Probably everyday I have someone come up and tell me that they would like to get goats.
(Aside: I wear my “Goat Milk” shirt a lot, so I shouldn’t be surprised when people walk up to me at the gas station, grocery store, bank, public restroom and other strange places wanting to discuss goats!)
Anyway, for the most part, I think it is great that so many people would like to add goats to their lives. I think goats are great, but I do often feel that people only see the cute, playful, cuddly side of goats when they are considering them. They don’t consider all the maintenance and upkeep involved in goat ownership. Some folks even think it won’t be necessary to feed them because they’ll just eat anything.
Goats are VEGETARIANS, people! And for heaven’s sake they don’t eat tin cans!!!
And while they are often sweet and loving, goats can also be total a$$holes! Still lovable, but total a$$holes when they feel like it.
Was that too harsh? Moving right along . . .
I wrote a whole long post over at The Prairie Homestead called 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Get Goats.
(But I was on my best behavior, y’all and refrained from calling them a$$holes over there. Aren’t you proud?) Would you do me a favor and hop on over there and read it before you go out and buy some goats on a whim?
If you can commit to dealing with all the challenges that goat ownership entails, then I will support your journey of goat ownership in any way I can. If not, well, then maybe I will have kept you from making a mistake that you will later regret. I think that’s best for both you and the goats, wouldn’t you agree?
Speaking of goats, my goat Tesla would love for you to read all about our farm news in Beulah’s Moooooooooosletter! You’ll get all the farm news from the cow’s point of view. (She’s funny, y’all!)
P.S. Here are some great goat ownership resources!
If you would like to know more about owning goats, I have enjoyed this book by Sue Weaver called The Backyard Goat. *affiliate link*
There are also lots of great goat posts at Weed ’em and Reap.
I find tons of great natural goat care information at Fias Co. Farm.
And I already mentioned The Prairie Homestead, but I’ll say again that you should go check it out!
Finally, if you would like to hear all about opening a goat creamery, check out The Farmstead! I’m fascinated by their current journey!
***This post contains affiliate links. That means that a small percentage of the purchase price of items bought through these links goes toward keeping this blog up and running and food in Beulah’s bowl, so thanks!***
love your article on 5 reasons not to get goats !!! thanks for the info and the laugh !!!
WOW–you’re in Remlap! We just moved from Trussville, bought a farm in Cullman.
I have an escape artist question. We have 1 pasture that is fenced entirely with cattle panel–wouldn’t that be pretty escape-proof? We do put cows in that pasture at night (to have Jersey mix near milking barn), will goats and cows share the same pasture peacefully? Thanks!
Well, you are just down the street! Cattle panels should be pretty secure. The only thing to watch is if you get horned goats, they could get their heads stuck. They learn pretty quickly about it though. Yes, my goats and cow all live together happily and play nicely. The cow and the pig are friends too. 🙂