Does anyone out there own goats? Lots
What breeds? And how many? Sables (colored Saanens) x 10, Meat/Nubian crosses x 2 - don't have alot right now, was up to the60 range for awhile though.
What are you raising them for? Mainly milk, I sell kids for show and family milkers, and sell the excess bucks at the auction.
What do you do with their milk? drink it, make soap, make cheese, feed the chickens and the pigs
Are they easy to care for? They are not the easiest animal to care for that I've ever had (pigs and chickens top the list for ease for me), but they aren't "hard" as long as you give them what they need.
Do you think its worth the money and effort spent? Most days... lol
Etc, etc....
Now your ease of care and money input is going to depend a lot on what kind of pasture you can offer them, if you already have existing shelter, etc. Do you have a pasture and or browse for them? Is it easy/cheap to get hay in your area? What about grain? If you have milkers, you will more than likely be feeding them grain during milking. There will also be the ocassional vet costs, plus vaccine/medicine costs. You will need to learn to trim their feet or have them trimmed. If you're raising dairy goats, chances are you will want to disbud the kids so they don't get horns, can you do that or will you have it done? You will need secure fencing for your goats. Height and level of security will depend on type of goats and type of predators in your area. What about shelter? They need at minimum a 3 sided lean to, and really a shed of some sort is better. If you are milking, you'll need a place to milk in also. Speaking of milking... are you willing to set aside time twice a day to milk a goat? You can eventually take them to once a day, but at first it's twice a day. What will you do with the extra kids? Will you keep a buck to breed your does to, or send them out for breeding? Keeping them on property will require a seperate pasture area and shelter. Goats don't like to be alone, they are herd animals, so you need at least two. And no... a horse/burro/cow/sheep will not work well as a companion.
A few things to think about.. lol.
The best part of goats is that they are just so wonderful. I can't imagine ever spending life without them!
OHHH and, whenever you get ready to purchase your goats, please please please buy them from a reputable source. Don't go buy them from an auction. There are some goat diseases out there and I really would hate for you to start out your herd and contaminate your property right off the bat.
