Various Questions on Goats!

[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.

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 .

Thank you SO much for all the time you've taken to help, I really appreciate it. Looking forward to checking out these links!

PS: I agree about the size. When I built my coop, I wanted to be able to stand up in it as well, so much easier that way!

Edited to add: You mentioned coyotes. I can definitely hear them in the distance at night, so I know they are "around", although I have never seen one come close. Do you happen to know how high a fence should be to be coyote resistant? I hate to trouble you anymore, but if you happen to know the answer to this, great. If not, I'll find it somewhere I'm sure. Thanks again!

 

[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.

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.

I understand. It turned out to be the same way with chickens. I was all worried about proper insulation, etc., but really they just needed it to be dry and draft free, with good dry bedding. Thank you again.

 

[LauraJean]

Could anyone tell me where I would find a section on goat housing and fencing? Someone mentioned there being sections for each of my questions, but I don't actually see a topic on that. Where should I be looking? Thanks!

 

[elevan]

Could anyone tell me where I would find a section on goat housing and fencing? Someone mentioned there being sections for each of my questions, but I don't actually see a topic on that. Where should I be looking? Thanks!

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/search.php?search_id=2065100079

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=18

 

[LauraJean]

Could anyone tell me where I would find a section on goat housing and fencing? Someone mentioned there being sections for each of my questions, but I don't actually see a topic on that. Where should I be looking? Thanks!

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/search.php?search_id=2065100079

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=18

Oh, I was looking in the Goat section. Thank you!

 

[elevan]

Could anyone tell me where I would find a section on goat housing and fencing? Someone mentioned there being sections for each of my questions, but I don't actually see a topic on that. Where should I be looking? Thanks!

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/search.php?search_id=2065100079

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=18

Oh, I was looking in the Goat section. Thank you!

The first link was a search of the goat - everything section

 

[LauraJean]

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/search.php?search_id=2065100079

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=18

Oh, I was looking in the Goat section. Thank you!

The first link was a search of the goat - everything section

Actually, the first link showed nothing, except: "Your search returned no hits, or was too general. Please try your search again." So it was the second link I was referring to. But I see what you were doing, so I'll try searching terms that way too.