Comments

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  Elyse Nicholson January 4, 2010 at 6:57pm

  You've come to the right place! And the correct breed. I own Working Goats, so I've never gotten into milking or breeding, but I'll put in what I can.
  
  I would start with either does or bred does. Just based on what I've heard, I don't think you'll want to start off your ownership with a buck - they are harder to handle I hear and some don't like thier smell during breeding seasons. I started with two does who were sister and expanded from there. Never bred them, but it was nice to start small, and then expand my herd.
  
  Again, jsut a trainer here, so I could be totally wrong!
  
  As for the grazing, the moving of the pens works very well because it is light and you can put your goats anywhere you want (mine were outside my bedroom window at one point!!) and you can put it in places that it is hard to build a real fence. I place the pen around large dirt hills and don't have to worry about putting up fence posts.
  
  Again, Welocme!
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  Kayleen January 4, 2010 at 6:11pm

  Hi , thanks for the welcome. I do not have goats yet, but know I want ND. I want to have them for milk, land benefits and for my girls to enjoy and learn to care for. We have 80 acres in the northeast AZ.
  
  Right now I am working with my husband for the plans for the goat house, milking station, fencing, etc. I really liked WG4's idea of the 4 cattle panels. That would work well for the rotaional grazing I'd like to do here.
  
  Really would like advice on how many goats to start with. Do I get a buck and does or just pregnant does to start? We are new to this farm life (been here about 1 1/2 years and have chickens). The goal is to be a self sufficent homestead and hopefully have a market garden. I love goat milk cheese and ice cream and soap (not to eat :-p).
  
  I am looking forward to learning from people here. Thank you.
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  Elyse Nicholson January 4, 2010 at 5:57pm

  Welcome Kayleen! Can't wait to hear about your goats or plans for goats! You will find that is a great place for both gaining and sharing knowledge!
  
  Again, welcome!
  WG4