What is the space requirements for a larger goat? (indoors and pasture) in our case I'm going to fence in part of our woods so it has lots of wild rose bushes to munch on... And also I plan on getting a buck as well and I've been told to keep him away from the milkers... But just how far away? Can I put him up a little shelter on the opposite side of the fence where I keep the gals? And would he be ok alone in his little shelter as long as he could socialize with the gals across the fence or would I have to get him a buddy as well? And does his buddy have to be another goat or could I put him with our dog or build him a place with the chickens?
I've seen everything for large dairy goats space wise from small 8x10 pens (I thought that was sooo cruel) to a lady who's goats run 200 acres every day. I have mine in a 12x35ish inside/outside stall with an additional run that's about 12x36 and I think it's too small for them. We are putting in a much larger outside fence but got stopped by this winter weather. I let mine run the barn when I'm out there working also.
My ND's are in the chicken run which is about 640 sq. ft. They are let out to free range with the chickens every day from about lunch time till dusk and love that. They always end up here at the house on the front porch!
Why do you want a buck? During rut (breeding season) they stink! They pee all over themselves, including on their faces and your whole barn area will smell awful, so will you if you get too close! I, personally, wouldn't encourage anyone to have a buck unless you are going to have at least 10 or so does that you would want to breed to the same buck. They also require even stronger fencing than other goats. If he is on the other side of the fence from the girls their milk will take on a goaty taste, so you want him a good ways away. And bucks need company too. A wether would be a fine companion for him. I, personally, believe goats do best with another goat for company. You'll occasionally hear someone say their goat doesn't like other goats and loves the family dog or horse or ?? but that's rare.
I've seen everything for large dairy goats space wise from small 8x10 pens (I thought that was sooo cruel) to a lady who's goats run 200 acres every day. I have mine in a 12x35ish inside/outside stall with an additional run that's about 12x36 and I think it's too small for them. We are putting in a much larger outside fence but got stopped by this winter weather. I let mine run the barn when I'm out there working also.
My ND's are in the chicken run which is about 640 sq. ft. They are let out to free range with the chickens every day from about lunch time till dusk and love that. They always end up here at the house on the front porch!
Why do you want a buck? During rut (breeding season) they stink! They pee all over themselves, including on their faces and your whole barn area will smell awful, so will you if you get too close! I, personally, wouldn't encourage anyone to have a buck unless you are going to have at least 10 or so does that you would want to breed to the same buck. They also require even stronger fencing than other goats. If he is on the other side of the fence from the girls their milk will take on a goaty taste, so you want him a good ways away. And bucks need company too. A wether would be a fine companion for him. I, personally, believe goats do best with another goat for company. You'll occasionally hear someone say their goat doesn't like other goats and loves the family dog or horse or ?? but that's rare.
