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.
Hi Matt! Is your main goal for the goats for land clearing?
I wouldn't say that I'm an expert by any stretch but I'm happy to share my experience.
I have one dwarf female and a dwarf/boer wether (neutered) as her companion.
Which breed does the neighbour have?
My brother had Boer goats when we were kids and the Billy's were seriously icky and pushy. That said, if they're not near your house it may not matter.
I have a small shelter for my two, and I lock them up at night because some of my nearest 'neighbours' goats are regularly attacked by cougars. Getting them to 'go to bed' can be a real chore. The shelter isn't heated, goats are very tough in cold weather and grow an extra thick coat for the winter. I rarely see them shiver.
Water - people say, water every day. My experience has been that I bring them a bucket, they have a sip, the rest freezes, and they eat snow instead. One consideration is that eating snow drops their body temperature, so they really appreciate a bucket on colder days.
Actually, if you're starting a small herd and worried about predators when you're away I'd consider a donkey friend?
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 😏.
Amy, sure enjoyed reading your story about goats. It was very interesting. So how will you store the milk this winter? Keep the stories coming, always enjoy reading them. Have a good winter, hope that you have lots of fire wood to keep warm!
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
Hi Matt! Is your main goal for the goats for land clearing?
I wouldn't say that I'm an expert by any stretch but I'm happy to share my experience.
I have one dwarf female and a dwarf/boer wether (neutered) as her companion.
Which breed does the neighbour have?
My brother had Boer goats when we were kids and the Billy's were seriously icky and pushy. That said, if they're not near your house it may not matter.
I have a small shelter for my two, and I lock them up at night because some of my nearest 'neighbours' goats are regularly attacked by cougars. Getting them to 'go to bed' can be a real chore. The shelter isn't heated, goats are very tough in cold weather and grow an extra thick coat for the winter. I rarely see them shiver.
Water - people say, water every day. My experience has been that I bring them a bucket, they have a sip, the rest freezes, and they eat snow instead. One consideration is that eating snow drops their body temperature, so they really appreciate a bucket on colder days.
Actually, if you're starting a small herd and worried about predators when you're away I'd consider a donkey friend?
Cheers!
Amy
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.
Thank you, Rose! haha, the chicken riding Dash has become a regular thing!
I think it might be time to write a children's book..
Loved reading this , sure makes sense that a small goat for personal milk is perfect , keep on keepin on wild child !
Keep on keepin on wild woman!!
Good job on the writing !
Thank you 😊
Amy, sure enjoyed reading your story about goats. It was very interesting. So how will you store the milk this winter? Keep the stories coming, always enjoy reading them. Have a good winter, hope that you have lots of fire wood to keep warm!
Thank you Alida! ❤️
This winter will be fresh milk daily!
From the goat directly to my coffee.
That's a very entertaining, informative and cute story!!! Good For You!!!
YES! That’s awesome Amy🥰
You’ve got a point with those pros and cons.