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.