The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: lord flynn on May 31, 2014, 08:25:29 am
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This is just a first hint of a thought so bear with me. I would also say that I have no goat experience although I do work a bit with sheep. I have no interest in showing, breeding, milking or eating goats.
Over the years I have met horses that have had goats as companions. Hopefully this was a good arrangement for the goats as well. I have three equines-one a retired pony who has very different dietary requirements to the other two. There are no other horses in sight which means leaving one alone for any length of time is not an option, having grazing dotted around the place makes this tricky. I do not want another little pony-I was only ever meant to have two, this one was sort of dumped on me and I am too fond of him to do much about it. Cross grazing is useful for both the ponies and the goats I would expect.
Would a pair of castrated male goats be an option? I expect a pair rather than a single one. What are the associated costs? I am quite handy at hoof trimming, feed hay year round, have stock fenced paddocks and can easily convert part of the stables to a goat stable.
What breeds are suitably docile and low maintenance? How much would a castrated male/s cost? How easy are they to find? (Central Scotlandish).
Any other advice/opinions?
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Golden Guernsey wethers, or possibly some British Saanen wethers - yes two would be better. Size-wise they would compare better with a horse/pony than say a pygmy, fairly calm and will do well on mostly hay and maybe some sugarbeet shreds/oats for maintenance.
A bit late for this year, most of us have now kidded and decided what to do with our boys. Best to get them as kids, so they grow up in your environment and to your system of handling. Of course once they become teenagers they can be a bit of a handful, but with a firm hand should be calming down again.
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Have pm'ed you :goat:
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http://knlive.ctvnews.ca/depressed-goat-overjoyed-when-reunited-with-donkey-best-friend-1.1845874 (http://knlive.ctvnews.ca/depressed-goat-overjoyed-when-reunited-with-donkey-best-friend-1.1845874)
if you haven't seen this, you have to :thumbsup:
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Awwwwwww that's fab
I have 24 goats at the mo, love them
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http://knlive.ctvnews.ca/depressed-goat-overjoyed-when-reunited-with-donkey-best-friend-1.1845874 (http://knlive.ctvnews.ca/depressed-goat-overjoyed-when-reunited-with-donkey-best-friend-1.1845874)
if you haven't seen this, you have to :thumbsup:
well I am obviously feeling somewhat emotional today :goat: :horse:
I dunno, I am still thinking about it and there's a lot to do before next winter for the animals we already have. Also, the little fat one might be going up north for a few months to keep a friends mare company and to take the pressure off me. I am tempted but don't take the commitment of two extra animals lightly-I also have to sow the idea of the idea to the other half..
Thankyou for all of your replies.
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Love the video :goat: :goat: :goat: :love:
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Lovely film - so nice to see animals happy - tears in my eyes off out to give mine a hug :hug:
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Mr G and Jellybean, what a great story, showed it to my 10yr old son and he gave me a nice cuddle afterwards :D
Lord Flynn, can't be sure but don't you live East Lothian? There's a chap near to us took on about 50 goats from the Jedburgh Deer Farm, he lives near Earlston, a couple I know got some does and kids off him recently for nowt. He may give you a 'loan' of a couple and would probably take them back if you think it's not for you. If you're used to keeping ponies then goats would be easy peasy.
Let me know if interested, I could get his details for you.
Goats are fab, but you have to get the right goats.
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hi Goosepimple, I was last year-am now between Lanark and Biggar on a very windy hill. Would need a CPH number.
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There's a chap near to us took on about 50 goats from the Jedburgh Deer Farm, he lives near Earlston,
Is this where the 50 or so found wandering the roads near the border last summer ended up eventually? What type are they?(not buying any, just curious).
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Don't know Anke, I don't know him, just someone at the school got goats from him recently and mentioned it. I think Jed Deer Farm took them from SSPCA but they are closing and looks like they have passed them on. The couple at the school got some nice goats I think - they don't know what breed they are so I said I'd pop over this week and take a look. I could get is details if anyone's interested.