[ambriel]

We have two lovely goats, Bella and Flash, but have come to the sad decision that we probably ought to find a better home for them.

The problem is that our land is very poorly drained and whilst the Kunes don't seem to mind this I know it's far from ideal for goats.

Flash appears to be a toggenberg and Bella a Saanen. No idea if they're purebred or crossed though. Both adult and around 4 years old we think. Neither has been in kid but they should make excellent milking goats if they were to be. Both very friendly and used to being handled.

[ambriel]

Oh and both tagged.

[Lesley Silvester]

I'm so tempted since mine only produced one male this year but I live too far away in Shropshire.  Hope you find a good home for them.

[melodrama]

Where in the North of Scotland are you? x

[ambriel]

We're way up in the north west corner - Kinlochbervie.

They're lovely girls and I wouldn't be doing this if our land was better drained. I've thought about converting part of our barn so they could be kept indoors over the winter.

[Lesley Silvester]

I'd go for that.  My girls have a shed and a yard and are happy and healthy. 

[Roxy]

Some of my goats are housed all winter - they do not mind, so long as food is available.  It does give my grass a good rest.  If all 16 were out full time, we would have one muddy farm, with no grass. 

[Anke]

My goats are inside for most of the winter - field is too wet, needs a rest and the girls are happier inside! I take the pregnant ladies outside for walks though, especially in the last months - they don't appreciate it! Kids/goatlings get some lead training as well, but am not too worried about them.

[ballingall]

Ours too stay inside for the winter- too wet for their feet ouside, and they would just turn the field to mud!

Beth

[egglady]

lots of posts about keeping goats inside in the winter...making me wonder about our arrangement.

do you think my girls would be happier (2 of them) in a 12x12 stable over the winter than their shed with access to outdoors.....the only problem being that the access is through a rather churned up, muddy boggy section..havent seen them outside for a day or two, so am thinking that they are just staying indoor.  shed doesnt have natural light.....

stable doesnt have a door they can see over but it does get natural light

what would others do?

[ambriel]

Well, it looks like I've found a new home for them. A very nice lady with 2 acres they can enjoy and who already has other livestock. It'll be a shame to see them go because they're so lovely but their welfare must come first.

[Penninehillbilly]

lots of posts about keeping goats inside in the winter...making me wonder about our arrangement.

do you think my girls would be happier (2 of them) in a 12x12 stable over the winter than their shed with access to outdoors.....the only problem being that the access is through a rather churned up, muddy boggy section..havent seen them outside for a day or two, so am thinking that they are just staying indoor.  shed doesnt have natural light.....

stable doesnt have a door they can see over but it does get natural light

what would others do?

I've noticed mine walk out on some concrete building blocks I left along the bottom of the doorway. can't you drop a couple of breeze/concrete blocks down or something for them to use as stepping stones? It would be a shame to fasten them in untill the bad weather comes in. They might even enjoy the novelty  .

[egglady]

I've noticed mine walk out on some concrete building blocks I left along the bottom of the doorway. can't you drop a couple of breeze/concrete blocks down or something for them to use as stepping stones? It would be a shame to fasten them in untill the bad weather comes in. They might even enjoy the novelty  .
[/quote]

fab idea, i'll get on the case with that then...thanks

[Anke]

Most goats will stay happily inside for most of the winter - not much to eat for them outside anyway. If you can have yours in with horses they can seee and hear, they should be very happy!

[ballingall]

lots of posts about keeping goats inside in the winter...making me wonder about our arrangement.

do you think my girls would be happier (2 of them) in a 12x12 stable over the winter than their shed with access to outdoors.....the only problem being that the access is through a rather churned up, muddy boggy section..havent seen them outside for a day or two, so am thinking that they are just staying indoor.  shed doesnt have natural light.....

stable doesnt have a door they can see over but it does get natural light

what would others do?

Ultimately, Dairy Goats are dairy animals- just like Dairy Cows. How many dairy cows do you see with access outside for 24 hours a day in the winter? We live in a dairy cattle area, and all the surrounding dairy cows are now in for the winter...

Natural daylight is very important for goats.

Beth