The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Collie26 on May 24, 2011, 08:18:23 pm

Title: Do's and Don'ts of goat keeping
Post by: Collie26 on May 24, 2011, 08:18:23 pm

Hi im looking to get some goats basically as eating machines for around our barn that is overgrown in brambles trees and grass.

Any breeds, do's and dont's??

Title: Re: Do's and Don'ts of goat keeping
Post by: Collie26 on May 24, 2011, 09:03:36 pm

What type of tags do goats need? whats the law/regulations around goat tagging??

Title: Re: Do's and Don'ts of goat keeping
Post by: Anke on May 24, 2011, 09:11:11 pm

Please look back through older threads, also your local library will have some goatbooks, even if they are from the 8o's and 90's a lot of the info is still relevant. Goats need quite a bit more than brambles to eat (also shelter, hay/haylage, some concentrate, foot care...)

Goats need double tags (for any born after 01/01/2010), but no EID. Before - single tag.

Animal health/DEFRA has got info on their website, also talk to your AH local office. You will need CPH and herd number.

Title: Re: Do's and Don'ts of goat keeping
Post by: wytsend on May 25, 2011, 05:47:59 am

My advice, if you want goats as clearance machines..... which they are very good at... then castrated  males are your best option. 
Otherwise with females,  you will be stuck with screaming goats 'in season' during the autumn who will do their best to find a mate.
Most people who use goats for  clearance work,  don't want to be bothered with twice daily milking which is why castrates are the best choice.
As for tags, if you buy in goats, they will already be tagged,.... you will only have to replace the original ones when they get torn out, which they will with regular frequency.
As for breeds, don't go for ones with long shaggy coats.... they will get caught up in the brambles & need to be cut out. Short coated British Toggenburgs, Alpines or Nubians are your best bet.  White goats will suffer from sunburn in the summer.

Title: Re: Do's and Don'ts of goat keeping
Post by: Collie26 on May 25, 2011, 07:11:58 am

Thanks for thr advice, ive already got a CPH for pigd just needs updating for goats and sheep.

I thought as much for the tags and yeah we are going with wethers basically becuase we havent got the time twice a day.

Do they really need hard feed during summer?? Obvioulsy hay in winter which isnt a problem as already got horses ect.

Title: Re: Do's and Don'ts of goat keeping
Post by: chickenfeed on May 25, 2011, 09:14:18 am

where abouts are you ?

Title: Re: Do's and Don'ts of goat keeping
Post by: Collie26 on May 25, 2011, 12:24:58 pm

County Durham area  :pig: :chook: :goat: :dog: :horse: :sheep: :farmer: