Might be getting goats - need some help

So basically like the title says, we might be getting goats and I need some advice.

I wasn't sure what thread to put this in, as I have a couple different questions and didn't really want to make separate threads, so I'm making this one.

So anyways, I've been wanting goats off and on for a while now and therefore have also done research off and on so I think I know or have a general idea of what they need but I do have some specific questions and things I'm confused about/have heard conflicting things on.

1. I've heard goats really only need hay but just yesterday somebody told me that if you have a lot of good foraging/browsing greens that they don't even need hay. Is that true? If it is, I'm assuming they would still need hay in the winter?

2. What minerals to they need? I've heard they need baking soda left out and I think salt or a block but then I found this: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/meatgoats/meatgoatfs15.htm which made me think they need a lot more. I just saw a thread on this so I apologize if this is redundant but I figured maybe you guys would know. Seems like quite a few people buy loose minerals or pellets rather than a mineral block? Which do you think is better?

3. I've always considered Nigerian Dwarfs just because they're so cute and I've heard they're good for beginners, as well as taking up less room and needing less feed (therefore costing less), but I'm open to suggestions on breeds. Space isn't really an issue as we have almost 3 acres but I don't want one that's going to be difficult to handle or be a jerk or whatever. I know a lot of that comes down to individual temperament and training but still. For example, I've heard some say LaMancha's (at least I think it was the Manchas) are sort of trouble makers. I've heard Alpine and I think Saanen are good? And I've looked up other breeds and thought the Oberhasli and Toggenburg were both cool but I don't know if we have those around here.

4. Kind of going off of 3, because I know people would ask anyways and I'm wondering, do you think 2 goats would be enough? I'm considering 2-4, probably wethers or does, and I would use them mostly for brush clearing and pets.

5. Not really a question but it's possible to leash train them, right? I had ideas of maybe sometimes walking them around our neighborhood but I recently heard it's good to train them to lead anyways and halters are easier? I don't mind a halter but I had thought a collar like a dog but again, I don't mind halter either. I guess just whatever's comfiest and easiest.

I would ask about their feet but I watched some videos last night and it seem's pretty easy. But of course you do have to get the goat to cooperate first, I suppose. haha

Anyways, thanks in advance!!!!

OH!!! And shelter. I'd heard they technically only need 3 sides as long as the open side doesn't face North and they're warm and dry but I'm leaning more towards a fully enclosed thing. I was thinking maybe getting some plywood and making an 8x8 thing? Is that big enough? I could probably get additional pieces of plywood.

Anyways, thanks again in advance

Welcome , we are new to goats but I'll try to give some answers to help.

1. I know goats will need hay if they don't have access to enough browse/weeds.

2. we provide loose minerals free choice- we use manna pro as that is what we can get here.

3. We have Nigerian Dwarfs- started with 1 doeling and just added 2 pregnant does(1 kidded a buckling a week ago) and 1 exposed doe. So we are up to 5 now(goal was just 2....). We went with this breed as they require less space and easier(I hope) for me and the kids to handle/work with.

4. You would need at least 2 as they are herd animals- but the more the merrier as we are learning!

5. Our 3 does that we just picked up, walk pretty good using a collar and leash. The doeling is still learning- will know more once my kids start working with them as part of their 4-H project.

6. A shelter that keeps them dry and draft free and allows for air flow is the best.

I am sure others will come in with more detailed information. Keep us posted on what you decide!

1 - If you have browse / forage your goats will go for that before they will hay...fresh before dry, it's more nutritious.

2 - You need a good quality goat formulated mineral, that's all. You don't need to leave baking soda out nor do you need a salt block both will cause your goats to use less mineral and you want them eating the minerals. Save the baking soda for when it's needed. People leave salt blocks out to encourage drinking and if they need to encourage drinking then they're not providing fresh clean water, because a goat will drink if the water is fresh and clean.

3 - Everyone has their favorite breed. Do your research and pick the breed that feels right for you. What's available in your area and what's available in your price range will be determining factors for you too.

4 - Two is enough, but if you want four get four. Keeping in mind that your browse will be cleared faster with four goats than it will be with two. Once your browse is gone you'll be buying hay.

5 - Yes, you can train them. But do not leave a non-breakaway collar on them all the time!

Shelter - A three sided shelter is fine. You can of course go beyond that. Size needs to be big enough so that they have comfortable room to move about inside during in-climate weather. It should be well ventilated and draft free if you decide to enclose it. Here's more information on Housing for goats.

Welcome to goathood!

1. Bare minimum: hay and or browse + minerals and fresh water, but depending on what you do with them some people feed grain, alfalfa, beet pulp, boss and more. Some states have especially bad copper deficiency, you might need to supplement extra depending on where you live. Baking soda can be left out free choice or given when a goat has an upset digestive system.

2. Blocks are not great for goats, go with loose

3. It's completely up to you, but smaller breeds are easier on your fences and feed bill. I've had experience with Nubians Toggenburgs Lamanchas and Dwarfs Pygmys and Sanaan and I have to agree I think Lamanchas are a bit on the crazy obnoxious side in my opinion Dwarfs are a good choice for a first goat Toggs are calm and sweet but mine are jumpers, one of mine can clear a 5 foot fence. Nubians have fun personalities but they are the tallest of dairy breeds.

4. 2 is fine, once again less to feed and the browse WILL run out but up to you. Wethers and does are both good pets, but wethers are much cheaper, less prone to mood swings, and there are always an excess of wethers needing homes that might otherwise be sold for meat.

5. All of mine can be easily led on leash especially the Dwarfs. They all have collars on and have been used to being led around since they were kids. I'm sure you could use a halter but collars are simpler.

Feet aren't bad once you get the hang of it and your shelter sounds sufficient for a decent climate.

Best of luck and be sure to share pictures! !

Thanks so much for all the info everyone!!!

I have read it all, just trying to figure out how to reply to it all or if I should even try to reply individually hahah

Some great info here though and I've bookmarked the page, along with a couple others

I haven't really looked into it too much but it seems like ND's and Boers are really common here, and some Alpines I think.

Oh and I should note for weather we're in Massachusetts. Normally not so bad but this year we got record breaking snow and record cold for this month lol

and oh I will definitely share pictures!!

Hopefully you guys won't mind if I share even it ends up not being goats hah (it probably will be but another consideration is chickens or a second dog)

but yeah, lots of pictures

kdogg331 said:

Thanks so much for all the info everyone!!!

I have read it all, just trying to figure out how to reply to it all or if I should even try to reply individually hahah

Some great info here though and I've bookmarked the page, along with a couple others

I haven't really looked into it too much but it seems like ND's and Boers are really common here, and some Alpines I think.

Oh and I should note for weather we're in Massachusetts. Normally not so bad but this year we got record breaking snow and record cold for this month lol

and oh I will definitely share pictures!!

Hopefully you guys won't mind if I share even it ends up not being goats hah (it probably will be but another consideration is chickens or a second dog)

but yeah, lots of pictures

Click to expand...

One of the best ND farms in the country is in MA
Rosasharn
Also check out Dragon Fly farm they are great too
You will probably find a lot of animals with these in their pedigree

I have goats for milk production so am experimenting with Saanan.
I'm using a ND for breeding so that I can see how we like that cross.
I'm getting a Spanish bucking to breed to my Nubian doe for dual purpose kids as we have discovered that we really like goat meat. So this will take some of the insult out of the feed bill.
My exp. has been that when I skimp on the initial purchase price of the goat I end up with a goat that is not what I wanted.
I am now trying to buy from breeders that keep really robust herds. These breeders do the bloodwork so you don't end up with the CAE and CL on your place.
If what you want is brush control and pets then weathers is the way to go. They are usually less money and no breeding instincts to deal with. Some does when in heat can be very hard to live with. LOL
Its good to get a vet before you need one. At some point you will need one. Never fails. But if you already have found one then its a lot less stressful.
I had ours come to my place and do a herd eval. He looked over the animals and the place. This gave him a chance to see my operation and give suggestions I had not thought about. So now when I call he has an idea on what I have here and all. Its been great.
As for fencing, go with field fence with strands of hot wire on the inside. The hot wire will protect your fence investment. Goats love to rub on, climb on everything. This will ruin good fence pretty quickly.

OneFineAcre said:

One of the best ND farms in the country is in MA
Rosasharn
Also check out Dragon Fly farm they are great too
You will probably find a lot of animals with these in their pedigree

Click to expand...

Really? wow, that's awesome! I'll definitely look into those breeders! Thanks!

alsea1 said:

I have goats for milk production so am experimenting with Saanan.
I'm using a ND for breeding so that I can see how we like that cross.
I'm getting a Spanish bucking to breed to my Nubian doe for dual purpose kids as we have discovered that we really like goat meat. So this will take some of the insult out of the feed bill.
My exp. has been that when I skimp on the initial purchase price of the goat I end up with a goat that is not what I wanted.
I am now trying to buy from breeders that keep really robust herds. These breeders do the bloodwork so you don't end up with the CAE and CL on your place.
If what you want is brush control and pets then weathers is the way to go. They are usually less money and no breeding instincts to deal with. Some does when in heat can be very hard to live with. LOL
Its good to get a vet before you need one. At some point you will need one. Never fails. But if you already have found one then its a lot less stressful.
I had ours come to my place and do a herd eval. He looked over the animals and the place. This gave him a chance to see my operation and give suggestions I had not thought about. So now when I call he has an idea on what I have here and all. Its been great.
As for fencing, go with field fence with strands of hot wire on the inside. The hot wire will protect your fence investment. Goats love to rub on, climb on everything. This will ruin good fence pretty quickly.

Click to expand...

Thanks for all the suggestions.

That's a good idea about the hot wire and calling the vet before hand

I thought of another question. Two more actually but they go with each other. So first, goats can eat poison ivy, right? We have a big section along our driveway I want them to eat but I'm allergic to it so how do I handle them? I don't want to end up with it. Should I have special clothes and/or gloves and handle them from the driveway? Or should I just have my parents or brothers do it? lol and should I bathe them once it's gone? I know that might take a few days but bathe them once it's gone? I don't want to get it. I'm probably not even that much more allergic than other people, I just haaaaaaateeee getting it and overreact/obsess and secondly, can kids eat it (the PI) or eat as much browse in general as adults? I think I've heard they can't handle as much but I don't know. Should I just feed them hay and/or grain until they're older or should I get them used to eating brush?