There are a large number of families who believe the healthiest lifestyle includes one in which they can grow their own food and raise livestock for dairy. Some choose to buy farms where they have plenty of room and can sell the surplus at local markets. Others with less land satisfy themselves with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and a few animals. Even small acreage can accommodate the Nigerian dwarf goats Santa Cruz County farmers sell.
These are dairy animals, often raised as pets, not livestock slaughtered for their meat. They are about as big as a medium sized dog, standing under two feet at maturity. The goats produce a substantial amount of milk. The day output from a mature dwarf is more than a quart. The milk is great for producing cheese, cream, and soap because of the high fat content.
Experienced owners say you will be surprised at how easy they are to train. Since they are smart animals, you can get their attention fairly easily, and they will remember commands. They can be trained to respond to whistles. The dwarfs hate water, so you can move them away from a gate, for instance, with a loaded spray bottle.
You have to make sure they don't catch their collars in fences or other objects in the pen. Most new owners are unaware that holding the chain while walking with their animals can be hazardous to their health. If a goat turns its head suddenly, the collar can slip up causing blood flow to the brain to be cut off. Releasing the pressure quickly will prevent permanent damage.
It probably won't take you long to understand why experienced dwarf owners compare their goats to cats. Both are curious, and can get stuck almost anywhere. Fences are especially problematic for dwarfs. They often get their heads through an opening and can't get back out. You will learn never to go far without wire cutters.
The animals also love to use fences to remove winter undercoats. They will rub up against them until the fencing is sagging and twisted. Unless you find an alternative for them, like street sweepers, you can plan on spending time and money repairing their favorite spots. These natural climbers and jumpers love things like crates left in their area for them to play with.
Most people picture goats eating anything they come across and living in whatever conditions they find themselves in. The truth is that these are pretty picky animals. They won't eat food that has been left outside for an extended period of time. It becomes unappetizing when they sense it is dirty.
You don't have to own a big farm to become self-sufficient in the food department. A vegetable garden, fruit trees, compost heap, and a few goats will go a long way to doing that. With practice you can have fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, and cheese all year round.
These are dairy animals, often raised as pets, not livestock slaughtered for their meat. They are about as big as a medium sized dog, standing under two feet at maturity. The goats produce a substantial amount of milk. The day output from a mature dwarf is more than a quart. The milk is great for producing cheese, cream, and soap because of the high fat content.
Experienced owners say you will be surprised at how easy they are to train. Since they are smart animals, you can get their attention fairly easily, and they will remember commands. They can be trained to respond to whistles. The dwarfs hate water, so you can move them away from a gate, for instance, with a loaded spray bottle.
You have to make sure they don't catch their collars in fences or other objects in the pen. Most new owners are unaware that holding the chain while walking with their animals can be hazardous to their health. If a goat turns its head suddenly, the collar can slip up causing blood flow to the brain to be cut off. Releasing the pressure quickly will prevent permanent damage.
It probably won't take you long to understand why experienced dwarf owners compare their goats to cats. Both are curious, and can get stuck almost anywhere. Fences are especially problematic for dwarfs. They often get their heads through an opening and can't get back out. You will learn never to go far without wire cutters.
The animals also love to use fences to remove winter undercoats. They will rub up against them until the fencing is sagging and twisted. Unless you find an alternative for them, like street sweepers, you can plan on spending time and money repairing their favorite spots. These natural climbers and jumpers love things like crates left in their area for them to play with.
Most people picture goats eating anything they come across and living in whatever conditions they find themselves in. The truth is that these are pretty picky animals. They won't eat food that has been left outside for an extended period of time. It becomes unappetizing when they sense it is dirty.
You don't have to own a big farm to become self-sufficient in the food department. A vegetable garden, fruit trees, compost heap, and a few goats will go a long way to doing that. With practice you can have fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, and cheese all year round.
About the Author:
You can get a summary of the things to keep in mind when picking a breeder of Nigerian Dwarf goats Santa Cruz County area at http://www.quailmeadowfarm.com today.
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