Not really "New"...lol
Even though we have had our little goats for a few years now. I’ve finally set aside a post to talk about how we decided to get them and our lives since having them.
Reasons...
We moved to this nine acre property, after living in a subdivision for 40 years! Our intentions to start a hobby farm for our grandkids and begin an active retirement, was a tall order, since we had zero farming or gardening experience, lol!
Imagining farm animals, mini bikes, fresh air and sweet memories for our grandkids, were the driving force for the decision.
Cart before the "Goat"...
The saying “Don’t put the cart before the horse”, reminds me of just exactly what we did regarding a goat barn, lol! The opportunity to buy this sad little barn was too good to pass up.
Before the goats came home, we had the barn almost, fully restored and waiting for them.
If you would like to read the story of how we found the barn and the full restoration. Here is the link.
Before
After
Choosing a breed...
The only farm animals we had at the time, were chickens…and a couple barn kitties. Back to the internet we went, also watching homesteading videos, livestock blogs and following goat related pages on Facebook.
After much thought and study, we decided on the breed called “Nigerian Dwarf”. This is a dairy goat, known for small size, good disposition, and good milk production.
From reading about goats, one thing was agreed upon from most articles, sayings to buy the healthiest, most high quality goats you can afford for your first herd.
The Breeder...
Contacting a local breeder, from a farm around an hour away, we met and toured her place. She was a vet tech, raising goats to sell and show.
The breeder asked our reason for wanting goats (pets and possible milk), and we decided on a small herd of four goats.
She informed us that all the goats she had right now were already spoken for.
Baby goats had to be around 10 – 12 weeks old before they can go to their new home…so the next newborns wouldn’t be ready until July.
Putting down a deposit on our future little herd, we went home to prepare.
Preparations...
Ken utilized some old workbenches, into a set of “goat bunkbeds”. Goats love to jump and climb, they could also sleep under the bunks too.
Straw or Hay...
It seems so funny, now that I think back about it, we didn’t really know the difference between straw and hay, lol!
Someone explained to us, straw is the leftover “straws” after farmers cut off the wheat from the top of the plant. It is hallow, doesn’t hold too much water and good to use for bedding.
Have you ever heard the saying “Hay is for horses”? Well, it’s for goats and cows too.
Learning about hay was a whole new topic, there’s Timothy grass hay, Alfalfa hay, Orchard grass hay ….I could go on and on.
Quickly we found out that hay is only cut a few times in the summer…if you wanted to ensure enough for winter feeding, you had to store it.
Yikes…the barn was full of tractors, farm implements, and Ken’s huge pick up truck, that wouldn’t even fit in the regular garage.
Where in the world were we going to store the hay.
Harbor Freight...to the rescue
A portable garage was a reasonable choice. Ken and I were able to put it together in an afternoon, wrapping the top with an extra tarp, for durability.
That was the best $169.00 we ever spent! Nestling it between the pole barn and chicken coop, it was somewhat protected from the wind.
Through rain, snow and hail, wind storms and all, that portable garage has kept the hay dry for five years!
In summer, when the goats can go to pasture, we don’t need as much hay. But in fall, we stock up for the winter.
The “hay barn” serves many purposes, also storing a large lawn trailer and wheel barrel. You can find hens laying eggs, and barn cats napping on any given day, lol!
The Goats Come Home...
Our small herd was comprised of two sets of siblings. Two girls (does) and two boys, that had been fixed, (wethers).
We brought them home in a large dog cage, filled with hay, in the back of our minivan, lol!
They were very scared and huddled together under the bunk beds.
Our plan to let them settle, before calling the grandkids over, worked well. Soon they were on top of the bunks, feeling more at home.
Stay tuned...
Please stay tuned for “Part two”, as the grandkids see the goats for the first time…a sweet, sweet memory at the farm. Also further adventures of the goats, then and now.
Thank you for your continued interest in our little farm, as we learn, grow and live the “hobby farm” life.
See you next time,
Fondly, Sandy
Hi Sandy. We are doing the last pressing of apples here at the orchard in Poplar Grove. My daughter has asked me to save a pail full of apple pulp from the cider mill. She feeds it as a treat to her goats and chickens. She believes it is good for the animals in small amounts.
After reading your recent post, I saved you some of the sweet smelling pulp for your goats. I will bring the pulp to you or stop by Edwards Orchard before we close for the season. We are open 9 to 5 this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Keep up with the entertaining posts. Sincerely, Fellow farmer MaryBeth
Hi Sandy. We are doing the last pressing of apples here at the orchard in Poplar Grove. My daughter has asked me to save a pail full of apple pulp from the cider mill. She feeds it as a treat to her goats and chickens. She believes it is good for the animals in small amounts.
After reading your recent post, I saved you some of the sweet smelling pulp for your goats. I will bring the pulp to you or stop by Edwards Orchard before we close for the season. We are open 9 to 5 this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Keep up with the entertaining posts. Sincerely, Fellow farmer MaryBeth
MaryBeth! What a sweet thing to do!! I can’t wait to meet you!
I will pick up on Monday Nov.27th. Will you be there?
Fondly, Sandy
I will be here tomorrow. The front door to the barn will be locked. Come to the door to the right of the main entrance. Head to the donut kitchen. I will be here from 9 to 3. I will be pleased to meet you also.
MaryBeth Smith