What are the main differences between raising sheep vs goats? We’re about to brainstorm the subtleties that most homesteaders overlook – including the cost of feed, potential profitability, and other muttony nuances! But first, let me tell you how my journey of raising sheep vs goats started. Nearly 20 years ago, I arrived on the …
If you’re new to raising goats, the excitement of seeing your first kids arrive on the scene can easily distract you from the more important task at hand – managing your doe’s milking routine. You don’t want to starve her babies, but at the same time, you’ve been waiting for that first taste of fresh …
There’s little more delicious than a glass of fresh goat milk but, while raw milk does have some advantages, it can also contain potentially harmful bacteria and germs. Not so long ago, milk produced by the Valley Milk Simply Bottled of Stanislaus County was recalled after it was found to contain traces of the bacteria …
In this epic guide, we’re going to brainstorm the best dairy goat breeds and the best goats for milk! But first, there are a few things all homesteaders need to know about the best milking goat breed. Did you know that more goat milk is consumed worldwide than any other type, including cow’s milk? Some …
Want to learn more about Oberhasli goats, their traits, and their characteristics? Then read on! We’re about to brainstorm all about Oberhasli goats – including why they belong on your farm or homestead. But first, let’s talk about why goats are all the rage lately. Goat popularity has been on the uptick for a few years now. Did you …
As I listen to my Dwarf Nigerian buck announcing his presence to the world at the top of his voice, I think how nice it would be to have a quieter breed of goat, like Mini LaMancha Goats. While I love the appearance of the Dwarf Nigerian, I’m not so keen on their escapology tendencies, …
Baby goats are little bundles of fluffy joy – until you wean them, and they pass all hours of the day (and night) calling for their moms. Whether you’re bottle-feeding or relying on the doe to raise her baby, there comes a point at which the kid must be separated from its primary source of …
We dewormed our entire herd of 13 goats a couple of days ago, and I still can’t move my arms without wincing! Trying to catch these fleet-footed creatures is exhausting and holding onto the short horns of the youngsters is like trying to wrestle with Satan himself. After our last fiasco, I’ve decided that even …
Farm animals of any type can be escape artists, whether it is the goat trying to get out of its yard or the dog who wants to ‘escape’ into your chicken coop. Sturdy fencing can keep this from happening. However – you know your animals better than anyone. You know that it’s is only a …
Do you know what really gets my goat? People who confuse rams with goats. True, both are kind of white and woolly with four hooves and a couple of horns, but there are some distinguishing features there if you look closely enough. Is a Ram Strangely Goatee or a Bit Sheepish? Although a ram may …
This is your complete guide to the best animals for small farms and homesteads! These are some of the best animals to raise when you’re just starting out, or even if you’re an experienced homesteader. We’ve included detailed info on animal health, the type of shelter they require, reproduction, different breeds, the equipment you’ll need, …
The arrival of a new baby goat is always a joyous occasion, but that joy can quickly turn to despair if your doe starts showing signs of mastitis. Today, we’re looking at mastitis in goats and natural treatment. A hungry baby goat is one of the noisiest creatures on our homestead and probably on yours …
No self-respecting homesteader would leave their animals without the three essentials – water, food, and shelter. Whether it’s to get out of the baking sun, shelter from the rain, or get protection from the wind, your livestock needs adequate shelter whatever the climate. Many of us rely on rotational grazing to improve our farm’s sustainability. …
All hoofed animals are susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections of the hoof. Horses often suffer from mud fever, greasy heels, and thrush, while our cloven-hoofed friends – sheep, cattle, and goats – are all prone to hoof rot. Whether you’re battling with an outbreak of hoof rot in goats or sheep, or wondering how …
Inquisitive, intelligent, and friendly – goats are definitely creatures that need great names! They’ll respond to their name when you call them in for food or milking, so what better name to call out across the paddock than Snap, Crackle, Pop, or Gilbert Goatfried? Give your neighbors something to smile about! What to name your …