We are getting our first goats this spring - a doe in milk and one of her kids. She's due in a few weeks but will stay at her current farm until her kids are weaned.
For now trying to research all that I can and get ready for them (including pasture fencing) so I'm sure I'll have lots of questions for those of you more experienced.
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How Ironic!! Email me directly and I'd really love to have you help me. I'm sure you are buying from Dragonfly or Fairlea Farm - right? I'm right down the street (town-wise) from them. My email is Rigleyman@aol.com and phone is 978-505-7488. I'd love to meet you and share my goats and have you help - soon! Toes are ready to be done.
Judy
Welcome!!
Thank you! Yes, I actually am in Massachusetts (Central, near Sturbridge). What part are you in? I do need to learn how to trim hooves!
Congratulations Lia! You will LOVE your goats. And how nice to have a goat come in milk and probably experienced at milking.
Read the post about fencing that is on the home page listings - it is one idea for permanent fencing and any divided fencing you want to do. I'm sure the experienced folks on the list can share their setup.
I have a nice 10x12 shed for my does and there are areas in there that can easily be turned into birthing areas should I want. I also have an 8x12 storage area on the back of that shed for hay and other things. Thinking of making a secret door (so goats don't know) leading from the hay area into their shed but don't tell them.
My fencing around the whole field is woven wire no climb horse fencing 4 ft. My goats are happy and have not shown any signs of trying to jump it. I also have fencing around the shed area for confinement or separation should I for some reason not want them in their 3 acre pastures. My spring project however is to add a double door entry into the fields as my farm is on a busy road and I don't wish a curious goat to exit while someone is entering. So I'll have a gate from driveway into square area - close the gate, open the next gate and go in. Not necessary if you are just in your backyard but I lease land for my farm and need to take extra precautions.
My most recent addition is a covered panel pen added to one end of the shed so in the hot summer - I can leave the doors open on that side and the goats can be outside in the breeze all night. It is buried into the ground and goes up high and totally covered on the top so no hawks or owls can get in. I used sheep panels (holes 3x3)for that since for some bizarre reason - no one will sell horse panels (holes 2x4) in New England. I'll be adding a screen (woven wire for the screen) door to the front of the shed for maximum ventilation. I likely will have to add temporary small wire when babies are little but then will remove it.
Other things - mineral feeders, milking stand, hoof trimmers!!, brushes, water buckets (perhaps a heated one for winter time), and finding a source of lovely hay and organic whole goods also important.
How fun for you!!!!! Where are you located - I'm in Massachusetts. If you are in Massachusetts - come help me trim hooves!
Judy