Thinking about getting a goat or 2

[abhaya]

I have tons of tree splings and brush to clear and chopping it down 2x a summer is exhausting. I have brush/woods surrounds my 1 acher yard. I dont know a whole lot about goats other than there are a lot in my area. how often do you milk a goat is it the same as a cow? are they as regimented about milking times as cows?
I grew up on a dairy farm so no stranger to milking. just no experiance with goats.

 

[Judy]

Here is a link to a BYC sister site, back yard herds, with a whole section about goats: http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/

 

[cafarmgirl]

Are you wanting to breed and milk them? Or just have them around as brush clearer's? If you want to milk them then yes, they need to be milked on a regular schedule. And you'll definitly want more then one, they are very much herd animals and a far happier in a group then kept alone.

You'll need very secure fencing to keep them in and keep dogs and coyotes out. I use welded horse fence with a hot wire on top, one inside the fence about a foot off the ground to keep the goats off the fence and another strand of hot wire outside the fence near the ground to discourage dogs etc. They'll need a barn or shed to get out of the weather.

They will also need their hooves trimmed occasionally and to be dewormed on a regular basis.

Goats would do a very good job at your intended purpose. They are not good lawn mowers but are great at clearing brush, shrubs, trimming low hanging branches etc.

 

[Hound]

Brush clearers won't make good tasting milk. Certain plants will produce an off-taste that is quite revolting. If you want goats to clear brush don't get dairy goats, if you want milk then don't let them eat brush!