Goats

Hello everyone, I have justed joined the forum today and was wondering if anyone keeps goats.

I have four mixed breeds, which I keep for clearing the bush around here.

Just thought I would ask, it would be nice to get some goat info going.

 

My aunt and uncle used to have them, and I used to love going to see them (especially when they were kids!) But no, I've never kept them myself, sorry.

Lovely animals though

 

I love goats, such majestic creatures.

 

We had goats on a small holding in Eire, We had them for the same reason ,to clear the brush as we had a small wood at the back of the property.

We obtained 2 half brothers "Hale and Pace", unfortunately 1 died so the remainder become "Rocky" I loved that goat.

We then bought a Nanny with 2 kids as "Rocky" was lonely

Unfortunately we also lost 1 of the kids after about a year.:o

They both died of "Fluke" which is a parasite that lives on grass and attacks the liver, Although mine were dosed by the vet against it ,it doesn`t always work.:OUCH:

Also you have to keep their feet trimmed so they don`t get foot rot ,you just cut off the bits that are starting to curl under ,its quite easy.

Apart from that I suggest you handle them frequently as they can be the devil to catch, and dont forget they do eat anything ,so its up to you to keep them away from the things you dont want eaten ,and they are very very agile,:gaagh:

 

I am sorry to hear that most people who keep goats end up slaughtering them for meat, or selling them for slaughter once the have slowed their milk production - and that, as with cow dairying, the male kids are often automatically slaughtered due to being of no use. i would love to hear from anyone who does not do this, and just keeps the goats even after they have slowed their milk production.