Great question! They can be whatever you want them to be really. They can be a companion, like a dog. They can keep weeds, poison ivy & grass down a bit. They can provide fertilizer by using their droppings on your garden. Maybe, your child wants to participate in 4H. They can be entertainment when you see them faint. They could be a buddy to a lonely farm animal you have, since they are herd animals. They could maybe even bring your family together by sharing a fun responsibility, while bonding more.
There are many answers, but you will have to determine your true purpose for wanting them. It could just be all of the above!
Well, it's pretty simple. Water, food, love, somewhere to sleep and a good fence.
My goats have fresh clean water, grain given almost daily, goat mineral (loose or block is fine), grass and hay.
I have my hay flakes in a basket feeder or hay rack. In addition, I have a few hangover troughs on my gates for grain. Plus, I have a block pan for my mineral blocks.
Now, regarding hay, some goats don't necessary need hay all year round just pasture, but I give hay to mine for supplement & to help with digestion. It is your choice and you will have to figure out some of it as you go.
Regarding pasture per acre, poor ground can support 2-4 goats. If you have better pasture though, it might be able to support 6-8 goats. If grazing with cattle, estimate 1-2 goats per head. Goats love to graze and forage, so being pinned up all day in a tiny confinement isn't always best.
No sweat! I shop at Tractor & Supply, Atwoods, Co-op or Valley Vet on-line sometimes for my supplies. The hay on the otherhand, I found a great source on Craig's List not far from me. However, most of the shops I listed above carry hay. I am just particular!
Question? Just ask me! That is what I am here for. I don't know everything, but I will sure help you get prepared, settled in and be available to answer your questions along your new adventure!
A MUST: Find a local vet that can help with any goat needs. My vet is in Garfield, AR not too far from me and does farm visits, which is nice, but I am sure there is a nearby vet that can help you with any issues that arise. Goats need annual tetanus shots (Covexin 8) & clostridium vaccines that your vet can administer for you.
Wow! You are asking the right questions.
Every once in a while, you should do a body scan to see if there are any bumps, cuts or scraps. A must for boo boos is VETERICYN PLUS Antimicrobial Hydrogel.
But, most important is to check the inner eyelids to see if they have worms. Strange, right? A bright, deep pink is what you want. Only treat IF needed so they don't become immune to the oral medicine you give. I use Valbazen (got from vet), but sometimes rotate between that and Ivermectin.
And, as stated in prior question, they need an annual tetanus shot & clostridium vaccine your vet can administer for you.
Lastly, trim the goat's hooves. I trim mine every 2 months. I found that is also a good time to scan their body for boo boos & check their inner eyelids in one swope.
My goats are used to the routine, so they won't freak out when you try to do this and you can always lure them in with grain! I even let them snack while doing this because it relaxes them.
Honestly, if you go check on them each day, you can monitor some of these things while your doing your chores.
Remember, I can break it down for you and guide you along the way. You got this!
