Have you ever found yourself gazing wistfully at your small patch of land, dreaming of adding a touch of life and a lot of personality? Well, grab your Akubra and get ready for a baa-rilliant adventure (couldn't resist) because today we're diving into the joyful month we've had so far of raising goats on our little one acre homestead.
Why Goats? The Goat-tastic Benefits:
First things first, why goats? These charming creatures are not just adorable; they're incredibly versatile and beneficial for your homestead. Here's why goats are the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time, okay so its very easy to make goat jokes):
Natural Lawn Mowers: Goats are grazing machines. They’ll happily munch away on grass, weeds, and even that pesky blackberry bush that’s been taking over your garden. Say goodbye to the lawnmower!
Milk and Cheese: Fancy a bit of homemade feta or goat's milk soap? Goats are fantastic milk producers. Their milk is not only delicious but also easier to digest than cow's milk for some people.
Fertiliser Factories: Goat droppings make for excellent compost. They’re rich in nutrients and can help your garden flourish.
Companionship: Goats are social animals with bundles of personality. They’re curious, affectionate, and love a good frolic. They might even become your new best mates. Billy has easily won over my heart and Cookie is Xavier's surgery recovery goat because thats what every kid needs post op!
Getting Started: The Goat Essentials
Before you rush out and bring home a goat (or three, or five as we had for a weekend there), let’s cover the basics of goat care on a small homestead.
1. Space and Shelter
Goats don’t need a massive amount of space, but they do need enough room to roam and play. A general rule of thumb is about 200 square meters per goat according to google. Much less if they are miatures or pygmy goats. This gives them enough space to graze and stretch their legs.Ours don't have this but they are being trained to go on a teather lead to allow grazing in the gardens where I don't lose all our roses.
For shelter, think simple but sturdy. A three-sided shed facing away from the prevailing winds. We have made a few, one with recycled pallets for free. It has a ladder and old sheet of marine ply as a waterproof roof to play on. Along with a proper house inspired by a pinterest find. I'll share it another time and breakdown what and how we built their playhouse. Just make sure it’s dry, well-ventilated, and safe from predators. We've also created things to allow mental stimulation to keep them entertained, happy and active. Like their little bridge and their tyre jumps.
2. Fencing: The Great Goat Escape Prevention
Goats are notorious escape artists. A good, strong fence is non-negotiable. Electric fencing works well apparently although we sadly had no success with this. I won't ame brands openly but reach out if you want me to elaborate. Make sure it’s high enough (at least 1.2 meters) and check regularly for any weak spots. We used horse mesh, 1.2m and 5cm gaps with 13 rows and a single hardwood panel stripped in half to make it sturdy but not able to be climbed on. If in the event they gotout we would consideer a barbed wire but we really hope to avoid that.
3. Feeding Your Furry Friends
While goats will graze on grass and weeds, but they are narural browsers, they also need a balanced diet. Provide hay, especially during dry spells when pasture isn’t plentiful. We are using amixof native grass hay/oaten hay/and vetch. Supplement their diet with grains and goat pellets, but be cautious not to overfeed, as goats can be prone to obesity. They also love pony meal as a treat.
Fresh water is a must. Goats drink a lot, especially during hot Aussie summers, so ensure they have access to clean water at all times. We find we refil ours every day because they are also fussy if their water is soiled or dirty. At the momet we have two water buckets going but soon will replace them with a small float set up.
Choosing Your Goats: Breed Matters
There are several goat breeds to choose from, each with its own unique traits. Here are a few popular ones in Australia. We also don't know the exact breed of ours. They are minatures of some cross and Cookie is registered minature but as for the rest who knows. We love them anyway but heres some facts on the more common breeds:
Anglo-Nubian: Known for their long ears and high-quality milk, these goats are friendly and great for dairy production.
Boer: If meat production is your goal, Boers are the way to go. They’re robust and grow quickly.
Saanen: Another dairy breed, Saanens are heavy milk producers and have a calm temperament.
Australian Rangeland: Hardy and low-maintenance, these goats are perfect for the Australian climate.
Goats and the Aussie Climate
Australia’s diverse climate means you need to consider the specific needs of your goats. In hot regions, ensure they have plenty of shade and fresh water to stay cool. In colder areas, a well-insulated shelter will keep them warm during chilly nights.
Parasite control is crucial in our climate. Regularly check your goats for signs of worms and consult with a vet about a deworming schedule. Also, keep an eye out for ticks, especially in warmer months if they are a problem in your area. For us ticks aren't really but drenching when a fecal count shows the need and vaccinating every six months are best practice. Plus hoof care and management based on the ground your goats are on.
Goats and Your Garden: A Love-Hate Relationship
While goats can help keep weeds at bay, they can also be a bit too enthusiastic about your roses or veggie patch. To avoid this, create designated goat area and secure your garden with goat-proof fencing. It will however mean we no longer fill the green bin as we can give all the prunings to the goats to enjoy!
The Social Side of Goats
Goats are social creatures and thrive in the company of others. Keeping at least two goats ensures they have a buddy to play with and reduces stress. They’ll entertain each other (and you) with their playful antics. We got three kowing if something happened we would have two at least. Also like with kids and well they are kids... what's one more.
Health and Happiness: A Goat's Well-being
Regular health checks are essential. Keep an eye on their hooves to prevent overgrowth, trim them as needed, and check for signs of illness like coughing, nasal discharge, or lethargy. Vaccinations and parasite control are vital, so establish a good relationship with a local vet and or learn to do these things yourself. I am lucky to have my best friend raising goats and the breeders our girls came from. Youtube is also your best friend while learning.
Goats and You: Building a Bond
Spending time with your goats is not just fun; it’s important for their socialisation and your bond. Goats can learn to respond to their names, follow you around, and even enjoy a good scratch behind the ears. Billy kows Be is the red jacket guy and I am bucket lady... or so we belive thats what she'd ame us. Mac loves Xavier most and Cookie is only up for a pat if you have treats. They are so unique and seriously all so different. We adore all their little quirks and are bonding more and more over the last few weeks.
Final Thoughts: Why Goats are the Best Decision You'll Ever Make
Raising goats on a small homestead is a rewarding experience filled with laughter, learning, and lots of love. Whether you’re in it for the milk, the companionship, or just the joy of watching these delightful creatures frolic around your yard, goats bring a unique charm to any homestead. Our kids love them, the guests of our tinyhouse have enjoyed feeding them and meeting us because of them and we waste much of our evening garden stroll playing with them.
So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the goat life and get ready for an adventure filled with bleats, head butts, and plenty of goat cuddles. Trust me, once you go goat, you’ll never look back!
Happy homesteading,
Clair
Comments