So my husband and I have decided we want at least one goat as soon as possible on our new homestead. I think we would like to go with a Nigerian Dwarf goat. We want it for a couple reasons, one for a family pet and something for my daughter to learn to care for, and two to help us with the poison oak and brush/weeds on the property (along with regular goat feed.) Does anyone have a good website or exeperience with these type of goats that you could share with me?

The second thing is I have been reading about Guinea Fowl and how they eat ticks, small snakes, rodents etc. and are kind of like watch dogs. This seems perfect for us since we have a lot of Chaparelle with I have heard ticks LOVE, plus there are a lot of deer and that means deer ticks. However my husband has heard they are loud and annoying. Just wondering what people thought that have actually raised them. We have 5 acres so I am hoping it wouldn't be that bad.

So any advice would be great. We aren't going to get too much going as far as animals right from the get to because we will be busy building the house but I at least want to get thee things going right away. I appreciate any responses!!

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Posted by Trina

Hi Jill,
Its been awhile.. is your property still in the EP area or did you find something elsewhere? Glad to hear your finally getting your homestead...
First the goats...you need more then one...they are a herd animal.. so two at least...if you want weed control probably several.... Nigerians are nice, tennesse fainters are also nice, as well as there are mini nubian types...are you planning on staking them out or is your property fenced? ...Im glad to hear you will be feeding as well as letting them forage, some folks think you can throw them out in a feild and they will survive. Guinea hens are noisy, the neighbor has them.. as well as peacocks... but chickens will go after the things you just mentioned....and if they are free range you wont have to feed as much and get eggs to boot:>... Are you teaching/subbing?

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Posted by CountryDreamz

I will ask my friend about these types of goats as they raise them and will get back to you!


That would be great thanks!!

Edited by bayleysmom17 on 2007-Apr-10 at 12:46

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