Goat/Sheep = Lawnmower: Economical Idea?

[BantyHugger]

We were wondering how much goats eat. If we just let 1 or 2 graze on our 2 acres would there be enough for them to eat or would we still have to buy lots of feed? Whats the average cost of feeding a goat? Would what i saved on gas for the lawnmower be equal to the cost of feeding the goat?
Just an Idea-
Mariah

EDT: We have determined that goats are too destructive and don't graze as much as sheep. From here on we are comparing sheep vs.goats for lawnmowers. However the question of having to buy them food still stands. Also would i be able to fit the same number of sheep (1 or 2) on my 2 acres? Aren't sheep terrified of dogs? Can you train them to think of the dogs like their flock? Also what would be the best breed for the mowing purpose?

 

[babymakes6]

We are doing the same thing. Goats will eat ANYTHING! Two acres will be plenty for 1-2 goats.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Well, goats only get the very tops of grass and would rather browse on things other than grass often, such as weeds, flowers, shrubbery. So, if you don't mind that, I say it's worth a shot.

 

[momof247371]

we have a pasture for our goats, but we let them out to free range for 6 hours a day to eat all the grass they can. we own 4 acres and have 5 goats(all girls) but we add a male or two when breeding season is in. so it should be fine if your goats are lap dogs like ours, if they arent, be sure to put up enough fence so they dont get on the road and get hit. i hope this helps

 

[BeardedChick]

Is it well fenced for goats? If not, you need to factor in the cost of them jumping up and down on the neighbor's cars.

& maybe replacing the neighbor's shrubbery.

From what I have read, people that buy them to be mowers are often dissatisfied because goats will pick out the short yummy weeds and leave the grass too long.

But mine seem to like the grass, too.

 

[NancyDz]

I've heard that sheep are sometimes better for this purpose if there isnt a lot of shrubbery.... I don't have any so I'm just throwing it out there so others can chime in if they know hehehe

 

[BantyHugger]

Our yard is all fenced in to keep our dogs and chickens in. It is Cattle fencing (that stuff with the square holes. I forgot what its called.) I consider my whole yard a weed

So long as i don't have to but them a ton of extra food i would happily get one.

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

For a lawnmower, I think you want Sheep. In my opinion, sheep or grazers / lawnmowers. Goats are browwers. For me, my goats pasture with my horses. The horses eat the grass and the goats eat the weeds. They LOVE the weeds.

 

[BantyHugger]

Quote:
Interesting. Are they less picky about what they will eat? My mother grew up with sheep so I'm sure she'd be open to that idea. I also happen to know that there are 3 babydoll lambs for sale down the way.

 

[Henrietta23]

Quote:
I have heard that also, but I don't have any of either myself.