goat newbie maybe

[DonM]

Ok DW wants some goats I do not know We do not know any thing about them. We have a few beef and Jersey cows now and the fence is electric and barb wire dont think this would keep in goats. Also what do they need for shots and wormings. Trying to find out pros and cons thanks

[madness]

Some people have had luck keeping goats in with 5 wire barbed wire and a few electric strands. We have "orchard" fencing for ours - welded wire 5 feet tall.

Vaccinations are a good part of management. The most commonly cited important one is CD/T. There might be other ones particular to your area, but at least get that one. They also do need worming. Some worm on a schedule, others do fecals and only worm when necessary. Good management will allow you to worm less in some situations.

What kind of goats are you thinking of - dairy or meat, maybe both? That will really change your setup.

[LaManchaPaul]

Don,
First, try to decide why wifey wants goats. Does she want milk, meat, hair, show or just pets?

Then consider protection and shelter. (barn/shelter, fencing, safety, and health)

If you guys agree on getting goats, try to find a mentor nearby. As Marissa says above, CD&T shots are recommended, loose minerals, clean water 24/7, hay and treats.

[DonM]

thanks she just likes them I was thinking meat goats some thing to clean up the brush we have in the bottoms.We are in NE Texas off of I30 so any help on shots would be great thanks again

[madness]

Darn, I thought that was "one-30" - you would have been right near me! I could have offloaded, er, sold you some really nice wethers for the brush clearing tasks!

[Minelson]

Goats are a blast! Full of personality so I think you should get some for your wife for sure
Besides this forum I found that www.fiascofarm.com was very helpful for basic information. Get a pregnant one so you can have babies!!!!!

[garyh141]

We raise Nigerian Dwarf goats (dairy) so I may not be correct in assuming this. Aren't meat goats short term unless you continue to breed them and their offspring are the "short termers"? As in butchered or sold for butchered???? I said I didn't know so don't anyone get mad at me. Wifey (and you too!) will definitely get attached to these creatures before you can blink an eye.
Just my opinion, if she is wanting pets, go dairy, and Nigerians are great for pets.
Sandra

[KimM]

Here's a lot of super good goat care info. http://dairygoatinfo.com/index.php/board,2.0.html

[kitty]

Goats are great but you have to have secure fencing to keep them in and to keep dogs and coyotes out.

[ozark_jewels]

Originally Posted by garyh141

We raise Nigerian Dwarf goats (dairy) so I may not be correct in assuming this. Aren't meat goats short term unless you continue to breed them and their offspring are the "short termers"? As in butchered or sold for butchered????

Meat goats are no more "short term" than any other type of goats. They can be just as good pets and live just as long lives. The only way they are "short term" is if you decide to make them so.
If someone is just wanting pets, I say look for a couple of healthy, friendly goats of whatever type are common in your area.
CDT vaccinations is the basic shot I reccomend to everyone. Beyond that, you can choose to do nothing or vaccinate for everything.
They *will* need a good loose mineral, a shed to keep them out of bad weather, fresh water, and good hay for when there is nothing growing.

[garyh141]

Sorry, Ozark Jewels. The only people I know with meat goats are Boers and they are raised for butchering. I didn't know if they make good pets or not, and especially the size some of them get. "I stand corrected." HA!
Sandra

[ozark_jewels]

Originally Posted by garyh141

Sorry, Ozark Jewels. The only people I know with meat goats are Boers and they are raised for butchering. I didn't know if they make good pets or not, and especially the size some of them get. "I stand corrected." HA!
Sandra

No need to be sorry.