Through the winter I had a hard time storing milk for my coffee. You’d think that it would keep well stored in a snowbank but, no. Milk needs to stay at less than -5°C to stay frozen for the months that we wouldn’t be going to town. Surprisingly on a sunny day, the ambient air is often warmer than that. We learned the hard way.
I was looking for a solution. Cows produce too much milk and need a LOT of food and water. Goats are smaller and thus more manageable. They are also known to do double-duty clearing underbrush. Goats made a lot of sense. There was one problem though. I didn’t like goats.
Most people think they’re funny and cute. Not me. I think they smell weird. They’re pushy and mischievous. Some aren’t friendly at all. I decided that they made sense - for milk, even though I’m not a fan of goat milk. To be honest I was secretly dreading it. When I found two ‘adorable’ goats for sale, I sent Curt who knows nothing about goats to check them out.
He said ‘they look like goats to me!’ and sent photos of the wrong goats (he’s learning, it’s SO cute). So, when I picked up Dash and Feta I did it hesitantly. Tensely watching them in the rearview mirror as they rode in the back of the truck. I was nervous. They nonchalantly chomped on hay.
Too snowy to drive all the way up, we parked the truck on the road. We were going to have to walk a couple of kilometres with our new goats. I clipped on their new collars and leashes. They obviously had no idea what we were planning to do, and acted nervous as we offloaded them from the truck.
‘This is going to be a disaster’ I thought.
Away we went, through the deep snow in the woods. Surprisingly, the goats were thrilled! Hopping along in the snow and jumping over fallen trees. Instead of trying to escape, they seemed to see us as their guides. They would try to walk ahead, although they didn’t know where we were going. I was certain I was going to lose my new goats, but they never left.
These guys were chomping on everything as they walked by. These are farm goats, do they have any idea what they can’t eat? I hoped so. I watched Dash chomp on a leaf and spit it out. Maybe they do..
Now, after having these two for well over a year - I’m convinced. More than convinced, I’ve fully converted. Not only is the milk creamy and delicious in my coffee, but they have wonderful personalities and make great pets. I would go as far as to say, goats before dogs.
Goats Before Dogs
Hear me out. In town we’re allowed to have canine companions, but not goats. My neighbours on both sides had dogs. Almost every house in the neighbourhood had one. They smell, poop, make noise, and occasionally bite people - all things that goats do too! However, a dog’s only real purpose is to give us companionship, which goats are great at as well.
Picture a neighbourhood with dwarf goats instead of dogs. People walking their happy little nannies, like they do their dogs but with one big difference. Goats give you milk. When was the last time your dog gave you anything you can put in the fridge? Fresh milk daily? Yes, please.
Goats will eat your yard. They’re likely to eat everything in their reach, however, they’ll also keep it tidy. If you have a blackberry problem the goats are there to help. Mine chomp away on prickly rose bushes very happily. Dogs burn the grass with their pee, dig for fun, and come with their own laundry list of pesky behaviour.
As I’m writing this, another reason everyone needs a goat presents itself. Dog food is expensive and you really can’t make it yourself. Goats happily eat yard trimmings, kitchen scraps, leaves, etc., saving lots on food. Your little cloven-hoofed companion could be giving you milk, and emptying the green waste bin. On top of that, dog poop goes where? Goat droppings can be made into compost and added to your yard or garden.
To summarize, goats have entirely won me over. They’re classified as livestock, which makes them prohibited in most cities and towns. But really, what’s the difference? I know that it’s a bit far-fetched - little cervids living amongst us. But compared to our wolfish friends, is it really THAT ridiculous?
Hi Amy, was looking to send you a message but don't see an option for that. I have a few questions for you about goats. I'm looking at getting a couple this year and my neighbour who is selling them is giving me some options. I can either buy the kids as soon as they can leave the mom, or get the mom (while pregnant) and the billy. From what I've found so far, the billy goats can be a real pain. They also can stink a lot since they pee on themselves during mating seasons.
Do you just have females?
Any experience with billy goats?
What breed are yours?
How do they fare during the winter? do you have shelter built for them? heated in any way?
What about water? do they do ok with eating snow for short periods or is water essential? I ask because keeping water from freezing will be a challenge when I'm away for work.
Thanks!
Mat
I love those two goats. During my stay they had me well trained. I spent a great deal of time looking for cool stuff for them to eat. They were so thankful! They brought a smile to my face on many a occasion. The funniest was when Dash had a chicken riding on his back. I think the both of them enjoyed the experience. The best part was the next day when the chicken rode again. Guess they are besties 😏.
Great story.