Lets talk about goats!

[GitaBooks]

Thanks! That was very helpful.

Now that I am leaning towards a 15x10 for their pen, how big should their hut be? Also, what is the minimum size that a baby goat can squeeze through in a fence?

Miniature goats can use a relatively small shed, something that allows hay, water, and space for sleeping, eating, ect. A garden-type shed works well for a couple of goats.

As for the proper fencing, I hope this helps: http://www.tractorsupply.com/know-h...her_goat_choose-the-right-fence-for-your-goat

I've heard the suggestion that mini goat kids should have some chicken wire wrapped around the bottom of the fence. Not only do you not want them to escape, but you don't want them to get legs, heads, horns, ect caught in the fence.

 

[chixcoop]

Thanks!

Someone told me that two goats are equal in price to taking care of a horse! This isn't true is it? How much $ in vet bills should I be expecting per year per goat?

 

[GitaBooks]

Well, I'm not quite sure on price (as I wasn't the one buying anything for the goats) but if you are only speaking of vet expenses then they really aren't that much unless they get sick. They need wormed as needed (varying expense depending on climate, individual goat, and type of wormer), hooves trimmed (doesn't cost anything unless you pay a vet to do it for you), possibly treated for lice or other external parasites (again, on an as-needed basis depending on climate, individual, ect), and vaccinated (again, depending on where you live and what diseases are most prevalent in your area, but generally not that expensive). You may also ask for assistance with castrating the young or removing their horns. The most common reasons for needing a vet in an emergency would be for injury, difficult births, or unknown viral/bacterial infections.

The cost can vary so much that its hard to know, so asking around locally will give you an idea of what are the common diseases, parasites, and even local injuries/illness (rocky land, damp land, poisonous plants). Also, there are certain ways to lower expenses using other methods, but these do not always work as well. Again, asking around will get you a lot of opinions and idea on how to treat an ill goat and how to prevent disease. A draft-free, dry, safe shed with plenty of hay, a pasture to play and forage in, and prevention against hoof or parasite problems will keep most problems at bay.

Also, if you plan on getting milk from your does, keep in mind this will lead to other expenses (proper equipment) and possibly illnesses (infections in the udder, difficult births, sick kids). You will also have to feed a few extra mouths until the kids are old enough to go to a new home. Depending on if you take the kids from their mother early or milk the mother and let the kid continue to feed from her at the same time, which works if you only want milk for your family (they produce plenty), you may also have to pay for the proper formula for the young or seek out proper homes that can care for them (which is not always an easy task in some areas).

All in all, goats do not have to be expensive at all. It really depends on so many factors. A simple shed, some secure fencing, and a few make-shift feeders will do for a couple goats. You can even grow your own grass-hay (we did this). Research will help you decide which course of action is best for your individual needs.

(by the way, when it comes to animals, unexpected expenses are the common-place. The more prepared you are before you get them, the easier it will be. Starting simple may not be the best way to go about things if it leads to goats that constantly escape or injuries and infections)

 

[politicalcenter]

I have goats and they don't cost much at all after the fencing and housing is up. I worm them once a month and let them graze. They have plenty of room and only need hay during the cold months. I think that worm medicine is the key to healthy goats.

 

[sphinxface]

Thinking of getting goats someday (once we figure out the pen location, building of housing), so subscribing to this thread seemed smart.

But I was wondering, is it ok to keep 1 male pygmy goat and 1 male angora goat together just the 2 of them? Since I know they need at least 1 friend we need 2 goats but is it ok that they are such different sizes/variety? They will also be kept with chickens. I just wanna make sure it's ok, all my googling only turns up pygora goat breeding and thats not the point. I might just settle on getting an angora rabbit anyway but am just curious

 

[GitaBooks]

Thinking of getting goats someday (once we figure out the pen location, building of housing), so subscribing to this thread seemed smart.

But I was wondering, is it ok to keep 1 male pygmy goat and 1 male angora goat together just the 2 of them? Since I know they need at least 1 friend we need 2 goats but is it ok that they are such different sizes/variety? They will also be kept with chickens. I just wanna make sure it's ok, all my googling only turns up pygora goat breeding and thats not the point. I might just settle on getting an angora rabbit anyway but am just curious

As long as they do well during introduction (and of course are fixed) then the only issue would be who hogs the food, and this can be dealt with in a variety of ways.

Angoras are so cute, but I did want to say, like woolly sheep, they are said to have more issues with parasites so keep in mind they may need a different type of care then a pygmy goat.

 

[katiedarling]

As long as they do well during introduction (and of course are fixed) then the only issue would be who hogs the food, and this can be dealt with in a variety of ways.

Angoras are so cute, but I did want to say, like woolly sheep, they are said to have more issues with parasites so keep in mind they may need a different type of care then a pygmy goat.

Glad this was mentioned. Something
I hadn't considered. We want to eventually start with Nigerian Dwarf. But I would like at least one Pygmy Angora because I like to crochet and have many friends who do also. The fiber would be a great asset. But that's a ways off.

 

[cassie]

Glad this was mentioned. Something
I hadn't considered. We want to eventually start with Nigerian Dwarf. But I would like at least one Pygmy Angora because I like to crochet and have many friends who do also. The fiber would be a great asset. But that's a ways off.

Why a pygmy angora rather than a straight angora? Angoras are not very big, and if you want one for the fleece, pygmy blood isn't going to improve the fleece any, that's for sure.

 

[politicalcenter]

. The new kids

 

[chixcoop]

. The new kids

CUTE!! What breed?