The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: escapedtothecountry on March 01, 2012, 11:30:57 pm

Title: Very tempted...
Post by: escapedtothecountry on March 01, 2012, 11:30:57 pm

Once we get the building work out of the way, I'm very tempted to get a couple of pygmy goats. So from the experts out there... what should I consider... what do I need etc etc... We have a stable for them to sleep in and plenty of paddock (no other animals). Any comments/suggestions will be gratefully received.

Jonathan

www.escapedtothecountry.com (http://www.escapedtothecountry.com)

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: Lesley Silvester on March 02, 2012, 12:00:39 am

Go for proper goats.  By that I mean Sanaans of course.   :goat: Calm, placid, intelligent, affectionate and the milk is lovely.

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: plumseverywhere on March 02, 2012, 07:41:08 am

Or Toggenburgs  ;)

You would also need very secure fencing (consider electric wire too!), to make sure that you have nothing toxic to goats bush/tree/plant wise in your paddock.
Any particular reason for Pygmies? are you looking to breed or just pets  :)

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: wytsend on March 02, 2012, 07:58:20 am

I can help with pure Saanens  or indeed  placid Nubians.

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: escapedtothecountry on March 02, 2012, 09:11:05 am

Pygmies just because they are small and (silly I know) look nice. Not intending on breeding just more as nice to have. We are a long way off getting anything as chickens are on the list, so investigating what may work for us.

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: little blue on March 02, 2012, 06:35:22 pm

or Bagots?
Rare breed, a little bigger than pygmies but still smaller than most others.
Can be milked, make fantastic crosses if you wanted milkers in the future

there's a Bagot society (not that impressive, but the photos & info on website are good) and info on the RBST
:)

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: Brucklay on March 02, 2012, 06:49:38 pm

Well I vote for pygmy's but I biased - they are cute, funny and have some lovely colours. Our's are contained with standard stock fencing. The need access to their shelter 24/7 as they don't to rain or even damp!! They don't eat very much grass and need hay all year round but I can live with that - if you need any further info feel free to call and ask all the questions you can think of. 01771 613826 Clare

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: trying on March 02, 2012, 08:21:01 pm

Hi, I vote for Boer's, so placid, so laid back, follow you around just like puppy dogs. I love Boers :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: Bangbang on March 03, 2012, 03:22:16 pm

 My first choice would be Pygmy's, and second, and third.....there great fun, full of character but useless at playing football. ;D ;D

Title: Re: Very tempted...
Post by: katie on March 03, 2012, 08:42:22 pm

Toggenburgs! Lovely, laid-back goats!