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Barnyard Buddies:  Goats  |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 10 2007 : 07:51:43 AM
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I heard that goats are great to have to eat weeds. Not being a goat person, I really know very little about them. Is there a breed that is really small and might also give milk? This is if I were to actually get one and be able to keep it. We live in town and I am not actually sure we are allowed to have a goat. Our yard is good sized, but not huge by any means. But we have weeds galore in unused flower beds, a place where I would like to expand the garden, etc.
I was thinking I might borrow one for a while. Or do you need more than one for company or do they do ok alone?
The reason it was brought to my mind again, is that we were driving through another neighborhood on Sunday adjacent to where our place is, and someone had put three goats in the fenced off retention pond area next to a small sub development.
So I got to thinking about it again.
Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2007 : 08:54:05 AM
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You would have to check your city ordinances about having the goats, I think. I would suggest having more than one to keep each other company, and goats will eat just about anything green- so I wouldn't let them near any plants that you want to keep! There are many different breeds of goats- every thing from rather small to large breed. The ranch I worked at had Oberhasli goats. They were a great size- About the size of a large dog. I would guess that they were about 75-80lbs (maybe a little more?) But I am short- 5'0 and their backs only came up to about knee to mid thigh depending on th goat. They were easy to handle and were small enough that I could wrestle one to the ground by my self when I had to. They were great milkers too!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2007 : 08:58:32 AM
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Oh Yes! And here is a link to a site that lists all sorts of goat breeds.
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats/
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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PlumCreekMama
True Blue Farmgirl
730 Posts
Heather
Iowa
USA
730 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2007 : 09:57:26 AM
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| I have pygmy and nigerian dwarf goats and they are great for eating weeds, though they also will eat everything else green you may have. I have had a tough time keeping them out of the trees I planted a couple years ago. You can milk both of the breeds of mini goats. They won't give you as much as a full size dairy goat, but you would probably have plenty for your own use. I think the nigerian dwarves are more of a mini dairy goat, but pygmies have plenty too. I would definitely suggest a pair, if your ordinances allow it, because they really need a friend. My goats pretty much stay in a herd all the time. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2007 : 10:18:13 AM
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Goats are like people. Some people eat spinach and others would never touch it. After raising over 75 goats and nine varieties I have learned no two goats like the same plants or weeds. I have llamas who will eat thistles and goats who will not. Your right about having to keep them away from trees and flowers you do not wish to have them taste. Some flowers and shurbs are killers to goats so PLEASE do a lot of research before ever putting them in your yard. Also, check with city rules because I would hate to see you get in trouble or have a goat put behind bars for most city governments do not care that you love them or are trying to do something naturally.
I spent the day with my goats in my yard letting them eat but you have to watch them like toddlers. Also, do not stake a goat out without keeping on eye on them - they can get in trouble very quickly and last year two goats at a near by McMansion strangled because the owner left them staked out and went to work and when they got home the goats had wrapped themselves in their tie out and died. I would have loved to stake them out for being so stupid.
Good luck and many goat kisses from my four legged eaters.
Grace
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 4:47:25 PM
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I did a bunch of internet research before I settled on getting two Nubian does. They are great so far, but actually fairly picky eaters. At first I was giving them loose alfalfa and they would only eat the leaves, and there would be a trough full of stems left at the end of the day! Finally I started giving them the pellets and they have been pretty efficient with those. Whenever they have been out of their pen, though, they have headed straight for my apricot tree! There aren't any leaves left on it anywhere that they could reach, not to mention the trunk has suffered minor damage from their hooves. We have an over abundance of tumbleweeds here, also, which they seem to plow right through. The trouble has been getting them to ONLY eat the weeds. As far as keeping them in town, I echo the advice about checking into it before you go that route, but the breeder we bought our kids from had kept 2 in their town yard for a few years before giving in to them and moving out farther. They said the neighbors didn't mind at all, because he was more then glad to take all their yard clippings off their hands for them (which the goats LOVE), and there was always a fresh milk supply to offer around.
"There is a Happy Dale far, far away. . ." -Arsenic and Old Lace |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 6:16:20 PM
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I have had alot of different breeds of goats over the years (Nigerian dwarf, pygmy, Oberhasli and Saanen ..and angora) I think they all like to browse on brush and heavy weeds..and fruit trees for sure!! more than grass or grassy small weeds. Sheep are better at that. As far as milk..if you want a small goat that also gives milk efficiently I would suggest either Oberhasli or Alpine. I had the NG and Pygmy breeds and although they do give milk, it was a pain for me to milk them..felt like the teats were so tiny I was using my index finger and thumb most of the time! I know alot of people do it, and it might have been just me, but I would go with a little bigger goat..Oberhasli and Alpine really are pretty small....who are very dairy type. They eat the same and require the same care. One of these breeds will likely give you a gallon a day. I agree..don't get just one goat!! Maybe get a doe for the milking and a wether (castrated male) or two for company and extra weeders!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2007 : 07:37:24 AM
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Thank you all for your input. I am thinking I may just have to borrow a couple, it sounds like goats may be a little more than I can deal with at the moment. Maybe when the house remodel is cleaned up.
Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth! |
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Barnyard Buddies: Goats |
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Goats
