Concrete rubble in goat pen? (Newbie here)

Providence Hill · #1 04/03/13, 08:34 AM

We are planning to start with goats this summer, and I'm thinking about where to site the goat shelter/pen. We are hoping to buy a Nubian doe and her purebred doeling from a friend, and my daughter will also be raising a 4-H market kid some years, so we're planning for 4 goats max but will sometimes have less. I'm thinking of a 48' x 48' pen of t-posts and livestock panels, and an 8' x 12' run-in shelter with the ability to partition off a kidding pen. Unfortunately due to the constraints of our property and fencing the goats will not be pastured.

Here's my question, which is probably a dumb one but I'm a goat newbie. The site I've chosen for the pen includes a small pile of concrete rubble left over from the demolition of our front walk. It's in fairly small chunks, but is a pretty stable pile. I had originally thought to avoid it while siting the pen, but it's right next to an immense tree trunk which I think might be a great goat toy. Would it be okay in the pen, or do I need to worry about legs getting caught if it shifts while they climb it? I know goats are adapted to scrambling over rocks, but I grew up with horses, not goats, and am still hyper-careful about potential leg injuries. Are there any potential toxicity issues if they consume small amounts of concrete dust by licking/tasting the rubble? Neither the trunk nor the concrete are going anywhere anytime soon, so it would be great if they could be useful as goat amusements and not just eyesores.

Thanks for the advice!

coso · #2 04/03/13, 09:33 AM

If it is a stable pile I would not worry about it. It would help keep there feet wore down, so you wouldn't have to trim as much.

chewie · #3 04/03/13, 01:52 PM

I actually had hubby put a pile of concrete in the buck pen and their feet are seldom in need of trimming. ours was from an old foundation and they love it. if the pieces are small, I'd be picking them up if they are small enough to get in their mouth, but otherwise, sounds like you can leave it.

Minelson · #4 04/03/13, 02:57 PM

Ass long as they can't use the pile or the tree trunk to jump out it will be a great toy and help with their hooves

Providence Hill · #5 04/03/13, 07:21 PM

Thanks so much! That makes me feel a lot better, I'm glad it will go to good use.

Awnry Abe · #6 04/03/13, 10:31 PM

What coso said is pretty much what I think, but I would clarify that mini rolling boulders about the size of a bowling ball are what would worry me if they were mine. If the concrete is still flat and slabby, it would be good goat pen material after it settles. They not only like to climb it, but you will find them laying in it on a sunny cool day soaking up all of that extra energy from the rock.

Frosted Mini's · #7 04/04/13, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minelson

Ass

I'm surprised the forum didn't bleep that out.

Minelson · #8 04/04/13, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosted Mini's

I'm surprised the forum didn't bleep that out.

I know! It's not ok to say ----y but it's ok to say ass lol!!!

d-inky