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Friday, May 16, 2014

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Goats

Disclaimer: Grandma Bonnie's Closet was not compensated for the review of this book. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion. The opinions in this post are all my own.

Have you ever thought about raising goats for milk, meat or just as a pet? I have had that dream for some time now. We have been making plans to purchase two Nigerian dwarf goats. I have never raised goats before and I did not want to jump into this project without doing thorough research on the subject of raising dairy goats. While looking into all the information online I came across the book titled, "How To Raise Goats Everything You Need To Know" By Carol Amundson. I immediately begged for requested a review copy from Voyageur Press
I am so thrilled to tell you this book is very comprehensive in dealing with the subject of raising goats. The first chapter describes each type of goat and their breed. Its is important to research all the available breeds and their types so you might be able to choose the best goat breed for your needs. I myself am interested in a small dairy goat. I have no need for a meat goat. I am not interested in fiber goats. I just want goats for their milk. Well maybe also their pet qualities. The book has helped me decide what my needs are and made it easy for me to choose the best breed for my situation. So, after choosing a breed of goat the chapter goes on to give a quick peek into the physical and behavioral view of goats in general. There are several charts included on the parts of a goat. And also a chart on body condition scoring. 
This will come in useful when I inspect my goats for purchase. Its nice to know I won't just be picking a goat because of its pretty coat or striking blue eyes. Knowing a little about what a good body condition is and what to watch out for is very important when purchasing a goat. Next, in chapter two I read about preparing your goat farm. The topics included animal diseases, management systems, dead animal disposal, auctions, breeders, acquiring your goats, housing, fencing and much more.
Chapter three Breeding Your Goats was fascinating. I am looking forward to having some kids and the fresh milk resulting from their birth. Very exciting indeed. There is so much more great goat information in this book. From milking a goat, handling goats milk, meat goats, fiber from fiber goats, goats as pets and even showing goats. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to start raising goats on their own.

When we do purchase our very own goats we will be one step closer to living the sustainable lifestyle we are working tward. 
Have you ever raised goats? What type of goat would you be interested in owning? 

24 comments:

  1. My mom was wanting to get some goats. I'm passing this along to her, as I don't think our my HOA would allow me to take full advantage of it LOL

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  2. This is actually really interesting. I have never known anyone that has gotten goats before, so I learned a lot today!

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  3. We have never raised goats, but just about a year ago, we got six chickens. Two of them disappeared,(something got them) but the four left do give us pretty much an egg a day each. The eggs are wonderful. Good luck with you goats! This sounds like a great book to get you started.

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  4. I have heard goats are very destructive so I don't think I will be getting any anytime soon
    Good luck with them when you get them

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  5. This would have been great for my father-in-law. He used to raise goats. At one point I think he had 48 of them.

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  6. That sounds like quite a challenge. I'm not even ready for a dog!

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  7. I know a few people who live in the country and would probably find great value in a book about goats.

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  8. I've always liked goats but I've never raised any but maybe someday in the future. I'll definitely have to find a book with lots of How To information that's for sure. Having fresh milk sounds good too.

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  9. Goats are cute and son would love this he is into animals right now.

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  10. I can not wait until we can get our next house, we will have plenty of land and goats are on my list. I will definitely need this as I know nothing about them.

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  11. I've never raised goats. Honestly the closest I've ever been to a goat is at the zoo!

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  12. I know just the person who would love to see this post. I'm going to share now so I don't forget!!

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  13. I loved raising goats. They're a lot o fun and this is a great resource!

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  14. This book really does tell you everything about goats. They really are a very interesting farm animal.

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  15. My father's side of the family owns a farm. I believe there are goats so I should probably learn about how to take care of them!

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  16. Sounds perfect for someone who is just starting out raising goats. My kids just recently saw a goat for the first time at a petting zoo.

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  17. Living in the city I never thought about getting a goat. But I can see how useful they can be to someone who needs to keep them.

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  18. Goats are so cute! I have always wanted one!

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  19. I've never raised goats and have never had the amount of land it would require to do so. I have a blogging friend who does though!

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  20. I have never raised any sort of animal. Sounds like a great endeavor though :)

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  21. I grew up with goats! I watched them be born, cleaned their barns, and even milked them. It was fun times!

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  22. How fun to raise your own goats... I hope you do get some one day. At this point in my life, I probably won't be raising goats but I would probably enjoy it.
    My neighbor from many years ago had a goat that would not stay out of my house. It thought it lived there. I would have to physically drag it out.

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  23. Hello There, We just got home from a great week--which was a terrific 'healing' experience for me --as I recover from gallbladder surgery followed by that wicked infection... You'll have to check out my blog post today (if you haven't done so yet).

    No---never have thought about raising goats... Probably never willl--but I admire people who do.. Good Luck.

    Happy Memorial Day to you and yours... Let's never forget those men and women (past and present) who were/are in the Armed Forces and have done so much to give us the FREEDOM we have today. God Bless ALL of them and God Bless the USA.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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