10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Goats

So you think you want goats? Here are 10 things I wish I knew before getting them.
0:00 - Intro
0:22 - They are jerks
1:40 - Inventing new ways to die
2:44 - No babies, no milk
2:56 - Milk quality
3:33 - Horrible lawnmowers
4:13 - Girls can have horns
4:38 - Clip those toenails
4:57 - So many babies!
5:44 - The best alarm clock
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MORE ABOUT ME
I'm Anne of All Trades. In NASHVILLE, I have a woodworking, blacksmithing and fabrication shop, a selection of furry friends, and an organic farm. Whether you've got the knowledge, tools, time or space to do the things you've always wanted to do, everything is "figureoutable."
I became "Anne of All Trades" out of necessity. With no background in farming or making things, I wanted to learn to raise my own food, fix things when they break and build the things I need.
8 years ago I got my first pet, planted my first seed and picked up my first tool.
My goal is to learn and share traditional techniques and skills while showing my peers how to get from where they are to where they want to go, how to do the things they are passionate about, and what can be done TODAY to engage their own community and grow deep roots.
Whether it's carving spoons, making my own hand tools, restoring my antique truck or growing heirloom tomatoes, the farm and workshop definitely keep me busy and support - whether financially through Patreon, through shopping my affiliate links, through buying merchandise, plans or project videos, or even just liking, commenting, and sharing my content with others helps me GREATLY to keep producing quality content to share.
Get a better roadmap of how to grow deep roots and live the life you want by subscribing to this channel and be sure to check out my blog for even more info anneofalltrades.com
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#homesteading #homesteadingtips #farmtips

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Join me for a FREE homesteading summit September 12-15 to talk all things dairy goat! Other homesteaders like Joel Salatin, Melissa K Norris, the Homesteading Family, Justin Rhodes, Paul Gautchi, and many more! www.schooloftraditionalskills.com/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=17

[@Maiden_Warrior_Crone]

You're the best! Also, sharing that you deal with anxiety and depression is EXTREMELY helpful, as it lets other sufferers know that we can homestead as well. For myself, acquiring homesteading skills truly helps my mental health and gives me purpose. Your channel is incredible and so are you. Thank you! Love from Croatia!

[@anna9072]

I once saw this advice for fencing goats - build your fence. Throw a bucket of water at it. If the water goes through, so will the goats, eventually. Thankfully, eventually can be quite a long time, and my best advice is: build it tight, build it tall, and have at least two fences and 100 feet between your does and your bucks.

[@christymiller6350]

I cannot tell you how very thankful I am for this video! As a new " goat mom" ( since February) I am grateful to know that I am not the only one who struggles with this...🤣 We were at our son's baseball game one evening when I got a phone call that my goats had made an unauthorized trip to town when they got out of their fence, and followed a jogger who was on our road back home. Luckily, she knew the people we got them from, so the goats made it safely back home! They did however, serve a one day sentence in "goat jail" for their shenanigans! 🤣

[@WildAcresFarms]

If you’re new to goats just be familiar with coccidiosis (think I spelled that right.) Coccidia is a parasite, and the #1 killer of young goats. We lost a precious beautiful baby boy to it at ~3 months because it was our first year raising. Simple measures well documented on KZbin are all you need!

[@kirkwilson10]

Anne, I grew up in Hardin County TN on a grandfather's farm that he bought in 1950. He logged it, built the barn that I had so many adventures in, fenced it and turned in goats and pigs to clear it. There were no coyotes then, but he told me once gravely, " Kirk, there's only one way to keep a goat from jumping the fence. Put up a board so he can walk over it!" Haha, blessings on your goat balancing act!

[@mabmachine]

"Inventing new ways to die" made me laugh out loud. I love it Anne. God bless. -Mike

[@andrewcodelka5158]

I'm so glad that I saw this video before I saw your live stream about the big announcement. Tell Adam that he was right. I've always loved your videos, but for some reason, I felt like this one was more organic and more authentically you - I had no idea why and I couldn't put my finger on it. So Adam is definitely right - people come to your channel because they love to learn, but they definitely also come here because they love you. For whatever reason, this video just felt right. I know that this choice is the right track for you and your channel and I'm so happy to see a couple choosing to prioritize themselves and their relationship over all of the other crap that pollutes our lives. Without love, nothing is worth it - the Beatles got that one right too.... all you need is love.

[@suecastillo4056]

TRUTH♥️‼️How can anyone not love this woman??? She’s kind, smart, inspiring, and she just shines🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Someone you’d love to have as a friend kind of person… so,ya, I just love her!! Her spirit makes me happy🤗🙋‍♀️Here’s some flowers for you dearest 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐❣️thanks for your energy❣️☘️🧚‍♂️🐾🐾🌞

[@karikalahari]

I love the way you said "I can't believe that I actually had to say that, but there it is!" with a smile and a laugh. I have struggled to explain this fact of life (& milk) to people without blurting out a sigh. Your patience and lightheartedness is admirable and inspiring! 10/10 would recommend. :D

[@sgsax]

And here I always thought you named her Dolly Parton because of her excellent singing voice. 😁

[@reamiger1]

I liked youre message at the end of the video Anne. NEXT VIDEO IDEA: What kind of plants specific to your area should people watch out for and what issues can they cause, and how to remove them safely?

[@troybobbiecooper3653]

I'm interested in this as well!

[@Stakman1]

Thanks for sharing, The "not a goat" arrow for Bella was just the laugh I needed to get me through the rest of my day!

[@siriusley13]

I adored y goats! Pygmies but only pets. I never milked them. Never had a jail break in my small goats. But we would invite them out and they would take a walk with us. Followed along sampling the growth along the way. Their favourite in the fall was eating the dry fallen leaves. It sounded like they were munching chips 😂

[@brianwhite9555]

Great video, loads of good info in less than 7 minutes, and with a smile & sense of humor. Loved the filming, how you set up the shots.

[@tonyburelle6633]

Excellent video as always Anne, lots of very useful tips, thanks for sharing!

[@Clark42EoC]

Great video Anne. Absolutely hilarious and informative.

[@shadowlandsfarmandcreamery5400]

Anne! I love your videos, you're fantastic! Thank you for your videos and fun! My 21 Nigerian Dwarves and I salute you from Maine! ❤~Deb

[@iainf6]

Well done Adam 👍🥰👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@avalanchecarter]

I'm glad this has the "you" part of KZbin while still being interesting/informative. Polished corp-o-shill-tube is tolerable in some cases, but seeing Real People who struggle and persevere (and sometimes fail) is way more engaging than seeing a sanitized facade. And, FWIW, I like the impish sense of humor in this one. (Again, it feels more real.). All the best--

[@missfrancesdingdong]

Truth! All of the above! Thank you for helping those newbies, who want ruminants! Many years of Alpines here!

[@LIFELOVER715]

I have a huge amount of respect & admiration for you giving all of these great animals a wonderful life. Their guardian angel.

[@malcolmgee2983]

The number of things you manage is absolutely astounding! Your persistence is inspiring. You deserve any success you get!

[@mattomon1045]

thanks Anne for the update

[@lloudernnow]

I love Adam’s sense of humor and personal touches!!!

[@dennisoverholts8396]

Love how you, explain everything thank you.

[@Swamp-Fox]

I learned a lot of things I did not know about goats! Thanks for sharing!

[@akau1340]

I popped in to see your video after Nomadic Movement dropped your name. Love your energy!

[@stuartfreeborn1986]

Great video, informative, honest and funny. Great editing too 🐐🙂

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

You are a real inspiration. Thanks for all you post. Thumbs up! The only animals I'm likely to get are dogs. My place might be suitable for a cattle grazing lease - a couple farmers have said it might be a reasonable idea; and the previous homeowners had a working homestead here. But I dunno, even as just a "landlord," a grazing lease seems like a ton of year-round work for me -- work of all types, some of it interesting. But not what I planned for my retirement!

[@rusnsc7622]

You never cease to amaze Anne, look forward to your videos. With the level of attention /monitoring/ babysitting 🤣 it’s a wonder you accomplish what ya do. Enjoyed it, Be well!

[@americanchau-vin-ist9443]

Love this video! Thank you.

[@jgullave16]

Sounds like the goats are nearly a full time job! I really enjoyed this video Ann!😊

[@lolottathinks...]

So impress with yours videos! I love it the way you are able to communicate this amazing content and share all those valuable informations, it's so interesting! BRAVO Anne for taking such good care of your animals, this is great and very inspiring there's people like you out there...

[@gratefulot360]

They sure are cute! Thank you, Anne!

[@davidwhite4474]

What you said is true and you have a good funny way to get it across . Thanks .

[@DH-ry2ho]

Great info! Thx!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff Anne! 😃👍🏻🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐👊🏻

[@izindawo8363]

I'm new here and I'm loving your content SO SO much! Goats are jerks! haha yup. I'm sorry but can't help laughing. They are very..uhm..resilient lol. Never giving up. Always finding ways to get what they want. Ok time to watch some more. Thank you Anne!

[@peetky8645]

goats do well on trimmings from small trees and bushes.

[@madmaxofspokane1691]

Wonderful video. Very informative and entertaining. You got lost in my list of subscriptions over the pandemic years & I just rediscovered your channel on my list.😉😁👍

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! 🙏

[@wintermanmuzika7650]

Great job I wish everyone in every place do exactly like you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@maknifeandrods7701]

Just wow. Your great love your sight nd you 🤗

[@RosetheHat23]

You are such a cool person! Thanks for being such an inspiration! 🐐 ⚒️ 😌

[@bethcrane5780]

Hilarious goat video (great editing job Adam!). Is there any other baby creature that can out charm baby goats?

[@chrisnoyce1059]

Loved it!

[@user-rg59]

Thank that was helpful

[@kerra7386]

I love this video, it was relatable and funny 😊

[@ginninadances]

This is awesome! 😱

[@lenniereagan2362]

Educational and absolutely hilarious 😂 😂😂

[@williamfreeh1198]

many years ago i bought a new chevy. my neighbors had 3 goats and one night they got into my yard and used my new ride as a hill climbing toy. the top trunk Deck and hood looked they had been hit by golf ball sized hail. thank goodness for insurance but my adjuster was a bit skeptical. that car after repairs was not the same. i traded it in lol.

[@rawilson7768]

Anne I just saw you got a shout out on another channel. Look at the Nomadic Movement, “This is Chaos... fearful times living in Panama”. Enjoy funny I watch both of you and knew they were talking about you!

[@fightorflightgamer4420]

And they are adorable! A friend of mine has pregnant nigerians due in sept/oct. I'll be getting some babies. I'm so excited

[@katybejarano9627]

Love you and the information, though I wish you didn't seemed forced to finish before the 'film' ran out!

[@Perception_]

I've just recently moved out to the countryside myself, and I saw something new the other day where some farmers use a no physical fence system. The animal wears a collar that will make increasing beeps the closer the animal get to a virtual fence that you set in an app. You can adjust and rearrange the borders any time, and change the whole layout in realtime. I have no idea how well it works or not myself because I'm not a farmer myself, so just thought I'd mention it because at least to me it looks like it can solve some issues. Of course I do not know what kind of issues it might add as well though, given there's pro's and cons to everything.

[@georgm4]

You made my day. The photo is unbeatable. 😂

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That photo was taken the exact moment my goat removed my earring and tried to swallow it.

[@damianl3]

Having had goats as a kid, you are spot on. Once one my goats got out and got to my neighbors prize orchard collection: not a good day

[@hankmerkle5928]

OMG! "The Goatness of the Goat" I spit out my drink!

[@moriamsel7043]

This was hilarious! I love goats, but I always hated goat milk, until I tried some fresh goat milk instead of the supermarket one, and that was delicious, as you say.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yeah I seriously could not believe how bad the grocery store version was. I’m drinking some fresh milk now and it’s delightful!

[@gandalfthemead3121]

Ohh my Lord! And here I thought, I could get a couple of goats and they just take care of themselves. Great video.

[@jessicalatorraca8507]

You are hilarious! 😂❤

[@kevinfox6220]

"The Nomadic Movement" KZbin channel just gave you a shout out...

[@adelinawarriner6259]

lol.. my bucks are polled, most of the does have horns but come polled/horned breedings. hoping the next generation is all polled

[@gardengirl1191]

You're a natural goat care giver. Patient w the more difficult animals... an embassador perhaps. Lol

[@alenagoddess2400]

It's a challenge many people like to take because raising goats challenges the mind to figure out what they're going to do next.

[@karenturner7983]

❤️❤️❤️

[@bngr_bngr]

Our city uses goats to clear the brush on hill below our building.

[@icelandviking1961]

Have goats, have less disposable time now.

[@toolzshed]

Yayyyy goats!

[@marzatomika]

Lol Adamofnotrades!

[@Baron3D]

👍

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Good video. Each of your choices opens up another ten? Go Milk dud!

[@michelleprull4105]

I’m sure I’m the millionth person to ask but what bibs(insulated) do you wear in winter? And what jeans do you find to last outdoors?

[@user-xe9ox4pu1z]

How do you like the electric netting and how does it work for you?

[@walterrider9600]

thank you and love watching your videos . that life for me naw not at my age 69

[@ecospider5]

Goats are a girls best friend. At least that is what my neighbors daughter says. Especially while sneaking her goat into the house.

[@GWPHomestead]

I think I recognized a couple of those little ladies 👀 we love our goats, even when they’re being jerks.

[@jennasosa7740]

Anne, Do you still use IVF for your Mama goats or do you keep a male on the property now? I know in one of your older videos you recommended not having a male on site and I'm wondering if you're still sticking to it or if your mind has been changed. Just curious. We hope to have goats in the future. I've loved your goat and gardening videos! Thanks for sharing your knowledge here on KZbin!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I’ve never done AI for my goats, though we have done it with the cows. I am still staunchly against keeping males here because their pheromones affect the flavor of the milk. So I do driveway breedings for the ladies with a buck I hire from another farm I trust, who comes with a clean bill of health from the vet.

[@troybobbiecooper3653]

I am preparing to get Nigerian Dwarf goats...a nanny and a baby girl. We have been preparing our place for them to the best we can to what we are learning from you and others that raise them 💕 can you advise what is the right diet to feed them for the best tasting milk? Thanks!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I provide as much wild forage as I can, and when they are in the barn they have free choice access to orchard grass and Chaffhaye, a fermented alfalfa product. In their mineral feeders are kelp meal, goat mineral, baking soda, and once a week I give an oral dose of Replamin mineral paste.

[@troybobbiecooper3653]

@@AnneofAllTrades thank you for your reply! I will definitely do that! I'm anxious to get these little ones. I know we will enjoy them 🤩

[@yokihomesteadlyfestyle8524]

You are definitely talking me out of the goat farming ideal. I don't think I have the energy.....

[@WildAcresFarms]

Spend money on really good twisted wire (not welded!) or cattle panel fencing, and you’ll never have problems. People have problems because they realize they need a thousand plus in fencing to put the good stuff in, and then they go cheap. And the goats get out over, and over. ASK ME HOW I KNOW THIS.

[@WildAcresFarms]

Twisted wire is super tough. Welded wire has a tiny spot weld at the joints which the goats will quickly break. pygmy goats may only be 2ft tall, but they are solid muscle and grind against your fence all day long scratching itches. Welded fence will fail.

[@simonsays6557]

Well done My queen goat I named Houdini the escape artist

[@bribribush7583]

What do you do with the goat babies

[@tedmarlenebarry1514]

Can you do a video on why you got Nigerian dwarf goats?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

No need for a whole video, they make the fattiest milk with the best flavor, they’re little and efficient calorie converters, and they are really cute so it’s easy to sell the kids.

[@carabela125]

GOAT

[@ImSpartacus811]

Super fun and educational video, but anyone else notice that Anne is kinda jacked? Homegirl definitely lifts.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Bales of hay, axes, hammers, large logs in my way on the farm, yes. But I wouldn’t go to a gym if someone paid me. As someone who grew up being the smallest, weakest, first bullied, last picked, I take that as a huge compliment though ❤️❤️

[@arrzfr]

#11: goats thrive in their natural habitat. Keeping them outside that habitat exposes them to food poisoning, parasites, disease etc. Go to the countryside in Greece, watch goats live all by themselves for months on end in perfect health.

[@Saviour3]

I was thinking of getting goats ... I'm rethinking it. Maybe it's bc I grew up in the south Bronx of the 60s

[@lastharvest4044]

They're a lot of fun, but can definitely be a lot of responsibility. Even more so if you want milk.

[@BrummBilt]

If you can build a fence that’ll hold a goat, it’ll hold water! 😆

[@AnneofAllTrades]

😂😂😂😂

[@indian-lj2ve]

Hi Anne you are from

[@stanbrown915]

I want a hobby farm when I retire and want chickens and goats but the more I learn about goats.....Welllllll..I don't know 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jsbrads1]

Sheep were the historic lawnmowers.

[@vj5183]

Oh, but the loss of time having to milk the buggers! My life is not my own. It's Groundhog Day every day. I'm exhausted.

[@GibClark]

😊👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kathyreasonover2513]

Do you sell your baby goats? I feel your goats will be healthy and loved as they should be.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I sure do! I usually have a waiting list going for new kids but I haven’t landed on breeding dates for this year yet so I haven’t started collecting names yet.

[@kimberlynndickens9640]

Having all those 🐐, how do you make money from your herd?

[@tiffanyherrman3534]

I love goats but they can be a pain in the butt lol

[@matthewlipsey1733]

Do you sell your goat's milk? I used to have to drink it as a kid, and LOVED it. The overpriced stuff they have at Sprout's and elsewhere just isn't as good as farm-fresh goat's milk.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I do sell both cow and goat’s milk to herdshare members and it’s likely a little more pricey than sprouts, but it’s worth it ;)

[@matthewlipsey1733]

How do I become a Herdshare Member? @@AnneofAllTrades

[@AnneofAllTrades]

all slots are filled for the year but if you send me an email [e-mail] I can put you on the waiting list :)

[@kekiplus1andonly]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣lol

[@sharonabels2509]

*update* this got a wee bit long, I'm not an expert, but have lived the farm/ranch life since birth... I'm 50. 😉 I'm simultaneously laughing, crying and screaming with you! We started raising dairy goats to help feed Boer goat babies (Boer goat mamas often have problems) & fresh goat milk is better for lactose intolerance & digestion. So manyyy things to know about goats. Goats are browse eaters like deer (trees, bushes, brush vegetation; including 🌺 🌹 & veggies) Sheep eat grass, not goats until after they have climbed on your car or up into trees to eat all the leaves... We have accidentally ran over goats (they lay under vehicles), had goats break a leg (jumping on/off a tailgate, off feed/water containers, coming in backgate while the herd came in, etc.) Hint: Always pad, vet wrap & PVC pipe split in half does wonders as a splint 🥴. We've had surprise babies, breech multiple births, manual goat kid deliveries, sickness from bad hay or feed, rainy or drought conditions, etc. In central Texas & everywhere possibly? there's mold from moisture, as well as, drought resistant mold. Yeah! I miss my bratz (pgymy goats), but not disbudding horns, vaccinations, getting heads stuck out of fences, etc. I help my family milk & care for their dairy goats & kids from time to time, but opted out on owning after my kids' high school graduations. 😂 I love short vacations again. 😉

[@mohergenrader2113]

I'm with you. I'm too old to trim hooves. I don't want to milk 2x a day. I don't trust others to be careful enough. And why do people think goats eat everything? They can't live off weeds. When these goats are gone I'm going to pretend I've never seen a goat. But I'll miss them.

[@sharonabels2509]

@@mohergenrader2113 Amen sista! When I go visit friends for the weekend, my son is fine with feeding & watering cats, dogs, horse & pig and watering my flowers & garden.

[@acdcacres]

Yes. Goats are jerks 🤣

[@robvegart]

It appears to me, that you have to be a GOAT yourself to raise goats!

[@jimmcintyre4390]

I guess it depends on the breed. My meat goats have been easy. Knock on wood.

[@jacques-mauricemiron199]

Raising goats means having a very good fence and keeping them inside the field. Don't be to amical. There not humans.