA it's a major problem in states PA and east.
If you live in the USA you've got coyotes whether you've seen them or not they are there...that and domestic dog will likely be your biggest concern.

3. Pasture/browse - Goats eat browse...woody shrubs, lots of weeds, trees, wild rose...all make a good goat pasture.

I have lots of woodsy shrubs, trees, etc., but need to figure out exactly how to fence a woodsy area. Maybe I'll call a fence expert who might be able to offer advice in that regard.

4. a bit of stuff on winter care - draft free environment

5. TONS of opinions on feeding! - see the link in my signature and you'll get an idea of just how many opinions there are on this

Will check your link, thank you!

6. bedding/cleaning options, deep litter vs straw vs shavings etc - I use deep litter...it can be a bit of a pain though

I remember all the controversy about chicken litter methods and I ended up doing the deep litter method myself, although I built a generously sized coop vs. the number of chickens I got, so I find this method to be quite easy.

7. Great toy/gym threads with awesome pics! - Goats get bored and need things to entertain themselves

I gathered that from the little bit of reading I have done so far, about them wanting to play.

8. training to leash walk - certainly can be accomplished and will make your goat easier to handle

Yes, easy to handle is important to me, living alone. If that will help then I will work on that. I think it would be a good way of interacting with them also and give them a change of scenery!

9. area needed threads are included in housing and pasture - the smaller the area you give the more you're gonna need to supplement

I plan to do a lot of reading on the other threads as well, just wanted to post this here as a starting point. I read somewhere about an "acre per goat" which seemed absurd. I will do more reading about this.

10. Hoof trimming, disbudding, dealing with scurs, horns vs no horns, vaccinations, WORMING!!!! Research worming!!!! - You tube has good videos for hoof trimming. http://goat-info.blogspot.com/ has good info on disbudding and scurs, horns vs no horns is a personal choice and you need to be aware of both sides before making a decision, vaccinations - imo you need to do CDT at the least, worming is an important topic...and there are definitely tons of threads on here about it.

I am least educated on this stuff, but books and articles will help me I'm sure. I know things about chicken diseases and care that I will likely never need to know, but it seems there is more upkeep health-wise with goats, so I will be doing a lot of reading on this.

Thank you for taking the time to answer all those questions! It gives me some great starting points to look into more!

I responded back to a few things in italics. Also of note is having a few medical supplies on hand...here's a link to what I keep on my farm .

Also if you're interested in a good pet goat book of information specifically tailored to dwarf breeds check out this one .

Some other goat links can be found on my website .

 

[Goatherd]

This shed in particular is made by Rubbermaid.

Forgot to say...this shed, as well as any other plastic shed variety needs an absolutely level surface to be erected on. The assembly is not as forgiving as wood would be, hence the pressure-treated platform.

You beat me to it, I was just going to ask about the platform. Yes, it would only be 2 small breeds, that's it. I have no interest in a bunch of them, and would prefer small over large. But let me ask you, do you think something like that would still be adequate in snowy cold climates? I'm in upper New England and we get very cold temps and lots of snow. I know you said larger would be better in regard to the snow, so they could have some inside moving space, but temp-wise it would still be okay? Thank you SO MUCH for posting those pics! Very much appreciated.

Keep in mind that most barns are not heated. I believe that wet or damp, snowy and extremely windy conditions would be more of a health hazard to goats rather than temperature. A good bedding of straw, and a dry environment would suffice even the most demanding goat.

This particular shed, while not their night sleeping quarters, is double walled and, so far, wet proof. I'm sure it would serve them well even in the cold, New England winters. I'm in Pennsylvania and our winters are nothing to write home about...very cold and often times extremely bitter.

 

[LauraJean]

unlike chickens where basic shelter + feed/water = success.... goats can be a little more complicated and many folks have different ideas about what works. so its best if you do your research and figure out what is gonna work out best for you.

but you are right, fencing is superduper important...and if you ask 14 people what is best, you'll actually get 15 answers! ha!

as for references... another great reference to check out is one of the Storey's Guides for goats - i think they have books for meat and dairy goats and either will give you a good idea if you just want friends.

and Hobby Farms magazine usually has good overview articles to help you get a handle on what you're getting into.
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/farm-breeds/others_goats_all_landing.aspx

and you can always contact local breeders or 4H groups to find out what breeds will do well in your area.

good luck!

Like I said, I already know I just want them as pets. I don't eat meat or drink milk and I live alone. I just want them as companion animals. Incidentally, I never found food/water + shelter = success with chickens, lol. I read extensively and discussed on boards in depth about them and asked many questions such as I am now on goats. But on the chicken board I actually got specific answers.

I am surprised at how different this board seems to be than BYC. If I ask chicken questions there, people actually answer them. No one says "go do chicken research"; that's what I am trying to do (in part) by asking goat questions to goat owners. I don't mean that in any sort of disrespectful way, I am just surprised that no one seems willing to answer even one specific question.

Okay, I'll just go buy books and check out other websites. Thanks anyway.

PS: Thanks for that link also, I'll go check that out now.

Just have to say, tisk tisk.

Please understand where Freemotion is coming from- tackling your initial post and explaining the basics of all aspects of goat care in one thread is a time commitment indeed. When you ask such a broad question the only answers anyone will have time to give are the most basic and probably least useful. If it's specific answers you're wanting, it's specific questions you'll want to ask. Reading threads devoted to those individual topics will help you narrow down your broad, generalized questions that people can endeavor to answer in less than an entire afternoon. If it were simple enough to sum up in a few posts there wouldn't be such a large number of threads devoted to a single topic, such as "what do I feed my goats?"

"tisk tisk" yourself. This has already been clarified and cleared up. I already clarified that I did not expect any one person to sit down and answer all my questions. Just posted my various questions, and if someone feels like taking a stab at one or two of them, they can. Or if someone thought of a good link that addresses those various things, they could post it, as they have. The time in explaining 'how I might go about doing this' instead of 'how I chose to' could have been used to answer to one question instead. I did not know that posting multiple questions in one post was a tisk-tiskable offense. I meant it innocently enough and figured if one particular question stands out to someone who knows about that area, they can answer it if they choose. Last I checked it's an option to reply, it's not like I'm making demands here. I think I was very respectful in my reply that you quoted, so I do not accept your tisk tisk. So can we please move on now?