Newbie goat owner ....

[Severian]

Well, not yet, but want to get a couple of goats next year to graze on the 11 acres I have behind the house. I live in the city, but the ordinances still allow agriculture & animals, providing there is no excessive noise or smells. We are on a dead end road, sandwiched between a highway & a freeway, so sounds won't be an issue.

I would like to start with a couple of wethers (sp?) of the dwarf variety, just to acclimate to keeping them. I'm hoping that not having to worry about breeding/milking, they will be easier to take care of. Also, the dwarf varities should be easier to keep fenced, I think.

I just finished an 8' x 16' barn to house 6 laying hens & the 2 goats I want. It's sectioned into a small entryway, an 8' x 6' chicken coop, and an 8' x 8' area for the goats, with a covered 8' x 6' outside area which opens out to the 11 acres. The chicken coop area opens to a separate outside pen from where the goats will be. Feed will be kept in a separate shed, to keep the goats from getting into it.

So, can anyone recommend some books, breeds, etc. ?

And, is there anyone on this list from Ohio, maybe could recommend someone to buy from?

Thanx !!

[collegeboundgal]

so are you getting the goats to help clean off the acres? if so, and you get dwarf/pygmy breeds wont they only get the brush that comes up to your hip? lol.
I say go for some dairy wethers. you can buy them for a lot less than meat breeds and they're plentiful in the spring. one thing, living between hwy and freeway I would use the best fencing, like nothing but stock panels. the panels will be a lot cheaper than paying for someone’s new car, medical bills, pain and suffering... get the hint? wethers are GREAT brush eaters.

-Melissa

[rranch]

I raise pygmies, and I doubt 2 wethers will clear much brush. There are alot of minature breeds to choose from now. All goats are friendly and fun. You will fall in love with whatever you choose. Storey has a good and simple book about raising goats. It is not specific to minis though. If you are interested in pygmys try the NPGA website. national pygmy goat association.