goats

[Sharon Berger]

Hi everyone

We are starting to get serious about adding some goats to our little homestead and could use some advise from those who already raise these creatures. I am a complete novice when it comes to goats, so whatever you want to share about breeds, fencing, milking, pastures, housing, personality quirks, challenges, joys, etc, would be most welcome.

Thanks!

[Amanda Auerrell]

well, i have had pygme goats, (i have) an Alpine/Nubian mix, an Alpine, and a Saanen.

Alpine/Nubina= brat, good milk producer, very vocal
Alpine= Smart, leader of the pack, good milker. I would have another Alpine
Saanen= Dude, it's all good, what ever. Mellow, sweet, (possibly not uber smart, but that's ok. She's a sweetie). Known as the Jersey of goats (high butter fat) I am told they are supposed to be big producers, my girl isn't. But I love her and would have another in a heart beat.
I use electric fence and it does the trick nicely. My girls live in the barn with my chickens. they have two connected stalls that they share and we milk them at 12 hour intervals 830am and 830 pm, because we are not 4am farmers. I get aprox 2 gallons a day. Before I had calves it was a bit of a problem. I just cant make that much cheese!!
They get hay (free choice), goat feet during milking (18% protein, I think)about 2 big scoops (it keeps em still while in their stanchion), and fresh water.

[Sharon Berger]

Wow, thank you Amanda, for your response. So helpful. How long, approximately, does each milking take? I am a bit intimidated by the idea of adding a twice daily chore that we cannot NOT do occasionally. Does it feel like a burden?

Also, did you milk the pygmy goats?

[denise mooney]

hi livestockers!

 

its been awhile since u posted this, sharon...just wondering how u made out w the goat situation...here at wollman pond farms in trumansburg, we r just thinking about what breed to start with...we have no experience so would welcome advice or a chance to acquire some goats, if u know of any...

 

 

[Sharon Berger]

Hi Denise

We actually decided to buy a flock of sheep first, so no goats yet. Don't know of any that are available, but I do periodically. Will let you know.

Warmly, Sharon

[denise mooney]

thanks for your input, sharon!...i hope your flock of sheep is doing well...anyone who gets wind of available goats, let me know...have fun!...