Author Topic: ADVICE PLEASE (Read 3617 times)

ramblerskitchen · « **on:** April 24, 2011, 07:05:36 pm »

Hi I am looking to buy a goat to milk and keep with my very small flock of sheep. I would like to be able to take her for walks to eat brambles, hedging etc and am looking for advise for the best breed etc, would I be best to buy a nanny with a kid at foot, or a maiden female and put her in kid myself.

If there is a experienced goat keeper in Dorset, I would live the chance to visit and pick your brains. All suggestions are very welcome. Sarah

Mays · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2011, 12:36:16 pm »

what would be nice is if you bought a nanny with her male kid at foot, as long as that male had been castrated & debudded, he will keep her company & if you pick a Dairy breed she will give u plenty milk. Goats dont like living on their own, they dont consider sheep their equals, nor do they consider them good company.

wytsend · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2011, 10:29:07 am »

Sarah, give me a call on 01647 231456 (evenings) may be able to help.
Jane

ramblerskitchen · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2011, 04:25:34 pm »

Mays, thanks for for your advice, I will have to get 2 goats then. I am looking to make cheese and butter eventually so might be worth thinking about 2 nanny goats so I have plenty of milk

plumseverywhere · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2011, 05:36:04 pm »

ramblerskitchen, you may be surprised by how much milk one nanny can produce

I ended up with a soap business becuase mine produced so much, 2 means that you can mate alternate girls every year thoug so that your milk production is there x

jinglejoys · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2011, 06:20:55 pm »

Unfortunately you can't take them for walks anymore DEATHRA won't allow it

plumseverywhere · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2011, 06:26:44 pm »

DEATHRA - LOL love it!! even my 9 yr old refers to them as 'bl**dy Defra!" don't know WHERE she gets that from...ok I know they are trying to look out for us...!

little blue · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2011, 09:18:50 pm »

you can with a licence...
And round your own property

though, really, with all the cars & dog **** around, I'd be loath to take mine far!

jinglejoys · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2011, 09:28:00 pm »

Funny how we went through a war and well into the 60's feedig waste and swill to pigs in return for their meat(And bloody grateful we were too)and also bred the best goats in the world because we kept diversified genes in small herds,then along came DEATHRA's regs and our national herd has been almost wiped out in ten years.
as for the liscence! I like to take my goats out not have to ask permission and send off six pieces of paper before I can go out!(After all if their rules are really meant to protect Farm livestock and not just reduce it then we should ALL be asking heir DEATHRA's permission ad be on a 3wk standing order on or return)

little blue · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2011, 10:41:59 pm »

a walking licence is a single piece of paper ... you have to tell them your route & stick to it... and carry it with you in case a policeman asks to see it!!

jj, I know you're making a point, just wanted to make it clear to those who dont know!