Build A Credit - Raising Goats

Summary

In this engaging video, the creator shares their experiences with backyard goat farming, offering valuable insights for beginners. They discuss the process of getting goats, including the need for two goats, how to breed them, and the essential care requirements, like bottle-feeding and proper shelter. The video also covers goat behavior, such as their playful antics, and the potential benefits of goat milk, including making cheese, soap, and other dairy products. Overall, it’s a fun and informative guide to backyard goating, encouraging viewers to consider keeping goats for both companionship and practical purposes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Goats cannot produce milk until after they give birth, so you need to bring in a male goat for breeding.
• 😀 Always have at least two goats because they are social animals and need company.
• 😀 Male and female goats should not be kept together due to hormones released by the males.
• 😀 Goats can be adopted as early as two weeks old but require bottle feeding until they can eat solid food.
• 😀 A simple three-sided shelter is generally enough for goats, but you may need a more secure setup if you have predator issues.
• 😀 You can build a goat shelter out of pallets, which can be affordable and functional.
• 😀 Regular care for goats includes feeding hay, mixing in some grain, and giving them access to dried grass and leaves.
• 😀 Goats can be fun and entertaining to watch with their quirky, jumpy behavior when they're excited.
• 😀 Goats are affectionate and enjoy being petted, making them great companions for backyard farms.
• 😀 Beyond milk, goats can provide products like cheese, soap, butter, and sour cream, all of which have various uses.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video is about backyard goat farming, specifically the basics of keeping goats at home for milk production and general care.

Why is it important to have at least two goats?

Goats are very social animals, so it's important to have at least two to keep them company and prevent loneliness. However, male and female goats should not be kept together due to hormonal issues.

Can you get milk from goats right after acquiring them?

No, you cannot get milk from goats immediately after acquiring them. Goats need to have babies before they can start producing milk. The milk production continues for about ten months after the babies are born.

How old can goats be when you first acquire them?

You can get goats as young as two weeks old, although they still need to be bottle-fed at that age.

What do goats eat, and how is their feeding managed?

Goats are fed hay, which is available to them all day. Additionally, they are given a mix of grain in their bowl. They also enjoy eating dried grass and leaves from their surroundings.

What are some of the benefits of having goats?

Having goats provides various benefits such as milk for making cheese, butter, sour cream, and even soap. Goat milk soap is particularly noted for its skin benefits, including treating acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

What type of shelter do goats need?

Goats generally need a three-sided shelter that protects them from rain. This type of shelter is sufficient for most situations, though some people may choose to build more secure, fully enclosed areas depending on their concerns (e.g., predator safety).

Why was a full enclosure chosen for the goats in the video?

The creator chose to build a full enclosure for the goats to prevent predators, specifically raccoons, from attacking their chickens, as they had previously experienced this issue.

What type of care did the goats receive when they were first acquired?

When the goats were first acquired, they were given deworming treatment and were 'deep-butted,' which is a procedure to prevent horn growth. They were also bottle-fed and raised with attention to ensure they were healthy.

What is unique about the way goats behave?

Goats are known for their unique behavior, such as randomly jumping and dancing when they are excited. They are also humorous because they often lay in their own waste but still engage in energetic, playful activities.