goats

[randy41]

i've got a kudzu problem and while i don't expect to eradicate it i would like to get some goats to forage and control it somewhat. i was thinking of fainting goats which i've heard don't challenge fences much. i have a usable electric fence. what is considered minimal acceptable goat housing? a lean to closed on the prevailing winter wind sides? do they need bedding? is hay sufficient bedding? do they get along with chickens? it gets very windy here with minimum temps typically in the single digits when the temps are below normal. not looking to raise goats or anything. i will probably just get a couple of unwanted males. think very laid back goat keeping.

 

[oosik]

I know very little about goats other than - do not expect ANY type of goat to only eat your kudzu. They will eat, right down to the dirt, any thing they can get at. They are even more so about this culinary habit than sheep.

 

[wolftree]

randy41,

You should do more reading about goats and kudzu before getting any goats.

Yes, they need bedding and proper housing. Unless proper hayracks are inplace, they will ruin the hay for feed and make it only suitable for bedding.

 

[LJH]

More than you ever wanted to know about goats:

The Goat Spot - Goat Forum

Short version: They need adequate shelter, particularly out of cold wind and rain/snow and clean, fresh water at all times. There are a few specific minerals required to keep them healthy, depending on your local flora and soil conditions. They can be surprisingly fussy eaters, taking their favorite stuff first and then 2nd fav & so on and some things only at certain times of year - they instinctively know when it's the most nourishing. The exception is any high-value ornamental plantings - they'll destroy those on general principle.

They also have distinct personalities and are better than Netflix for entertainment.

 

[jeff9366]

Congratulations on a short, descriptive, post title.

 

[randy41]

oosik-yeah i'm just gonna have to keep them out of my cash crops.
thanks jeff. i'm kind of a quiet guy.
yes i've read about goats and kudzu wolftree. the best way to control (without chems)kudzu is with goats and pigs. not getting pigs.
thanks for your upbeat post LJH. i think i found myself a little building project to work on during these dark slow days.

 

[weldingisfun]

Only one thing to add to all of the good advice you got so far, DO NOT buy males, unless they have been castrated. A castrated male goat is called a wether. You can probably pick some up, on the cheap, from breeders who didn't sell off all their show goats, or check in with the local 4-H, FFA and Ag teachers. The kids can only use their show wethers for one season. Good luck.

 

[randy41]

Only one thing to add to all of the good advice you got so far, DO NOT buy males, unless they have been castrated. A castrated male goat is called a wether. You can probably pick some up, on the cheap, from breeders who didn't sell off all their show goats, or check in with the local 4-H, FFA and Ag teachers. The kids can only use their show wethers for one season. Good luck.

thanks. i see wethers on cl all the time never for very much money. its the way i'm going at least at the outset. do you have any parasite problems? i've heard some stories from friends who had dairy goats with heavy parasite issues.

 

[DutchHenryBrown]

Only one thing to add to all of the good advice you got so far, DO NOT buy males, unless they have been castrated. A castrated male goat is called a wether. You can probably pick some up, on the cheap, from breeders who didn't sell off all their show goats, or check in with the local 4-H, FFA and Ag teachers. The kids can only use their show wethers for one season. Good luck.

Thank you, your web site is very helpful. :thumbsup:

 

[randy41]

Thank you, your web site is very helpful. :thumbsup:

yes. it answered my question about parasites.

 

[wngsprd]

We raised dairy goats and never had parasites. They love kudzu...the city of Richmond is using them to clear ivy and kudzu in Chimborazo city park. Be careful of using them near small trees. They will strip the bark completely as high as they can reach, even when well fed with hay and grain.

 

[cletus99]

I started raising a few goats about a year ago to mainly keep the grass down in my pasture. The best parasite resistant goat to get will be a Kiko, Spanish, or a cross breed of one of the two. First four goats we got we had a terrible time with worms. Lost 3 of those. Still have one of the first ones and now two others. I've got Kikos now and they seem to be doing good. Keep a check on the color of the inside of their lower eye lids and gums. They should be bright pink. Research the FAMACHA chart and you'll see what I'm talking about. They can build up a resistance to the wormer if given too often.

I also don't know if you want to get just males. Only a few of them can sometimes cause them to fight each other and they can kill one another. I'm quite sure that's what happened to one of my other billy's we first had. It might be better for you to just get nannies or nannies and one billy if you want to breed them.

 

[paulharvey]

What ive always been told about goats and fences is "if water can get through a fence, so can a goat"

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Worse comes to worse, just grain feed the whether for a few months to fatten him up. Roasted goat is wonderful!

 

[randy41]

Worse comes to worse, just grain feed the whether for a few months to fatten him up. Roasted goat is wonderful!

reading this made me hungry.

 

[LJH]

Here ya go, Randy:

The Goat (2013) - A Short Comedy Film - YouTube

 

[randy41]

Here ya go, Randy:

The Goat (2013) - A Short Comedy Film - YouTube

awwww. how cute.

 

[cletus99]

What ive always been told about goats and fences is "if water can get through a fence, so can a goat"

I haven't had any problems with my goats getting out. I think if you put up a good quality fence you'll not have any problems. I use Red Brand All Purpose fence. Red Brand is a little higher than some others, but it's very good quality. Will last for many years. Stretch it tight and use good H braces on the ends and corners and they won't get out.

My neighbor down the road has had his goats get out some over the summer, but he used some cheap fencing. I also think that if they've got good quality forage they won't try and get out.

 

[Pete Judd]

In the early 70's I would buy two week old goats that were castrated and horned for a buck a peace. I could put 4 in the trunk of my 64 dodge. Got pulled over because they kicked out a couple of tail lights from the back side. I would get them slowly onto the green grass, and butcher at around 6 months. Great eating, and the only fence was a 4 wire barb wire fence. But a lot of food within the area.