I am thinking about goats or pigs any advice or information?

[StevenW.]

goats eat about everything!!! wat mine like the most r crunchy dead leaves they prefered them over the grass

forgot to mension goats can jump very high and at least a 5 foot fence is required

 

[la dee da]

Quote:
Wether or not your goats will climb (or jump) the chain link depends entirely on the individual goat. Most goat and hog people use electric fencing to keep the animals off (and thus in) the fence. I believe the reccomendation is 6" off the ground to keep them from going under, and another one at shoulder height (the animals shoulder height). I don't know if your pasture would count as grass or browse, but I do know goats will eat nettles, and thistle and such. Goats even prefer feed like that, from what I hear. As for dairy goats (goats used for milk) I reccomend the book "Storey's guide to dairy goats". It's a great, informative book and then you'll know enough information to ask the right questions, or not ask questions if it answers them all for you!

Try joining Backyardherds (BYC sister site, there's a link at the bottom of the page), the people there are very informative.

 

[Amyable]

Welcome ocaw! Never raised goats, but my family raises a few pigs every couple years. Pigs are so easy. Yes, 2 strands of hot wire will keep them contained, and a simple shelter if you're not over-wintering them. They will rototill the area they are in for you, and they pick one place to poo and always go there (usually by the gate, haha!

) My dad uses a commercial feed that he mixes with water to make a slop, plus they love any garden scraps and weeds. One year he was able to supplement with old milk from a dairy distributor in town, and it was super tender pork.

Pigs can be very friendly if you handle them every day. They will roll over to have their bellies scratched. The years we didn't handle them, they were skittish. I would caution against keeping them near poultry; pigs will eat chickens. 25 acres, you shouldn't have any space issues. Good luck!