Adding Goats to a Homestead

Before anyone thinks about adding goats to a homestead or property in the city or suburbs, check if local laws will allow them. Many areas are changing regulations, but getting livestock is a major investment and violating government rules is never a good way to start.

Property Zoning

A big consideration we had before we bought land zoned agricultural was related to the food we eat. We wanted to grow our own food but our current location does not allow any livestock. Our city permits four chickens on a single-family lot, but even it does not allow goats or any other livestock in residential areas.

Why Adding Goats?

If zoning and laws allow you to have goats, ask yourself why you want to keep goats. Do you want goat’s milk or the things you can make from it? What about goat meat? Are you interested in keeping them as pets or do you want them to clear brush? Other uses for goats include using their hair to make clothing or training them as pack animals for camping. You should narrow down your reason for keeping them because the type of goat you get has to match what you want to do with them.

On our four acres, we have lots of undergrowth between the trees that goats can eat. We also want to have goat milk and meat, so there are many breeds that we could consider when adding goats.

What about Climate?

The next thing to consider is the climate. If you live in a hot environment, some goat breeds can handle the heat better than others. The same thing is true for colder climates. You should not get a goat breed that will be miserable where you live.

I live in Florida, so La Manchas (a breed with small or no ears) and Nubians (a long-eared breed) are known to be heat tolerant. In addition to that, they can both be used for dairy and meat.  These breeds produce rich milk although the Nubian has lower production compared to others. As new goat owners who like cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, this breed would meet our requirements!

Enough Area?

Do you have enough room on your property to keep goats? Herd animals need a group to be happy, so plan on adding goats and at least two. Smaller breeds and miniatures may use less space, but all goats need room to run and play, including things to climb.

A guide published by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension says, “one dairy goat needs a minimum of 20 – 25 square feet of enclosed housing and another 50 square feet of exercise area.” Two goats could be kept in 100 square feet of space (about the size of a small bedroom).

Other Considerations

Access to fresh water and shelter from rain, excessive sun, or cold will also be required. If you want to provide a healthy environment for your animals, this would be the minimum.

Let’s assume you have the law on your side, enough space, and have picked a breed or breeds that match your interest in goats that will do well in your area.  Where should you go to get them?

Goat shelters may have animals to adopt, or you can purchase them from individuals, breeders, or auctions. However, it makes sense to spend some time around goats before you get them for yourself.

What We Did

We found two families in our general neighborhood that had goats and visited them to better our understanding. One additional benefit from meeting the owners and their goats was finding out the predators we could expect. This is valuable information that will help us protect our investment.

Obviously, there is much more information anyone adding goats should learn: what to feed, proper shelter, medical care, and many other things that are important. Know before you go is always a good strategy.

One book I have read that does a good job of covering the bases is by Deborah Niemann. She has been keeping goats for years and is always researching better information. Part of our plans include practice in milking and humane butchering and learning which plants in our area can poison goats. The neighbors we visited offered to check our fencing and goat shelter before we bring our livestock home. We look forward to having goats in our lives!