Dairy goats need a home

Hi DJ,

A lot of people do keep goats in backyards. There are a number of considerations. You should have 2 when considering this as they are herd animals and need the companionship.

Here are things to consider:

1) are you in an HOA? They don't usually allow goats.

2) what are the city zoning codes where you are?

3) You will need a fenced area to keep them in or they will get on and into everything (some residential plants are very toxic to them and if they are hungry they will eat them). They need shelter from wind and rain, water must be available at all times, and they need good quality alfalfa feed - either hay or pellets. They will not mow your lawn and be healthy.

4) If you really want them for milk, then you will need to breed them (freshening) once a year - give them a multi-month rest allowing them to dry up before breeding again, and you will need to have a plan for the babies (sell or give them away to good homes).

5) If you have the answers to those questions, give Kathy a call and she can give you an estimate on how much feed particular animals will need.

These goats make wonderful and funny pets, and their milk for drinking, yogurt and cheese is outstanding, but you need to have your 'plan' in place for properly taking care of them. If you don't know how to milk a goat or cow, it can be learned, but you have to be patient.

Hope that helps you make some decisions.

These goats make wonderful pets.

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dj griffith May 2, 2011 at 10:24pm

How feasible would it be to keep a milk goat in the backyard? She would be a pampered family pet as well as supply our milk. Currently we have chickens, I am a homeschooling mom of 2 boys. We might need a few helpful hints, but this seems a reasonable alternative to the dairy cow we haven't room for. Let me know, money is tight as I am on disability from arthritis and back injury.
- Catherine, The Herb Lady > dj griffith May 3, 2011 at 5:57am
  
  Hi DJ,
  
  A lot of people do keep goats in backyards. There are a number of considerations. You should have 2 when considering this as they are herd animals and need the companionship.
  
  Here are things to consider:
  
  1) are you in an HOA? They don't usually allow goats.
  
  2) what are the city zoning codes where you are?
  
  3) You will need a fenced area to keep them in or they will get on and into everything (some residential plants are very toxic to them and if they are hungry they will eat them). They need shelter from wind and rain, water must be available at all times, and they need good quality alfalfa feed - either hay or pellets. They will not mow your lawn and be healthy.
  
  4) If you really want them for milk, then you will need to breed them (freshening) once a year - give them a multi-month rest allowing them to dry up before breeding again, and you will need to have a plan for the babies (sell or give them away to good homes).
  
  5) If you have the answers to those questions, give Kathy a call and she can give you an estimate on how much feed particular animals will need.
  
  These goats make wonderful and funny pets, and their milk for drinking, yogurt and cheese is outstanding, but you need to have your 'plan' in place for properly taking care of them. If you don't know how to milk a goat or cow, it can be learned, but you have to be patient.
  
  Hope that helps you make some decisions.
  
  These goats make wonderful pets.

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Micro Livestock

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