Probably stupid goat question from a beginner

[Joey Wahoo]

We have recently fenced about 10 acres and have two horses in the pasture now. We have too many weeds, vines, young trees, etc. The pasture is rich with fescue, orchard grass and clover.

I am thinking of adding a goat in the hopes that it will eat the weeds, vines, etc. If the goat will simply, like the horses, eat the good stuff, then there is no need to get one. What do y'all think.

Also, what will I need to do to keep a goat fed in the winter and what kind of shelter do they need?

thanks in advance

[trixiwick]

Not a stupid question at all! Goats are a great solution to getting rid of all the crap that horses/sheep won't eat. They love weeds, brush, etc. I would get at least two, since they are herd animals and happiest among friends. Two will eat twice as much, also!

Hay is the key to keeping goats over the winter. I use an alfalfa/orchard grass mix with mine, but other people may chime in with different opinions about this.

As for shelter, all goats need is someplace to get out of bad weather. A three-sided run-in will do fine, or whatever barn you have for your horses. They just need to get out of the rain, because goats HATE rain.

Good luck with your search! Goats are TONS of fun.

[jill.costello]

I agree! My Goaties eat only the vines and brambl-y stuff and the horses really seem to like the goats: they're perfect pasture companions!!

[natybear]

Just make sure you're okay with the goats stripping your young trees. They will eat everything they can reach, leaves, stems, soft new bark.

[Antoinette]

Make sure you get at least two goats, as one will cry constantly for a goat friend, they are herd animals.

[lijj]

I tried putting my two goats in with my two horses and I think my horses have never seen goats before, because... well, the goats ran, and the horses ran after, bucking and going nuts and acting dumb... I tried it again and the one horse jumped over the spring gate so.. I don't know if that's going to work. My one horse is so overdominant, (it kicks it friend ), so it'll probably end up killing my goats. Lol

[Joey Wahoo]

...to all for the helpful feedback!

[Key]

Joey...
one other thing to consider, do you have fencing suitable for goats????? (net and electric together work well for us!)
When we orginally bought a few goats, we learned the hard way that the fence that will keep in cows and horses does NOT keep in goats.
If you are interested in goats and want your brush cleared, I would just adapt your fence if necessary. Based on my expereince, I really enjoy horses and goats, and I bet you will too if your fences will keep those escape artists in!

[Laura Workman]

You do have to watch how the horses react. Some horses hate goats, others love them, still others don't care. If you can work out a temporary pen where the horses could see and sniff, but not kick, the goats for a week or so, that will probably make introductions easier.