WHO KNOWS GOATS?

[Peyton Manning]

ok I have six acres mostly planted in grain.
Along one long side there is a fence with the usual everything growing up through it and getting wider.
I have wondered about getting a goat to eat the crap. I hate using chemicals.
I hear they eat anything. Could I buy one, chain it to sections of the fence and kill the plantlife?
What kind of goat would I want? What care do they take?

 

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[whammy]

There are places that rent them out for just the purpose you described. Here in N.Y. there are several places, but unsure how wide spread this is. If you know any local farmers who have goats, see about putting them in your pasture for a week or two. Good luck.

 

[Peyton Manning]

the whole thing isn't fenced
the rental places I saw online require a herder too
I can buy one cheaper and let it go when I am done

 

[kingskid1611]

A free roaming goat? Oh you mean sell it when your done.......

 

[releventchair]

Goats may eat quite a variety ,I'd not say anything.
They ,like most critters should be eased into a diet change,and in a goats case some hay or grain after being brought in ,sheltered for the night unless securely fenced.
Adding a durable hurdle/ portable fence along the one you want browsed would be better,in my opinion, than chaining a goat.
A stake for a tether needs to be secure...and a swivel to keep goat from wrapping chain around stake.
Clipping chain to fence...if goat jumps or climbs over fence it risks getting hung by neck,( don't ask.) And I lost one that got a stick in its collar and managed to create a Spanish windlass with it = dead goat.
Goats are mostly durable , but shade and water and a place to shelter,even if used rarely ,goes far in contentment.
Escape artists ply their trade more when not content.

Two goats are better than one,company and competition.
Do not, get a billy goat. Unless you like the smell of hot cheap tarps ,but ten times worse.
And other things/reasons worth being spared.

 

[kingskid1611]

Another question.....How do you know there are old goats here?

 

[Limitool]

Jeff... I am a goatolgist and glad you asked. And lucky for you I am the only licensed goatolgist also in this country. That's how I made my living for 50 years. I raise goats from test tubes, cloning and actually breeding them (not myself personally). I raise goats to stay within a 10' to 100' ft. area and not go outside it (+/- 3ft.) These goats training / breeding cover every 10' up to 100'. The 10' goats start at $99.99 and the 100' goats (strict training involved) go for much more ($1500+).

FYI: Since your a T-Net member I'll work out a good deal for... just call my private number. I only have 1256 specially trained goats left and their going fast. Signed your best friend.... Brad

 

[Peyton Manning]

I want a paint colored goat ( always liked the paint horses best)

 

[Limitool]

I want a paint colored goat ( always liked the paint horses best)

Ok... Not to be specific but are you wanting a horseolgist or a goatolgist? You have to make up your mind Jeff. Get a grip and think...? Hummmmm

 

[bottlebum]

Their hooves need to be trimmed, too. Just like a horse.

 

[Peyton Manning]

I don't plan to have it long enough for grooming

 

[Peyton Manning]

Ok... Not to be specific but are you wanting a horseolgist or a goatolgist? You have to make up your mind Jeff. Get a grip and think...? Hummmmm

but thinking is sooo hard!

 

[bottlebum]

Machete and a heavy duty weed eater?

 

[Peyton Manning]

yeah 30 years ago

 

[Deft Tones]

Between goats andd pigs one could clear anything but a forest.

Get a pygmy goat. Easier to maintain, can give good milk, eat it when you're done.

 

[releventchair]

I don't plan to have it long enough for grooming

You write like my ex.....only beforehand.

 

[Limitool]

I don't plan to have it long enough for grooming

Ok... I'm bowing out now as a resource. As a leading Goatolgist I require all of our goats to be groomed daily. You are NOT worthy... and... well I can't say. You'll have to get a second rate goat person. Sorry... Me

 

[kcm]

Contrary to popular belief, goats are actually picky eaters. While it's true a goat may eat weeds and other junk vegetation that no other animal would touch, let me ask one question......what would YOU eat if nothing else was available? I have a neighbor that bales weeds with sometimes 50% cattails for his cattle, then feeds that to them in the winter. They eat it rather than starve.

Also, grew up in Texas. Learned a bit about Longhorns and how they survive quite well on crap vegetation that most other animals cannot eat. Their system is a bit different - they actually "need" less than prime hay and forage. I suppose one could adapt but it would take time. Same with a goat. Change the diet too quickly and they'll get sick.

Jeff, why not mow the weeds?

 

[SusanMN]

Had them living briefly in my front yard as a kid. All I remember is they left smaller piles of poop than the cow did.

 

[bottlebum]

yeah 30 years ago

You don't look that old??