I really wanted goats last week. I read about their milk production, thought about inexpensive milk, cheese, butter… and went a bit crazy.
Thankfully, I have some level-headed readers who tactfully brought up some of the drawbacks to having goats.
1. Escaping. Ha! That’s just what I need, a dog and two goats roaming the neighborhood. I can just imagine me driving around, ” Excuse me, have you seen a yellow Lab and two goats wandering around here?” Nope. Just can’t do it.
2. Noise. Apparently if you only have one or two they might make lots of noise. No, not for me. I have enough noise, thank you.
3. Space. We have a pretty big backyard; but fitting my gardens, dogs, humans, and (hopefully chickens!) as well as goats would be a bit much.
Thank you to all of you who gently but firmly reined me in from turning my backyard into a mini farm. You gave me enough of the good characteristics of goats that I have not ruled them out forever, but I am not actively searching Craigslist for goat listings anymore. 🙂
I’ve been reading about chickens. This book has some pretty neat coops.
Also, reading about using a broody hen to raise mail-order or feed store chicks has been interesting. I’m eyeing my dog’s kennel with a repurposing eye now.
Anyway, I’ll show you how to strain your homemade yogurt soon, and also share a woodland themed baby shower cake I decorated. No goats will be in either of those posts! 🙂
Coffee to Compost 
You have been steered correctly.
We tried goats. Never again.
I recently saw the goat pen on the “Before” food forest image on your site. Why did you get rid of them?
Chickens are a much friendlier option! Just be prepared to share your sofa with them if they really like you 🙂
Oh dear. Don’t think I would let them in the house.
Hahaha I want both! We live right by a goat farm…well actually they’re all just pets, and I love them so!
Good for you! All of the fun, none of the headaches. 🙂
Too bad, sounded like fun!
I know. Maybe someday!
Hey there, Sarah! You might find this blogpost interesting: http://centralcoastgardening.com/2014/03/more-about-a-coop-for-the-garden/
I saved it to my pinterest, a few years ago when I thought I might buy a few acres in Florida. Don’t know why I still keep it as I’m in a retirement MH park now, where only one dog is allowed. lol However, it’s my most popular pin!
I love the flowering vines all over the coop! So pretty!
Birds are WONDERFUL creatures to have around your home. They have delightful personalities to help put you ‘in the moment’ when life comes at you hard, and, of course, their eggs — should you choose to steal them — are unbeatable for taste and nutrition. I enjoy my friends’ yard hens as much as they do (though I choose not to eat from them).
However, there is a shadow to yard hens that few think about. I’ve ‘stickied’ a post on my home page for you, rather than link here. With any animal that is domesticated, there is ALWAYS an unintended — and sometimes cruel — consequence. Buyers beware!