[Muttley94]

I recently got a few sheep which are lambing at the end of the month, but I am thinking about maybe getting a couple goats. I have the space but just wondered what your thoughts are? Keeping in mind that I am a novice

[grumpsgarden]

go for it im a novice and ive now got 6 adults and 2 kids they are great fun wish i had got them earler then i did 

[Muttley94]

What breed are they? Im really not up on breeds but it's never too late to learn  I think I would only get 2 or 3 then breed off them next year. Would you say they are relatively easy to look after?

[grumpsgarden]

ive got a mixed bunch the first 2 i got are brother and sister there are sanns x youngster , the next 2 i got are a togand a anglo newbienx alpine the togg is in kid then this week i got golden gurnesys with there kids , i find them quiet easy but they do like a routine other then that im still learning i have learnt to milk this past couble weeks which was so much easer then i thought it would be , theres lots more experanced peolpe on here for goats then me ive asked them questions they are so helpful 

[jaykay]

Go for it  They make far more of a relationship with you than sheep do. Halfway to a dog I reckon. Very naughty - you need good fences. I spend ages sitting with them and watching/stroking them.

I have Old English, smallish and hardy,  which have a website if only I  could remember it.....Here it is: www.oldenglishgoats.org.uk

Rowan, in my avatar, is an OEG

[plumseverywhere]

Yay! definitely go for it     

I think having kept sheep will have given you a head start when it comes to your first goat herd, I started out having only ever had chickens and cats basically so it was quite a learning curve!
you will need shelter for the goats, possibly better fencing than for sheep (!) certainly consider electric wire fencing as goats will respect that unlike sheep who can't feel it.
Feeding and milking will be something to research but you will find that you can share wormers/vaccinations with goats and sheep in many cases.  Hoof trimming is same as sheep.

I have kids due this weekend if you are interested in Toggenburgs in the near future    They are from the Willowbank bloodlines (so very well known!) but my prefix is KushtiBok (Good Luck in Romany).   

[Anke]

Yes if you want a dairy animal and are prepared to make use of the milk, go for it. BUT not to be started lightly... there are too many goats that end up "free to a good home"...

Get a few books form the library about goatkeeping and try and locate/visit some goatkeepers near you, go to a few shows this summer and look at the breeds and talk to owners there... the times I have had to tell people - no get a lawnmower a goat will not keep your paddock tidy...

So I don't want to put a dampener on things, but read up on it before and see if you actually like goats!

Also get your fencing sorted before you get goats.

[Penninehillbilly]

This site is wonderful for 'extra' info and advice if in doubt, but read the books first, not just a smallholder type book that skims over the subject, a good one that explains about shelter, types of feed, what to look for etc.
I love mine to bits, if only I could house train them they could replace the dogs, not sure OH would be very happy with that though.
I have sheep netting with a single strand electric fence running round about 18" on the inside.
talking to people at shows is a good idea, and finding out if there is anyone locally, ask at your local feed store?

[Hatty]

BEWARE GOATS ARE ADDICTIVE!!!!!!!!

I got 2 last year now i have 5 lol still very new to me too! but wouldn't be without them now 

[Lesley Silvester]

Goats steal your heart.   

[Muttley94]

Thanks for sharing your views I'm going to look more into it but that will be after lambing. I never thought to go to shows to ask people so that's also on my to-do list. I don't think there are any goat keepers local to me, it's quite a distant local before I even get to the nearest sheep farm. So I will definitely be asking in my feed store!
Plums I may well be interested so I will let you know as soon as I have made my mind up. When do you usually sell them on roughly? Just to know my deadline

[plumseverywhere]

Hi Muttley

well its my first time kidding and I'm exploring avenues really. If I knew a castrated boy would be going to a good home I'd keep him till about 12 weeks (more experienced goat keepers - help me on this one please?! I think its about 12 weeks?)

If i dont' have a buyer for him as a castrate I have to let him go at 3 days to a man who raises them for meat as I am in a difficult spot right now where I can't keep another goat