Should I buy a cow?

[Jesusfreak101]

Also look in to grain peices as jersey need alot of grain while in milk.

 

[CLSranch]

5 acres will support a cow, although

Also look in to grain peices as jersey need alot of grain while in milk.

We always did a bucket twice a day while milking about 4pds X2.
Although they don't make fences to hold them, unless it's water tight. Goats are a good option for small acreage, are easier to milk and can give up to a gallon a day easily more if well feed and you don't skimp on milking. And they are great at cleaning yards up too. I don't have goats anymore because they learned to back up and RUN through the electric fence inside the other fence.

 

[CLSranch]

Something I didn't know for a long time is that Jersey, Holstein and goat milk all taste different. We had a Jersey growing up. I still don't like that milk. Something to consider if you've never had Jersey milk.

 

[NEWCOMER]

5 acres will support a cow, although



Yes. Probably would. Maybe I should stick to sheep. I get a cow soon but, for now stick to sheep.

 

[NEWCOMER]

I think I might go with goats. Smaller.

 

[CLSranch]

Easy to start out with 1 mature milk goat. Maybe a bigger initial investment but less headache. Later get another doe and billy, after you have figured out the necessary fencing, feeding and shelter for goats. You could breed the 2 does and eat or sell the extras. I was wanting to do a big family feast once a year and do a whole goat before I got rid of mine. They can kid twice a year (don't quote me) and usually have twins. That's 8 babies outta 2 does.
But start with 1. Chasing 3 goats back up the road may discourage you vs. the 1 that should come to a feed bucket and you can get past the learning curve before having all the work of taking care of several exspecially when they start kidding.
Taking on to much to soon discourages a lot of people from a lot of things. Don't go run a marathon tomorrow, start with walking down the drive.

 

[NEWCOMER]

Taking on to much to soon discourages a lot of people from a lot of things. Don't go run a marathon tomorrow, start with walking down the drive.

That is so wise!!! Thanks

 

[Mini Horses]

Another thing about goats -- they poop pellets, not patties.

 

[NEWCOMER]

Another thing about goats -- they poop pellets, not patties.

Yea.

 

[Grant]

If you do go with a milk cow, I’d do a mini jersey. It will produce more than you can drink. Then you have room for a steer. That’s a win/win. Freezer filler and a companion for the cow. It will keep her a little more content.