Thinking about getting a couple goats...

[FluffyChic]

He All! First off I'm officially addicted to chickens, and I love my chickens...we now have 8hens and 10 chicks in our backyard flock. DH and I were talking about the possobility of getting some goats, pygmy or nigerian dwarf...some breed of very small goats. We live in a neighborhood w/larger lots and have a big backyard, about 1/2acre in backyard and the other 1/4-1/3 acre in front yard. We are also in an older neighborhood that is in the country, outside of city limits so now HOA to worry about. Anyway, are we crazy to think about getting a couple of Backyard Goats?? Do any of you have them in your backyard?? I'm reading that the little ones don't need too much space and we'd have a good portion of the yard fenced just for the chickens and goats. Also, I have our first chicken/coop run that could be transforme w/minimal work to a shelter for the goats. Also, we'd like to get a little something out of them...are there good mini breeds that you can milk?? Thanks so much for any advice!!!

 

[ksalvagno]

First, I would make sure you can have livestock on your property. While some cities allow chickens, they don't allow any other livestock.

Nigerian Dwarf goats are dairy goats. So you could get milk from them. You will not only need space for them to graze but you need space to store hay. Hay must be kept out of the elements and you would want to find out if you need to buy hay for the full year. Some people can find hay at anytime and some people need to purchase a year's worth at one time. Any goat can get loud. I find that my Nigerians are quiet most of the time but when they know it is feeding time, they are very loud. Also if they see me and want attention they can be loud.

For just 2 Nigerian Dwarfs, the half acre would probably be fine. But if you want milk, you have to breed them once a year. Do you have a way to sell the babies? Do you have enough room in your shelter to make a kidding pen and have room for more goats (even if it is just a little while). Goats generally have 2-3 kids with anywhere from 1-4 being a possibility. What will you do if you can't sell the babies? How are your winters? Would there be enough room if it is bad out and you have to close them in? I would give 2 Nigerians at least an 8x10 area to live in.

That is what I can think of right now. I'm glad you are researching this and thinking about it before just jumping in. Good luck.