Goat Newbie

Tracy0052

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Hi all!
Our family is ready to get into goats! Or so we think. I live on the edge of town and we have backyard chickens now (rabbits too). We want goats for milk, 4-H and because we love them. Since we are in town two is probably our limit. From what I've read I'm thinking either two does or a doe and a wether. Would it be best to get the same breed? What breed would be best for our situation? How big of a house do they need? Is it better to get babies or older goats to start off? Just looking for any helpful input! Thanks! :)
 

OneFineAcre

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Welcome to the world of goats.
You said you are on the edge of town, how much space do you have? If you have a small place Nigerian Dwarfs are a good choice. But, it really depends on your preference. Nothing wrong with picking a breed because you like the way they look. Or, it doesn't matter if you get the same breed.
Again, babies or older would be a preference. Older you could breed sooner and have milk sooner. Some would say it would be better to start slower with babies to give you more time to learn. Babies are fun too. We build an 8x8 shelter that works good.
 

Fullhousefarm

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If you are going for milk and showing I'd go for two does- especially since you may only be able to have two. If you have a wether and a doe and get into showing and milking you are going to want two does, but you won't want to get rid of a wether you are attached to. :p


How much milk do you want? Will you milk a Nigerian by hand? I do, but a lot of people struggle to twice a day for months so I'd consider that. There are other options besides hand milking too. I'd visit a few breeders of different breeds and see what you like. If you are showing make sure they are ADGA registered and show quality animals.
 

Tracy0052

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Well I finally got a response from our town council and we are not allowed farm animals in town. They consider goats farm animals. Even though right across the street from us are two farms within the town limits that both have goats. But I suppose they are grandfathered in. :( really disappointed....
 

goats&moregoats

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so sorry to hear that. :( Goats are awesome wonderful and interesting animals.
 

OneFineAcre

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Well I finally got a response from our town council and we are not allowed farm animals in town. They consider goats farm animals. Even though right across the street from us are two farms within the town limits that both have goats. But I suppose they are grandfathered in. :( really disappointed....

You should do some research and go to your town council with a proposal to allow 2 miniatures in town. Raleigh, NC allows it, and Seattle WA I think
Google urban goats. I sell a lot of goats to people in Raleigh, and are contacted by even more. There is some information out there on how to approach authorities about changing zoning to allow urban goats.
 

Tracy0052

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We are a small AG town, surrounded by fields. I live next to the grain elevator and two farms...but I'm "in town". I don't think I'm ready to let the issue rest, just yet.
 

Tracy0052

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So I emailed the fiscal officer again for zoning info and a copy of the no farm animals ordinance. At fair this week talking with other locals they were in disbelief we had such an ordinance.
Anyway the zoning ordinance says this about residential properties....
image.jpg

image.jpg

This is the ordinance banning farm animals...yet now chickens are allowed because when council was asked they said as long as the neighbors are ok with it you can have a small flock. But two complaints and they are gone.
image.jpg

Now looking at the zoning map my property isn't even zoned residential it's zoned light industrial and so are the other properties near me that have farm animals. But the light industrial zoning makes no mention of either residential housing or farm animals....so all and all I'm very confused. Any advice?
 

MsDeb

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Be pleasantly persistent. Keep asking questions and look for loopholes.
 

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