DellaMyDarling
Ridin' The Range
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2019
- Messages
- 58
- Reaction score
- 58
- Points
- 68
We have decided it is in our best long term interests here to buy a buck. Nigerian goats here.
This means we absolutely need a second pasture (right? No way to truly house/pasture the does together with the buck long term?)
My first pasture cost us $250 for a beautiful fence job. I plan to repeat the same fencing across the field a bit. Goats will be able to eyeball and yell at each other.
The shed, however...
My Mister built a gorgeous pasture shed for the does. It does not have any wind protection for winter, however. And, it cost about $450
Very expensive endeavors these goats are.
At night time, or extreme weather, I bring my does inside to a large shed turned animal barn. They have their own stall across from the chicken pen. It is not heated, but it's out of wind, rain, and the bedding is warmer for them in winter. It is built with kidding in mind as well. Stall is not really large enough for separation to allow for a buck stall. Buck will have to just live outside in his pasture. I understand this to be perfectly fine for him as long as his shelter keeps him dry and out of wind.
What's my least expensive while also most aesthetically pleasing housing design for the buck?
Mister thinks it should be the same as the does. I know an outside goat needs more element protection. Mister thinks he should have a floor like the does shed, I think we should have a raised platform off ground. What IS better in design?
The plan is only ONE unrelated buck plus whatever male kids are awaiting new homes beyond weaning.
Small monkey wrench:
Potbelly pig will ideally hang out with the buck as well. He is currently hanging out with the does, and they're somewhat ok with it but I think he'll make a better companion for a buck. Potbelly ain't exactly a hopper and climber like a goat, so shed design needs to reflect that. Sounds like he cannot be outside 24/7 in cold weather, so he'll continue to come in houseat night and extreme weather.
Whew...hope I answered all important things.
This means we absolutely need a second pasture (right? No way to truly house/pasture the does together with the buck long term?)
My first pasture cost us $250 for a beautiful fence job. I plan to repeat the same fencing across the field a bit. Goats will be able to eyeball and yell at each other.
The shed, however...
My Mister built a gorgeous pasture shed for the does. It does not have any wind protection for winter, however. And, it cost about $450
Very expensive endeavors these goats are.
At night time, or extreme weather, I bring my does inside to a large shed turned animal barn. They have their own stall across from the chicken pen. It is not heated, but it's out of wind, rain, and the bedding is warmer for them in winter. It is built with kidding in mind as well. Stall is not really large enough for separation to allow for a buck stall. Buck will have to just live outside in his pasture. I understand this to be perfectly fine for him as long as his shelter keeps him dry and out of wind.
What's my least expensive while also most aesthetically pleasing housing design for the buck?
Mister thinks it should be the same as the does. I know an outside goat needs more element protection. Mister thinks he should have a floor like the does shed, I think we should have a raised platform off ground. What IS better in design?
The plan is only ONE unrelated buck plus whatever male kids are awaiting new homes beyond weaning.
Small monkey wrench:
Potbelly pig will ideally hang out with the buck as well. He is currently hanging out with the does, and they're somewhat ok with it but I think he'll make a better companion for a buck. Potbelly ain't exactly a hopper and climber like a goat, so shed design needs to reflect that. Sounds like he cannot be outside 24/7 in cold weather, so he'll continue to come in houseat night and extreme weather.
Whew...hope I answered all important things.