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.
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
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 … Read more
Baby goats are about the cutest little things you will ever have romping about in the barnyard. They are bundles of energy and want to investigate every single new sight, sound, and smell. The days and weeks after the new kids arrive are full of fun, but getting them here isn’t always easy. Goat does … Read more
Meet the newest member of the Dodrill Hill barnyard – Rooster! Pearl FINALLY had her first kid a little after midnight. I worried and stressed over all the things that can and often do go wrong during goat births for the past month, but my sweet Nigerian Dwarf girl did it all on her own! … Read more
Why are so many people reluctant to try goat’s milk? ‘Cause we’ve all been told how disgusting it is, right?! Well, let me tell you, I am now a true lover of goat’s milk. And it took no acquiring of taste, whatsoever! Fresh goat’s milk truly is good!
This morning I found Smiley standing in her pen, something obviously terribly wrong.
After calculating our expenses, and adding up how much milk we get per week, see if it has been worth it for us to have our own milking goats…
More mistakes and lessons learned.
I’ve tried to do everything right, but for some reason our milk goat has been giving less and less milk, to the point that yesterday I thought she was completely dried up. What I surprise I got this evening though, and what a relief to finally know what the problem has been!
It’s been almost two weeks since we got our first dairy goats, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way!
It’s taking some practice, but I’m definitely getting the hang of it! Now, if only I can get the goat to cooperate!!