Something to Eat Paddock

[mychookau]

Here is a couple of photos of the paddock. The fencing is only on 3 sides so will need completing at one end for them to be able to free range. Maybe tethering might be a temporary option for the goats. The only place they can get tangled is their own feet. But I am now going to Ebay to check out the fencing tape that I can use until I can get this paddock fenced properly. This is the same paddock I want to put my chook and duck pen. Its close to the house and away from the farm shed (work area), and the ducks will have access to a nice sized dam. There is no shade in the paddocks though, so also looking at planting some fast growing, shade trees to make it a homely place for my small to medium sized hobby farm. They will all have lock-up sheds for the nights so they are safe from night predators, but during the day they will be out in the sunshine.

the fence posts you can see have no wire. But a mesh fence runs further down from where my dog is standing there, you can just see the end of the paddock down past the gates there.

 

[CluckyJay]

You'll need to construct a shaded area. Even a simple lean to will work. If money isn't too big of an issue, you could get an electric solar powered goat fence. We are about to purchase one I think. Or just tethering. I am sure you could probably find some goats that are used to being tied out.

I use Igloo dog houses and make sure they cannot get tangled in them. Also make sure they cannot get tangled with each other. Good luck!

 

[CluckyJay]

BTW, beautiful land!

 

[zazouse]

You can run your rope threw and old water hose for the first 12 feet and the goat will not get tangled up, used this method for many kinds of animals.

 

[yomama]

You can run your rope threw and old water hose for the first 12 feet and the goat will not get tangled up, used this method for many kinds of animals.

Oooh, that's a good idea. Hadn't thought of that!

 

[yomama]

I still think the goats sound too naughty for me to handle at the moment....lol....I love them though. Yomama your goats are gorgeous. And how white do they look? You must look after them very well. They should be more grateful and behave themselves... haha

I might look around for some lambs that I can raise up to keep them friendly, or some older, friendly ones. I don't want ones that will run away from us, and end up running through the fence from fear. Then I will work on a goat proof fence around my farm shed for a couple of these fellas, too.

Do sheep have to be shawn? Or can they survive happy enough without ever seeing a set of shears?

I think we caught them on a good dry day in that photo, lol! The black guy has skin issues, so he's had a fair share of baths, but the two white ones have probably only had a bath maybe twice in the 6 years I've had them.

Right now, they are kind of sporting the winter woolies and are a little muddy from the knees down.


There are certain breeds of sheep that actually shed out their coat. Can't think of the name, I'll have to look it up. Otherwise, yes, sheep usually need to be sheared at least once a year. I know that people that raise sheep for wool, actually shear them about twice a year. I'm very lucky that I know a gal that will come out once a year to shave Ashley. Its hard to find shearers that will come out for just one sheep. I'd do it myself, but it would be cheaper to pay her, than to invest in sheep clippers.

BTW, just thought I'd add that goats and sheep do have certain mineral and vaccine requirements to stay healthy. Nothing too expensive, but without them could cause alot of $$ and/ or heartache. I would research what is recommended for them in your area.

 

[mychookau]

My brother use to have a pair of sheep and made a deal with someone to come and shear them for him. Instead of paying with money, he let the shearer keep the wool as payment for the job. I'd be happy to do that. I want just a few pets, not a full on farm.

I think I am going to go with the goats to start with. Tethering isn't exactly my liking but in my family, if I want something done, I need to start the ball rolling or it doesn't happen. So I'll buy the goats. My friend is bringing a coop for my chooks so I will use the green shed to lock the goats up at night time. It stays dry, and I can close it in more in winter time, and plenty of room for two sleeping goats

. My hubby is going to have a fit, but who cares. When he sees the results of his new 'lawn mower' he will change is thoughts real quick.

I have so much to learn in this new world, I wouldn't know where to begin with research, except with trusty old google.

What is best for beginners? Is there a particular breed that is more placid, easy to tame? And should I get them neutured and/or dehorned? I want our experience to be sociable with our animals and a swifty up the bum from the horns of a goat won't keep my enthusiasm high for very long... haha. Is it cruel to de-horn them? I don't like animal cruelty? Is one gender more placid than the other? I'd really love a pair that would bless us with a new family member but not prepared for agro goats early on in the game. Sorry for all the stupid questions. They must be basic to you ppl, so very beyond my knowledge.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I think you'll come out ahead to just mow it.
You've got a LOT of work to do before that fence will hold goats or sheep AND keep predators out.

They aren't going to want to eat the tall stuff anyway

 

[Kaitie09]

yomama, you goats sound calm compared to mine. I have two Nubian/Boer does and a pygmy doe. They got out so much we had to replace their entire fence with 6ft tall welded wire and weave high tensile wire through the bottom so they did not push it out. Their area is on a slight incline and the two boers figured out that with a running start they could hop our 4ft fence. The pygmy would then lay on the fence to stretch it out and then crawl under it.

here are the little buggers:
Belle


Ruby and Lucy after one of their Jailbreaks. You can see their fence off to the right.

 

[SillyChicken]

You're thinking of Hair Sheep. They still need manged though.

I mow high grass like that with my rider mower, on the highest setting, then lower it a bit at a time..... takes a wile but it'd work.