Are Sheep and Goats stinky?

[Sebrightmom]

If you want to spin and a smaller breed, you could go with Shetlands or angoras. I have a friend that has Shetlands. They are very sweet. I had angoras for a while. They were really nice goats.

 

[mrbstephens]

Are there no dual purpose? (no meat) Or will I have to get one goat for milking and one goat or sheep for fiber?

I realize I will have to get at least two animals for companionship and NO MALES.

 

[hearthnsoul]

I wonder about a nigora? angora/nigerian mix

 

[Sebrightmom]

I have heard of people breeding Angoras to other breeds. You might be able to find one mixed with a dairy goat and have one that could be milked. I have also heard of people spinning from dairy goats when they are shedding their winter coats. I have never spun it. I love spinning fiber from my angora rabbits. The shetland is very nice to spin also.

 

[arabianequine]

Quote:
I would get them banded....so not a buck then they won't stink as bad anyways.

 

[the simple life]

Quote:
Stinkier than chickens or about the same? What's so great about pygmey goats? Can I milk them? Can I spin their fiber?

Pygmy goats are smaller and that is probably why she recommended them to you since you only have a 1/2 yard for them.
Goats especially full size goats are going to need some room to roam but the pygmy and nigerian breeds are much smaller than the full size goats so you can get away with smaller housing.
They are also easier to handle, goats, even the dwarf breeds are very strong and the full size can way over 150 lbs.
The only fiber goats I know of are the angoras, if you want decent fiber then you want sheep.
You can milk any size goat, nigerians are known for the high butterfat content in their milk and I think the pygmy breed isn't far behind.
I find the pygmys to have the best personalities.
Goats don't smell unless you don't clean their housing, my goats only smell like hay.
Most all goats are loud and all goats and sheep will eat anything in sight, trees, shrubs, flowers etc.

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

I raise goats. How much space do you really have? I'm not sure you have enough space to house them and give them what they need. Have you thought about fencing? Neighbors will not take kindly to the goats hopping the fence and munching on their prize shrub or flower beds. Many of the goats mentioned are going to be able to climb or jump over some fencing. Some goats can be noisy they will need a shelter. Goats hate to be rained or snowed on. They don't mind the cold...they just don't like being wet. They also need shade...esp. if you have goats with long hair. When you say 1/2 yard - what does that mean - how much space is a 1/2 yard?

Are you willing to devote the time it takes to milk a goat...each and every day the same time? I hate to be negative - but if a rooster bothered them - I'd be willing to bet a pair of goats might bother them too.

 

[Celeste]

Quote:
Not sure how easy they would be to find but I had a woman in Idaho buy a Nigerian buck for doing this type of crossbreed.

 

[mrbstephens]

jojo@rolling acres farm :

I raise goats. How much space do you really have? I'm not sure you have enough space to house them and give them what they need. Have you thought about fencing? Neighbors will not take kindly to the goats hopping the fence and munching on their prize shrub or flower beds. Many of the goats mentioned are going to be able to climb or jump over some fencing. Some goats can be noisy they will need a shelter. Goats hate to be rained or snowed on. They don't mind the cold...they just don't like being wet. They also need shade...esp. if you have goats with long hair. When you say 1/2 yard - what does that mean - how much space is a 1/2 yard?

Are you willing to devote the time it takes to milk a goat...each and every day the same time? I hate to be negative - but if a rooster bothered them - I'd be willing to bet a pair of goats might bother them too.

Sorry, I must have typed wrong. I meant 1/2 acre. My house is set in the middle and my backyard is fenced in. My chicken coop is back there and so is the kids swing set and playhouse. I stay at home and would be milking the goat every day. My husband built the chicken coop and playhouse, so a shelter for goats wouldn't be a problem at all. I wouldn't be able to devote the whole backyard to goats, because it is a play area for my children too. How much of an area would I have to provide per goat? Additional fencing would have to be installed. My backyard is also very shady with lots of trees.​

 

[Beekissed]

You could try Katahdin sheep..and they do NOT stink, even the rams. They are a hair breed that shed their wool, so their wool is not a good grade for spinning but they are also milky~produce much milk for their lambs~and can be milked. They are quiet if they have a companion and are no trouble at all. They are medium sized and are considered a meat breed of sheep. I love mine!

If you are looking for meat/fiber/milk combo, you might inquire on the BYH and they can advise you on the breeds most likely to fulfill your needs.

My two Katahdin/St. Croix ewes and a visiting Katahdin ram on the right of the pic. I love their many colors!