Goats and sheep on half a acre

[Matija]

So i know i cant keep them together in pen because of copper problem but can i have their feed in their separate pens and let them together on pasture.and how many sheeps and how many goats can i keep on my property (this is one idea,i dont say i will do it maybe in the future when i will work myself for money but i want to plan everything)

 

[Birdsong 82]

In my opinion I would go with only goats or only sheep. I have four coats on 2 acres and I know I’ve reached my limit. There needs a Knouff room to be able to have their fenced in area a shelter and room to graze throughout the property. Maybe picking a smaller breed of goats would be a good option for you. But if you get a goat always get to. They are the most social animal I can Think of. And I believe that goes for sheep also. What type of sheep and what type of goats were you thinking of

 

[Birdsong 82]

That’s weird my post disappeared. In my opinion. Which is not the only opinion I’m sure is I would go with just Sheep or just goats. I guess it would depend on what type of sheep and what type of goats you wanted to get. Goats need a lot of room to Graze. I have four right now and no I have reached my limit for my 2 acres. I don’t know much about sheep because I do not have any When you get a goat you must always get more than one. Goats are the most social creatures I know. Someone once told me A lonely goat will die of a broken heart. And it’s very true. What type of goats would you get

 

[Latestarter]

your post (both now) showed up Rachel.

On a 1/2 acre lot, which I presume also has a dwelling, you'll also need some space for people use, it doesn't leave a whole lot of room for large herbivores, nor will it provide all the feed necessary for them. What are your intentions for them? pets? livestock to breed? freezer fillers for you down the road? Goats and sheep can be kept together but you'll need to make sure you buy sheep feed and sheep minerals for both as goats require a LOT more copper than sheep. The goats can be provided copper boluses to provide them the copper they need and the feed needs are virtually the same.

Goats (most) prefer to browse (trees, leaves, twigs, bark, branches, woody weeds, your best landscaping plants) though they will require long stemmed grass (hay) to keep their rumen working properly. Sheep prefer to graze (but WILL browse, the same as goats) and need lots of grasses/hay. On such a small property, you'd be wise to consider dry lotting them, in other word, keeping them contained in a penned area, and only letting them out onto your property while being supervised. A couple of either will turn your property into a dirt lot in a matter of a couple of weeks.

Either species you buy, they are herd animals and need a same breed companion, so 2 sheep or 2 goats or of you must do both, 4 animals total. You had best also check for your zoning laws as to wether you can even keep livestock on your property. It would really suck to get them and then be cited by law and need to get rid of them.

 

[Matija]

Well i have only 3 species to choose from:alpine,bagan and domestic balkan.and about sheep i can choose romanian sheep and some other that i cant identify.

 

[Birdsong 82]

Are those the only breeds in your area? Like I said I don’t know much about sheet but as far as goats alpines Are probably the best option for your size because of their size but Alpine goats are known for their escape abilities. All goats are escape artists but they’re better than the rest. I don’t know much about the other ones I actually had to look them up because I’ve never heard of them

 

[Matija]

Sorry to put all of you in this situation but i can onlyask you because forums where i can ask people who live here they will just laugh at me for not knowing

 

[Birdsong 82]

I’m not sure what you’re sorry for. I love discussing goats. I do have a big heart for goats. They’re one of my favorite even my coworkers tease me and call me goat lady

 

[Birdsong 82]

And no one should laugh at you for not knowing. I very much respect people that want to do their research before getting

 

[Birdsong 82]

Oh. I just looked at your profile you’re in Europe. That’s probably why I never heard of the other two.