I am wanting to get a couple of pygmy goats, mostly for pets but they are also supposed to be good for a free lawn mower and pest control. The breeder that I spoke with said that she doesn't have a shelter and they don't need it either. Is this true?
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I had two very sweet goats and they were always in the big shelter we had. I could also put them out on a lead and they would eat some of the grass, but were very picky about which grasses they ate and left all weeds alone! Be very careful though as a stray dog could be a true nightmare! It is in their blood to take down small animals. Mine happened when the neighbors dogs got loose and in the pen, and lucky for me i got back the money i spent on them as the dogs got in but couldn't get out and i held them hostage for ransom!
Seriously though I can't wait to get some more goats, but will make sure they are protected well because they are too easy to get attached to.
As far as shelter goes, many farm animals live totally outside and do ok but I'm of the opinion that everything needs SOME shelter from the rain, etc. Even just sun can be a miserable thing with no relief. I do tend to be a bit overzealous about my animals.
I have pygmies and yes the do need shelter but a dog house is fine. They hate getting wet and I agree with the other post, everything needs some kind of shelter. They are very sweet animals but very curious and can be more so than a cat. They also will get on top of your cars if they have the chance.
Do you have shelter for your dogs? All animals need a place to get out of the weather...hot, cold, rain, thunderstorms!
Thank you for the advice! I really didn't think that sounded right. The lady said that they have a thick inner skin, but I tend to spoil my animals and was really not comfortable about leaving them outside. I didn't know they didn't eat any kind of weed, but that is ok.
A racoon can kill a pygmy goat. Don't leave them unattended if you have coons in your area--possibly even owls or opposums. They will need some sort of shelter--if nothing else for lightning and heavy rain.
Goats of all breeds naturally reach up for twigs and leaves and are classified as 'browsers', while sheep reach down and are 'grazers'. So sheep are the natural lawn mowers, the Queen of England employs The Royal Shepherds to keep the Royal Flock mowing along, and the people of England love it.
Goats are great pets. I bought my first goat this past summer, and we love him! He is awesome for weed control, but does need to be tied carefully because he ate garden flowers. About tying- Kujo (the goat) came from a breeder who had never kept him in a fence, but on a dog tie-out cable instead. This works very well for him and I can tie him where I need him. We built a shelter out of 2x4's and plywood, about 6' x 6' and 4' tall. It is light enough to move around but keeps him safe from the elements. For winter he is up closer to the house- happilly greeting us when we get home! :)
Stacey
Thank you so much! That is a lot of good information and the way we are wanting to do our goats. Tying with the dog tie out and making a light movable shelter. I am so glad to hear how well it works for you.
Kelly,
You are very welcome! To answer your question, yes goats need companionship or they will get lonely (and try harder to escape). Kujo is an only goat, but the main reason we bought him was to be a companion for my only horse. I just move his shelter around the outside of her pasture, allowing them to be close enough to socialize and be silly. It works out great for both of them! :)
I was just wondering if any one knew how much a pygmy goat is in England, and where I can find one?
I've read that they always need a shelter. You shouldn't leave them tied up because it leaves them helpless to dogs and small children.
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