A question about the costs of raising two city Nigerian Dwarf goats

[kristenm1975]

Hello all! I'm new here and delighted to have the chance to ask questions of those already very familiar with all things goaty. I've been interested in keeping goats in the city (we live in Seattle) but would like to here from goat owners what kind of cost am I looking at. I understand that there might be quite a variance from one goat-keeper to the next, especially where shelter is concerned, but just a basic idea would help. (It's not so much for me; it's just my hubby trying to keep a handle on the cost of my hobbies. )

Also, I'd LOVE to see some examples of city dwellings for small goats. I'm really curious about the fencing.

Thanks!

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

Welcome! I used to live near Seattle! Where are you folks at? We live in North Georgia now and we sure don't miss the rain.

 

[kristenm1975]

Thanks n.smithurmond! Congrats on your new goats! We live in Columbia City area, south Seattle, at the moment. I'm hoping we will be able to move soon to an area that has more quiet residential streets and less main-drags with blaring sirens. Not so conducive to a peaceful urban farm. I'd settle happily for Shoreline or Lynnwood. What part do you hail from? And I'm sure you do not miss the rain. Pass a little of the golden stuff our way if you get the chance.

 

[ThornyRidge]

when you say city you should first check to make sure you are permitted to have goats there.. they are considered livestock and some places don't permit them within city limits or you could be fined. Also make sure that what you are planning is conducive to the goats.. sure they don't need a lot of space but one needs to consider how content and happy they would be. As far as cost goes.. I tend to tell people that goats are not cheap but they are not as costly as say a horse either. You can do most vet maintenance by yourself however vaccinations, worming, etc does cost money. You should always have some preventative things on hand including probios, various vitamins, etc and again those are not cheap.. hay would be your biggest cost but fortunately if it is quality two goats will not go through as much as a whole herd. You also need to consider fencing and shelter.. these will cost some bucks too.. and these are not areas to skimp on either..

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

I grew in up Graham, south of Puyallup towards Mt. Rainier. Lived in Lacey (near Olympia) for a couple years with my other half. Despite the rain the Pacific NW is one of the prettiest places in the country! Mountains, sea, rainforest, desert all in one place? What's not to love?! Oh, wait...the rain.

North Georgia is surprisingly beautiful, too. I had no idea before I moved here but it's great. My only complaint (about the climate anyway) is that it is SOOOO darn hot and sticky in the summers. Yuck! We basically just suffer through them and then enjoy being outside the rest of the year, but I would gladly trade our summers for yours! And no, one does not adjust. I can't tell you how many people said "oh, you'll get used to it." LIES!

ThornyRidge is right, check local zoning regulations. But if they're permitted then it seems to me miniature goats don't take up much room at all. What are some space recommendations from the experienced folks here?

 

[helmstead]

We worked out the BASIC cost of keeping a goat (I'm talking pellets and hay, when purchased frugally, for a miniature goat) and it worked out to between $150 and $200 a year, around $15 a month.

As far as housing and yard space...they can do with just about anything. It really depends on what makes YOU comfortable. If they're never going to kid...or YOU don't mind sitting in the mud and rain to help them kid, all you need are some shelters (thing big dog houses) that protect them from rain and wind. Right now, we're somewhat crowded...but we have made do with having anywhere from 30 to 50 goats on about one acre. The more space you can offer, as always, the better for general herd health and maintainance...and of course the smaller the space the more work for you as you have to muck it.

The medicine cabinet can get expensive, but it's like insurance...you're less likely to need the stuff if you actually HAVE it LOL.

 

[kristenm1975]

Thanks for all the great info folks! I will most certainly be aware of the city's regulations about goats BEFORE I go ahead with plans to purchase a pair. I'm always amazed when I read accounts of people buying any kind of pet without first thoroughly planning ahead.

There are areas where I'll find out what the city's regs are and then go ahead and break the rules anyway, but only in regard to how many chickens I have. If I have a big space for them and they are always safely contained, I have no problem going against the rules. I'm sure that burns some people and there are probably those that feel that's wrong, but when I know that I'm cleaning up after my pets and ensuring that they are comfortable and living well, I feel I've done all I need to do. I'm always amazed by the fact that very few people follow that limit on city chickens anyway.

Thanks again for the info! It's all good to know.