Goats

[GSDLVR76]

So when we move to New Mexico next year we are looking at getting a property with some acreage. And we are looking at getting a couple goats. So my question is, have any of you ever owned a goat and if so what would be the best breed to get? What were they like and how is it taking care of them?

Thanks for any answers in advance.

[windwalker718]

I have owned Nubians (Sweet, but noisy) Sanaans (Sweet, but can sunburn) and Alpines. I like the LaManchas (They've lil nubs for ears) who seem the sweetest and oddest of the bunch. Toggs are fine, but all one color (boring) same with the Oberhasli. For Milk Nubians have a higher butter fat content. Sanaans and Alpines are about equal.

A#1 thing... when you get lil goats make sure that your fencing is 150% secure, cause if they learn they MIGHT get out, the never quit trying. Also while the folk tales say that they can eat anything in reality they should be fed a good quality sweet feed as well as quality hay.. especially if you're going to be milking them. The milk will be flavored depending on the qualilty of the feed, as well as how it's processed by you and how quickly it's refrigerated.

They are HIGHLY VULNERABLE TO DOGS, COYOTES AND OTHER PREY ANIMALS. I loved them, especially the babies who are funny as all get out

[DorianE]

I was always told to fence them out! Fence them out of anything you dont want them to get into.

Also, consider getting a lama or a donkey for a quardian. They really work!

dont forget pigmy's. cute lil devils!

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

I met these goats on a home check:




Cracked me up-I said on Rocco's thread they looked like a soccer team waiting for the penalty shot.


They had a lot of personality. Nubians and Pygmies. They were total pets-no breeding because the people said you really need to be home for that since they can have difficult births. So no milk. They were hackling at the dogs. The Pygmies were more bold, but not sure if they were just used to seeing dogs more. All were really nice and very attached to their people.

I had a goat growing up-no idea what he was, only that I named him the original name of Billy. He was very sweet and funny and followed me everywhere. Unfortunately he had something that sounds like bloat or torsion in goats (but maybe in the intestines) from eating too much (I was little so not sure how true this is) freshly cut grass? It was too late by the time we took him to the vet (without the internet, seriously...we would have known now) and I remember being this little kid seeing all these adults cry for the very first time. So goats can be great to have around and very much a beloved pet.

Of course I am sure people thought we were nuts!

[GSDLVR76]

Thanks everyone. We are looking for them to pets and the properties we have been looking at all have enclosures and barns on them already. I have always wanted them and hopefully if a property works out I can finally get a couple.

[mysablegsd]

I love goats. I used to have an Alpine and an Alpine/Nubian cross.
I bred them to a neighbors La Mancha and all 3 kids came out with no ears. I fed the milk to our pigs.

We also had a couple of Pygmy's.

[valb]

We had Nubians when I was growing up... just the nannies though, when they
needed to be bred we took them to "see" the billy, 'cause
billies really stink and my parents didn't want to have one on
the property.

They give good milk and are fairly easy to maintain, they
are easier on the environment than cattle, and their milk
can be tolerated much better by some people than cows'
milk.

The kids used to annoy my mom by jumping on her car and
trotting back and forth, and they sometimes head-butted
my little brother and knocked him down, but all in all, quite
fun to have around!

[windwalker718]

Couple things I forgot...

#1..Male goats STINK... LOL especially in the fall

#2..Unlike other breeds which are seasonal breeders, breeding in the fall and delivering in the spring (5mo's gestation) the Nigerian Pygmy can and will breed any time, any place to anyone as many times as they can... and lil baby boy Pygmy's start YOUNG.

#3.. It's best to dehorn/disbud when they're babies. This prevents accidents with one stabbingthe other, or getting stuck in fences or brush. (some goats are poled... or naturally dehorned)

[Shandril2]

Goats are awesome! One of my favorite animals to have at home.
Tough & fun.

I had the all white ones as a child. A mama named Julie that we initially got to eat up the poison ivy on the property. Then we had her bred. She had two kids - both Billy Goats! ugh!
They, unfortunately, didn't last long. They were baaaaaaad. I loved them, but grandmom spent her days chasing them out of her garden with a broom.


Male goats reek. I wouldn't keep one at home. But mamas & babies ... can't go wrong!

[doggiedad]

my girls had a pet goat when they were growing up.
it use to follow them everywhere and butt them at will.
he was easy to take care of.