OK a few dumb questions about space.

[The Bunny Ranch]

My whole backyard is privacy fenced. We have about an acre back there. I have a chicken coop in the very back of the property. I was wanting to fence in that whole area (about 50x70) for 2 small goats. Would that be enough space? There are a lot of bushes and weeds to munch back on the fence line. They will have a small enclosure with 2 stalls. I also have a pond around the area we're wanting to fence off. Will I need to fence around the pond so they cannot get near it? It's not very deep. Maybe 4-5 ft.

I'm wanting to breed them eventually for milk and meat. I don't know though because I think we only have enough room for 2 small goats.

Will it be ok that the goats will be by the chicken coop also?

Thank you so much!

I probably have more questions but my brain just isn't working this morning.

OH I will try to get some pictures if you all would like. I don't have any batteries and I'd have to run to the store and get some.

Thankkkkks!

[LoneStrChic23]

I have 2 mini alpines and one standard alpine in a 60ft x 40ft enclosure with no problems at all..... I do have to stay on clean up duty and rake up the pen about once a month, and I provide hay and pellets feeders in two separate places just in case anyone gets pushy at the feeders (2 feeders for alfalfa pellets and 2 hay racks) and it works out just fine.

Im adding another standard doe, plus keeping a kid so I'm expanding my fencing after my forage seeds I planted in the new area get established

[coso]

Don't worry about the pond. Mine will not step in a puddle if they can keep from it.

[CaliannG]

Goats are allergic to water that is not currently inhabiting a special water trough, so they won't get into your pond.

The standard rule of thumb for goats, if you want them to get a significant portion of their nutrition from browse, is:

Standard size-- 5 goats per acre.
Mini size-- 8 goats per acre
Nigerian Dwarf size-- 10 goats per acre.

If you are providing ALL nutritional needs and do not expect the goats to have to forage for ANY of their food, then you need about:

Standard size-- 100 sq. ft per goat. (10' x 10')
Mini-- 65 sq. ft per goat (about an 8' x 8')
Nigerian Dwarf-- 36 sq. ft. per goat (about 6' x 6')

So, if you are providing nearly all of their nutritional needs, then your 50' x 70' area with pond will be FINE. They will also clear out any underbrush you might have back there.

[Oat Bucket Farm]

All water not safely contained within a bucket or trough is considered wild water. As a general rule goats will have little do with wild water. If its fairly clean water and laying innocently on the ground like a pond or creek, they will drink from it but that is pretty much it. Wild water is very unpredictable you know. One minute it's on the ground, the next thing you know it's falling from the sky. Some goats don't care and will stand in the rain or wade in a river. But most goats know just how dangerous such behavior can be...they might melt you know.

Oh and an acre will be fine for what you are wanting. As far as sharing space with the chickens, my bucks successfully share space with the chickens. Although to the disgust of the bucks, the chickens lay eggs in their hay and to teh disgust of the chickens, the bucks grab snacks from the chicken's scrap bucket.

[The Bunny Ranch]

Goats are such funny creatures!!

We're going to start on the area today.

Will they eat the privacy fence? My husband seems to think that they will.

[The Bunny Ranch]

I'd also like to add that I want a Nigerian Dwarf.

I know that bucks like to pee on themselves does it really smell as bad as people say it does?

I'd like a doe and a buck but I could stand for maybe 2 does and a buck.

Does and bucks should be separated right?

[CaliannG]

You' have plenty of room for 2 does and a buck.

Build a washing stand for your buck. No, they don't stink to high heaven ALL of the time, and a buck that runs with the does doesn't stink as bad as a buck penned away from doe....but in season, you will want him to have a bath.

[Oat Bucket Farm]

They will probably at least taste the fence and see what they think. Whether or not they eat it will depend on what they think of taste.

Buck smell is generally not that bad until they go into rut. And even then it's not that bad...when there is a strong wind blowing and you are up wind of them.

Ours are seperated by a six foot chainlink fence line and don't share a shelter. Our buck has his wether buddy to butt heads with and to curl up with when its cold.

[Gaby Rose]

What if she wants to milk the does and is keeping the buck in with them? Will this give the milk that goaty flavor? Just wondering...

[CaliannG]

YEEK! Gaby Rose! Can of worms! Can of worms!

I shall say it now: Keeping a buck with your does does NOT cause milk to have a goaty or off flavor. The HEALTH of the doe, and the milking practices of the owner, affect the flavor of the milk...NOT whether or not there is a buck, or a garlic pressing plant, near your does.

[Gaby Rose]

Oh...I had no idea there was a can of worms being cracked open when I made that comment. Thanks for clearing that up!

[The Bunny Ranch]

Well I hope they don't like the flavor of the fence because it is treated. Who knows what it was treated with.

You guys are truly amazing.

Now I just need to find me some goats .

[CaliannG]

~grinz~ You wouldn't BELIEVE the heated debates that a simple, innocent question can cause around here...MUCH to the consternation of the poor person who asked.