Page 21 - Back to the Basics - Homesteading

DAIRY GOATS

Things to Consider Before Getting Goats
By: Danielle Boyd

You might be interested in getting goats for any
number of reasons, including property tax
exemption, weed control, 4H or FFA projects,
homesteading, pets, etc…
When thinking about getting goats, there are some
important things that you should consider.
1.What kind of goats
2.Housing
3.Fencing
4.Protection from predators
5.Access to forage and hay
6.Hoofcare
7.Veterinary care

What kind of goat is right for you and your

lifestyle?
What type of goat do you want? Do you want goats
for milk, fiber or meat? Some breeds are even
considered dual purpose or all-purpose, but they have
been specialized for one of the above.

Also, do you want boys or girls? Wethers (castrated males) make great pets. If you want to breed and plan to have intact males and
females, they’ll need to be penned separately. Some breeds of goats are fertile as young as 8 weeks old and breeding at this age can be
deadly for the doe as she is not large enough to birth kids. Breeding is not suggested until does are at least a year old. Bucks can be
stinky in the fall during breeding season. They like to perfume themselves with their own urine to attract the ladies.
There are 3 basic groups of goats, including dairy, fiber, and meat.

Dairy Goats
Considerations: Does have to be a year old before bred and then it’s 5 months gestation before you can have milk
Special care: Milking one to two times per day is a time commitment
Common breeds: Alpine, Anglo-Nubian (Nubian), Lamancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Oberhasli, Saanen, Toggenburg

Fiber Goats
Considerations: They need to be shorn twice a year. This is pretty easily done by yourself with clippers or shears.
Special care: Just trying to keep their fleece clean can be difficult if you have a lot of burs or stickers
Common breeds: Angora, Cashmere

Meat Goats
Considerations: If you have a hard time with the thought of goats you raise getting processed for meat, this may not be the
best choice
Special care: Easy – They are pretty much set with just food, water and shelter
Common breeds: Boer, Kiko, Kinder, Pygmy, Savanna, Spanish, Myotonic (Fainting goat)