Space Questions

[cnichols]

I'm fairly new (registration wise) to these forums but I've been reading them for a year or more. Between reading here and other information on the internet and talking to my SO (who has had experience with cows) I've decided that in the long run goats would be best for us.

Right now we can't get goats since we both drive a truck full-time but when things finally start getting paid for we hope to start "homesteading". We have three fairly heavily wooded acres. Some open areas with grass, but for the most part trees and undergrowth. Our trees are hickory, oaks, pine & cedar.

I do have some questions with regards to space requirements. I know we'd have to build a "goat barn" for them, and that's not an issue. I know that when the time comes I can always come here with my thoughts about layout etc. and you wonderful kind folks will be as helpful as always.

Basically, with two to three does, how much "grazing" space would we need to set aside?

Can it be partially grassy and partially "shaded" (as in under the trees)?

How would the does grazing on "roughage" (i.e. undergrowth) affect milk production? Or would I be better off getting wethers for that?

I'm sure I'll come up with more questions but those are the ones that have been on my mind lately (since we're doing space planning for our "House" when we build it).

Thanks!

[Alice In TX/MO]

Dairy goats do not need grazing space. They need browsing area. Underbrush, shrubs, etc.

There is a gold mine of info here:
http://fiascofarm.com/goats/index.htm

[shanzone2001]

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

Dairy goats do not need grazing space. They need browsing area. Underbrush, shrubs, etc.

There is a gold mine of info here:
http://fiascofarm.com/goats/index.htm

I recently learned that goats browse and sheep graze. Funny what you find out on this forum! Alice gave you an excellent reference...all I can add is that I have learned goats will eat pretty much anything unless they become spoiled and expect grain and alfalfa. I learned that the hard way. When they are producing milk their nutritional requirements will change, but just go to the link Alice sent.
Good luck- I have learned much more on this forum than from books because the advice is real and firsthand.

[wintrrwolf]

Hehehe I got my first goat (ponders) 6 months ago...got her before I sought advise. Took me just 2 days to realize "hey she don't really eat the grass" but boy did she take town the lower half of a tree and bush and Ivy(that was growing on the house) while I had her in the fenced area. Good thing I really didn't like that bush cause its gone. So glad I found this site and the people here Sugarbaby is too, so far she and Gypsy have survived me. Tell ya though my neighbors don't know the difference they thought goats eat grass like the other neighbors sheep do...now I have to act like I know what I am talking about pffft. I did notice my pygmy grazes more than the other two do, maybe she has a little baaa in her naaaa?

[cnichols]

Ty for the replies and the link. Will review the info when I get a chance. Back on the road now so I-net time is limited.

Glad to know our land is perfectly suited to goats! Was worried we didn't have enough grass

Next I need to figure out how much room. Also, are temporary browsing areas okay as long as they are escape-proof?