Preparing to take the leap into Goats

[Dogginfox]

I am preparing to get a goat. I am looking into Nubian and pygmy's since i only have a 4' chain link fence around my yard. I see that goats need "friends" or they get loud and cranky. I have 2 hens and a Duck along with 2 corgi dogs, could they be considered friends or do I need 2 goats? I have read all about the food and water needs as well as shelter and I have all of that covered.

My main questions are regarding temperment, between male and female and their "Fixed" counterparts, also how does dis-budding affect temperament?

Also as far as Health maintenance, can i give them all their vaccinations at home or do I need to find a vet?
Are there anymore maintenance procedures i need to know about?

Thanks

 

[Mahonri]

Never owned goats... I'll be reading this thread... I saw "Mama Mia" today (portions of it) and laughed when the daughter put the prospective Dad's into the Goat loft.

 

[dragonlaurel]

I want to know too. Not ready to get them but I definitely will want to.Goat cheese for everybody

 

[Sunshine Chick 1]

I have 6 nigerian dwarf goats. Two are week old bottle does. They are the sweetest animals. Go to backyardherds.com it will be so helpful. There is a whole goat section. You are going to love them.

 

[aaronzclark]

Well I would go with pygmies I LOVE! Nubians but they could hop a 4 ft fence standing still I would get 2 pygmies (or whatever breed you decide on)
for sure your breed of dog is a herding dog so that would not work. The goats would be fine with the chickens and ducks. Disbudding does not affect temperment and bucks doe's and wethers all get along.

 

[hikerchick]

I keep pygmy does and wethers. I don't keep bucks because the pee on their beards and get really stinky. I only "borrow" a buck when it is time to breed my does. I will say that while all of my goats are friendly and affectionate, my wethers is the most demanding of attention. he runs to me whenever he sees me and begs to be petted. He can also be kind of obnoxious at times; chewing on shoelaces, shorts, etc. and banging on my glass doors with his horns. He has already knoced a few pictures off the wall inside. The does don't seem to bother with this type of behavior.

I do have a large animal vet who is wonderful with all sorts of problems; she gives me syringes, etc. and instructions on how/when to give shots.

I agree that a Nubian would laugh at a 4 foot high fence; pygmies, on the other hand, will find numerous other ways to escape. Whatever type of goats you get, you need at least two. Dogs and birds would not be considered company. Goats need other goats.

 

[helmstead]

Come on over to backyardherds!

PS my Nubian stays in a 4' fence...just fine. She wouldn't jump to save her life

 

[Dogginfox]

Backyardherds Here I Come!!!!

Thanks for the quick responses everyone.!

 

[dragonlaurel]

Summers here are hot and humid- frequently mid 90's. Would that be a problem for some of the breeds? I'd make sure they have shade trees available.