Goats are one of the easiest animals to raise on the homestead. They’re smaller than other livestock, they’re safe for children, they give lots of milk, they can be a good source of mean, and they’re just fun to have around.
Learn everything about goats, from how to raise them, problems that may arise, hoof care, dealing with a pregnant goat and much, much more.
Kale is famous, or you might say infamous, for being one of the healthiest leafy vegetables that you can eat. However, it is not beloved because of its bitter taste and tough texture. Despite this, you might think that kale could be an ideal nutritional supplement for goats. They love greenery, and don’t seem to … Read more
Goats eat all sorts of plant matter, but predominantly like to graze on grass, hey, silage and other greenery. Although they’re pickier than most people think, there is no denying that goats are pretty adaptable when it comes to their diet. Most things, so long as it is green they can probably eat it. But … Read more
Even though goats are herbivores, they are pretty adventurous and varied eaters, consuming grass, leaves, twigs, vegetables, and even fruit. It is surprising just how many different kinds of fruit goats like to eat, from the everyday to the truly exotic. But how about raspberries? Can goats eat raspberries? Yes, goats can eat raspberries although … Read more
Goats, despite their reputation, are surprisingly picky eaters. Known as “browsers”, they are fairly notorious for only picking out the choicest bits of vegetation to eat while they roam. Some owners have been surprised to find their goats turn up their noses at produce they thought would be a sure winner. How about broccoli? Will … Read more
Cucumbers are one of the most popular veggies in the world. Used in all kinds of salads, appetizers, and cultural dishes, it is hard to imagine cuisine without these cool, crisp staples. But enough about us, how about our goats? Can goats enjoy all sorts of foods, but do they enjoy cucumbers as well? Yes, … Read more
If you have goats, you already know that they can be enthusiastic if picky eaters. They may turn their noses up at choice hay one minute only to happily chow down on tree bark the next. It seems like there is no rhyme or reason to what they will or won’t eat sometimes! But some … Read more
Most goat owners already know that the members of their herd will eat all sorts of plant matter, from grasses and hay to leaves and vegetables, fruits, and seemingly everything in between. However, when it comes to more exotic offerings owners are justified in being cautious, even when it comes to items that we take … Read more
To those that don’t keep them, goats have a reputation for eating anything. This is not far from the truth! As herbivores, goats will nibble on just about any kind of vegetation they come across. This includes twigs, leaves, bark and yes, even fruit. How about apples? Can goats eat apples? Yes, goats can eat … Read more
Making the decision to officially become a goat farmer is an exciting moment for many homesteaders. A few seconds later reality sets in, and you have to actually get to work figuring out how to actually buy and raise the goat herd. Keeping goats, be they dairy, meat, fiber, or brush clearers is not rocket … Read more
Goat fencing is the only downside to keeping goats – and it can be a huge one, fellow homesteaders. I thought I armed myself with enough knowledge to prepare myself for the escape artist antics of goats, but I was oh so wrong. Doing your due diligence when getting ready to keep goats will definitely … Read more
Caring for fiber goats is a fun and profitable way to have a homestead. Not only do they produce high-quality fiber, but they’re also entertaining animals that can provide plenty of laughs. And let’s not forget how beautiful that fiber is! Not all fiber goats produce cashmere – some produce mohair – but cashmere in … Read more
Feeding goats properly is essential to the overall health of the herd, and to the success of any meat goat, dairy goat, or fiber goat homesteading operation. Goats are ruminant animals, they have four stomach chambers. When they are eating the wrong type of food, too much of the right kind of food, or introduce … Read more
Pygora goats are a relatively new addition to the fiber goat industry. They were developed in the United States during the 1980s – and became hugely popular with keepers both large and small. These miniature goats are one of the smallest of all 300 or so goat breeds on the planet and are the smallest … Read more
Have you ever heard of Kinder goats? Most folks have not, and that is a true shame. This small dual purpose goat breed has a lot to offer self-reliant families on homesteads both large and small. Kinder goats are a miniature to small size type of goat that not only makes an excellent “farm pet” … Read more
Pygmy goats are a miniature breed that is closely related to the Nigerian Dwarf goat. In fact, when this small stature meat goat arrived in the United States, it took quite a while for zookeepers to realize they actually possessed a herd comprised of two distinct breeds instead of just one. This miniature goat breed … Read more
Nigerian dwarf goats are an ideal livestock to keep on homesteads both large and small. A small stature or “mini goat” of this type can even be kept on a suburban homestead, using a dog box as a shelter and the fenced-in backyard as its home. Simply because Nigerian dwarf goats are easy keepers on … Read more