pasture/browse ?

[exegeses]

After careful research we'd like to manage our new goat herd with rotating pastures. The problem is that we don't currently have the funds to cross fence the 15-17 acres we plan to use for the goats. The acreage is about 1/2 grass, 1/2 woods/brush along a south facing hill (grass at top). There is a spring-fed pond and a creek along the far corner (creek is not from pond) ... would these be sufficient for fresh water - especially the pond?

The perimeter is fenced ... with 10 goats on 15-17 acres, how long would it take for 10 goats to start to have parasite problems or eat all the 'desirable' forage to nothing. We don't want to run the goats or the land to ruin, and we know cross fencing is a must, but with strained finances right now, how long do you think we might have?

We don't have the goats yet and a goat barn is in the works this next month. Any suggestions there?

Thanks

[Alice In TX/MO]

Please go to User CP in the blue strip near the top of the page and enter your info about where you are located. The answer to your question will vary dramatically, depending on the climate/vegetation/season, etc. We need more info!

[coolestmimsy]

With 10goats I think you'll be fine for a while. The will spind a lot of time in the woods on forage which will elliminate the worry of parasites for quit a while. You also seem to have a wonderful amout of water for them, wish we did. You should have plenty of time to fence the property a little at a time.

[exegeses]

We're in the MO Ozarks.

[Wiste]

I'm not a goat farmer, but I've been doing a lot of research lately. What about temporary electric fencing? Depending on how the area is fenced, you could pasture the goats in one end and just move the fence along as the goats clear an area.

[exegeses]

Electric fencing isn't an option due to logistics.

[Buster]

Originally Posted by exegeses

Electric fencing isn't an option due to logistics.

Please explain.

[exegeses]

Please explain.

Too far from an electric source ... which means we'd have to buy a solar power kit in addition to the electric fencing supplies. Spending money on a temporary fence when that same money can be put toward the permanent fencing doesn't seem like the wise thing to do.