I have a GOAT question

[Kaitie09]

I have a pygmy and 2 boers. all of them are picky eaters. They will not eat anything other than tree leaves. Mine might be super picky but that is what I have experienced. Just know that my 2 Boers are able to hop a 5ft fence like it is a stick on the ground. The pygmy can squeeze under the fence if it is more than 6 inches off the ground, she just works it until it is a little more pliable. The good thing though it that after a little bit, they won't stray from your property. Mine know they are bad and so as soon I go out and yell at them, they run right back into their pen.

I really compare them to big dogs. they each have their own personality and make me laugh everyday. If they get bored, they will get into mischief. I built a playground for them using old picnic tables and giant wooden spools that I got off of CL for free.

Here are the two trouble makers doing what they do.

 

[elevan]

What they eat depends on the season of their browse. They'll eat whatever it is when it's "ripe" when they have a large selection. There are things in my field that they'll only eat for a 2 week period out of the year...that's when that weed is "ripe" to them. Mine have about 4 acres of browse...and my pygmies do quite well when browsing.

 

[HorsebackandHappy]

Though 30X40 is an OK size, they will eventually run out of food. You will have to buy hay, so keep that in mind. Though smaller breeds do eat less. I have nubians and a nigerian dwarf. A nigierian dwarf is about the size of a pygmy, but is actually a dairy breed.

Are you just wanting pets who weed eat for you? If so I would get wethers (fixed boys) you can find them cheap, and they make wonderful pets. Just remember that just like every other pet there will be vaccines, and vet bills, food bills etc . . . Wethers rarely need grain, though, which is a big plus for pet goats.

I love my goats! I would recommend goats to anyone who loves a lot of personality, playfulness and even ornryness LOL! Though goats will bond to other animals, they are happier with each other. You can easily buy 2 wethers for less than a single doe. The kennel needs to be in good repair, though. Goats can be amazing escape artists and they are very smart! Without good fencing they are not only able to get out, but dogs can get in.