?? from a wannabe newbe

JoeKan · #1 10/17/09, 10:34 PM

Hello,
I'm wanting to get a goat but my wife is still not in favor of it, but I'm still planning until she changes her mind.
I'm not sure what kind of goat to get and was wanting to know if you all could help me decide? I'm looking for one that will produce milk and will be gentle.
Also, where my pasture is that I have picked out for her is about 150 yards from the house. I will not be able to "see" her from the house as it is hidden by trees and a hill. Would that be a problem as far a preditors go? We live in town and have 3 1/2 acres but coyates and dogs may be there.
As far as a pen for her, could I keep her on a chain or would that be wrong? Any other suggestions/advice?
Thank you,
Joe from Kansas

garyh141 · #2 10/17/09, 10:58 PM

Personal opinion, of course. No chains. Also, a single goat is a lonely goat. We have nigerians but I don't see them as the best answer for a milk goat. I like nubians for milking. Going into winter (Kansas should be about like Missouri only more wind maybe with blowing rain/snow -- most goats HATE being rained on), she would definitely need shelter, even a 3sided. We have a door that we add to our three-sided shelters for winter use. It has a small cutout for entry. But we also have a barn for the girls and an old camper top we put on top of a short wall for the few boys we have. We've also used old 55-gallon barrels for housing when we first started but it really needs to be something they can stand up in because in cold winter time or rain for several days in a row, they don't want to come out of their shelters. They love something to climb on (even old stumps or large chunks of wood that don't turn over, electric spools, picnic tables, etc.).
Also, where do to plan to store feed and hay? Once it gets late fall and winter, you will need to supplement with hay.
Hope this has been helpful. If you want, you can PM me and I will give you our web address and get more info, or I can give you links to lots of "Really Good" info. (Sandra)

Wags · #3 10/18/09, 07:14 AM

Never a good idea to tie out a goat, too easy for them to strangle and it also makes them sitting ducks for dogs and coyotes. Also as already mentioned goats are herd animals and need at least one goat companion.

Feed storage, a place to milk out of the rain, and shelter for the goats is also important along with good fences, especially since you can't readily keep an eye on your pasture. A good fence will not only help keep the goats on your property, but help to keep predators out.

I have Nigerian Dwarf goats. Their small size makes them easy to handle, and they usually have very affectionate personalities. If you buy from someone that breeds for milking then they can be good milkers. If you buy from someone that doesn't milk the odds of getting an easily milked goat aren't in your favor.

Alice In TX/MO · #4 10/18/09, 08:53 AM

For newbie wannabe folks, a good place to get basic info is Fias Co Farm.

http://fiascofarm.com/goats/getting-your-goat.htm

DQ · #5 10/18/09, 09:33 AM

some things to add. fencing is very important for goats not just to keep them in but to protect them from predators. any breed of goat can be gentle and easily handled if handled from a young age. however not any goat is suitable for milk production. make sure you get a dairy goat from someone who actually milks them and doesn't just breed them. you want your dairy goat to come from a "working" dam. the seller should be able to tell you how much the goat, or her dam, milks.

SunsetSonata · #6 10/18/09, 10:45 AM

You're going to have to convince your wife on getting 2 or more goats, not just one miserable goat stuck by itself. Only you know if multiple goats are completely out of the question.

luvzmybabz · #7 10/19/09, 09:22 AM

Make sure you have a recent CAE test done on any goat you buy!!!!!!!!!

You could do what I did to DEAR hubbie we had been talking about goats even looking to some point but there was not much to be had around here. Well he was at work one day came home and I told him we were taking road trip to get goats. Funny thing is now he loves the goats as much as I do, I tease him horribly about it to I will catch him out playing with them and I will call out " You love my goatssssssssss" Poor guy he had no clue when we bought our house in the country that we would soon have a menargerie (sp). Chickens, rabbits and goats oh my!