Please Don't Get a Goat

[@JakeKoenig]

I was on Amazon with 10 goats in my cart and was about to hit "Place Order," and then I saw this video and canceled the transaction. Whew, that was a close one.

[@Tyme_flies]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@suzannepoirier7364]

I am laughing so hard at this comment 😂😂😂

[@valardeeedeyosuri9851]

What a coincidence 😂😂😂....Me too! 😂😂😂

[@thejackel1844]

Pygmy Goats I suppose, or one huge cart...

[@lindamitchell-fox1926]

Chad my UPS driver would definitely think I’ve gone too far if he had to deliver a bunch of goats to me. 🤣. My Christmas card money has already needed to be increased each year.

[@femijnbas7208]

I live in Portugal and the most amazing thing is that here goats still kept like they were in the past, you still have real shepherds roaming the hills and lands with often a mix of goats and sheep. We have 3 of those shepherds close by and hearing them move and seeing them when on walks is so much fun. There is actually a program to subsidize those old way shepherds because especially in the more rural areas it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel for extreme bushfires. 2017 was a extreme year, so much of Portugal got damaged by fire that they started this program. So if you ever want to see goats, sheep and livestock guardian dogs being worked like in the old day, just visit rural Portugal and you will enjoy it 😁

[@ulalaFrugilega]

We were driving-camping through Portugal, decades ago. Went to sleep the first night out there, besides our old Kübel, my huge dog by our side. Were woken by a large herd of goats, trotting by with their musical bells, such a herd, we didn't even see the Shepherd or any dog. My dog was gone. He came back later, I'm sure he just respected the sheep dogs and gave them way. An absolutely beautiful memory, the whole thing.

[@mythoughts1................1]

That part of Portugal sounds like a glorious place to experience.

[@gregbuser4690]

Here in Mexico, goat herds are an integral part of any ranch, providing meat, milk, and cheese. The ranchers will put a newborn puppy with a litter of newborn goat kids, and they will live the rest of their lives with the goat herd protecting them.

[@shawnrenz3412]

5:56

[@antonionotbanderas9775]

Off to search about the firefighter goats of Portugal

[@MichaelofYurtBees]

I have never said this about a homesteading video before, but I absolutely LOVED this video. The sheer amount of livestock wisdom passed on here was amazing. Very well done!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MichaelofYurtBees]

@@deirdreLaurence If it were in my power to delete your account for making that comment as a reply to my compliment of this video, I would. You are a horrible human being.

[@MichaelofYurtBees]

@AnneofAllTrades I too am a homesteader living off-grid in a yurt. Many have suggested I should make videos about the experience. I will not. While each experience is different and we can learn from each other, I do not wish to make how I am going about living my retired life fodder for an army of inspectors and bureaucrats. There are enough homesteading videos out there to give everyone an idea about it and yours are among the very best of the genre.

[@heidiweinert3260]

She has very rich informational videos for sure!

[@wfemp_4730]

@@MichaelofYurtBees Kari Lake? Really?

[@jackpayne4658]

There is a very old Arab proverb - 'If you've got no troubles, buy a goat'.

[@NevadaGoats]

Average goat ownership is 3-5 years. After that, the goats are 're-homed' because they are too much work. They then start the downward spiral of 're-homing' that results in them tied to a fence, killed by dogs, or otherwise neglected unto death. Goats have a 12-15 year average lifespan. Dilettante owners are an eventual death sentence. I raised dairy and showstock for 40 years, I still have about 100, and will no longer sell any of them, because people don't think things through and I'm sick of watching my wonderful animals neglected, auctioned, 'gotten rid of', or killed. My oldest homebred now is pushing 17. I hope this video reaches everywhere. Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@markricketts6957]

If you never sell your goats what happens to the kids, or do you never put the Billy in? Otherwise you would.have thousands of them.

[@VedaSay]

Thank you for sharing this. Not sure possible for your team to have bring-back policy, like the new owner can pay a fee and return the goat. Definitely the goat has to be in good shape or near good shape to return to the heard after quarantine.

[@NevadaGoats]

@@markricketts6957 Read through the comments here. How many of them end with "we had to 'get rid' of them because". How many of them end with "they died naturally here when they were 14 years old.

[@markricketts6957]

@NevadaGoats So you keep them as pets without breeding them?

[@davegeorge9538]

You understand that they are delicious…. Right?

[@edavid2557]

As a goat owner for 16 years, I thank you for backing up everything I always say to people who think that my goats are cute and cool and they too can have... 1 goat!!!!!!!! In their 1000m² backyard!!!!! 🤦‍♀️ Even after all the warnings.... I've been thinking writing a book about NOT getting a goat exactly like your video ❤❤ Thanks a lot for the goats!

[@PaulineFerguson]

Same here. So many people who tag me in goat vids and say how they want one. I invite them to meet mine, and they understand. Although they still think they're sweet, but watching someone wrangle a goat is a different thing.

[@Darren-xt1jz]

Yummy curr😊

[@zxyatiywariii8]

@PaulineFerguson Yes, exactly, people have a naïve, Disney-esque vision of what they think it would be like to have a goat, but zero understanding of the reality of it. We had a rescued marmoset and I always told people who thought they wanted one, "No you don't." Especially people who wanted "a little monkey for my kids" 😳🚫⛔️

[@madamecampsalot6384]

I love your responsible message; it applies to every animal chosen as a "pet"

[@MCJSA]

My daughter just asked me if she should get a border collie? Well, sure, if you've got a herd of cows to keep the dog busy, otherwise you're gonna be doing a lot of trottin'.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

Exactly! I wish more people would do some serious research before getting any animal.

[@dravonwalker2352]

I had Angora goats on scrub acreage. They made short work of all the baby pines, weeds, and were starting to strip bark off the big trees before we fenced them off. We eventually let them wander into scrubby areas the neighbors wanted cleaned up and that was awesome. I’d feed them in the evenings with a yelled “come on guys!” and I’d listen as the goats started bleating as they ran home for the evening. I really enjoyed them, foibles and all. Interesting you didn’t mention the horrendous smell during rut, or that goats like to drop babies on the absolute coldest nights in the worst locations. Great video! Lots of great advice and life lessons as well.

[@elizabethharalson7903]

Our mama goat gave birth in a hollow tree during the worst storm of the year. Two babies, Stormy and Windy.

[@tb6303]

Yeah, billy goats definitely stink!

[@tigerlily222]

OH GOSH YES. those boys do STINK lol-it sticks to your clothes!!!

[@littlejackalo5326]

I wish I could let mine out into the big pasture. To bad the male donkey tries to kill him every time. He picks him up with his teeth and runs around the pasture with the goat in his mouth.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

@@elizabethharalson7903 danaerys stormborn of the house Targaryen I hope?

[@FranktheDachshund]

My sister had a pygmy goat, just one. It was named Goatie, and it was the biggest character of any pet I have known. It roamed freely and hung out where the people hung out, pestered the dogs and horses. She was a complete oddball but in a really good way. Goatie lived for 14 years, she was a great pet.

[@danejames7098]

My mother in law has 4 little ones, they’re nearly human. Hilarious to play with

[@Zogg1281]

"Please goat responsibly" fantastic line!!! 😂👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You get a gold star for staying till the end ❤️❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Zogg1281]

@AnneofAllTrades thanks 😊

[@zxyatiywariii8]

I love that! It's true for every animal, and I'm going to remember it.

[@lindaschweitzer5349]

I took care of goats for several clients... and they were my worst animal to have to care for. They are the CUTEST but everything you warned about is so true. And i love that you are very educated in land management, animal science, and have figured out how to have a full time job with it all. Super admirable!!!

[@TopCatsFatDuck]

@AnneofAllTrades that last line actually made me tear up a bit 🥹 as your genuine love for the animals came straight through the screen with your plea for their good welfare to be top priority. Bless your heart, I hope this message gets through to people ❤

[@avivat3010]

Your crazy level of knowledge shows how much you care about your animals, land and all things husbandry!! You're amazing Anne.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Wow, thank you!

[@shannoninalaska]

Agree with that statement 👍 I never knew goats were such a handful .

[@fionnmaccumhaill3257]

​@@AnneofAllTrades My grandfather had goats on his farm. I used to be sent there in the summers to work/help. One of the bigger impressions I ever took away was how much I hate goat milk. I tasted gross, smelled funny, and the gross smell would come through your sweat when you worked. These cheese was ok.

[@collinlovas]

I live in the suburbs and couldn’t even consider a goat, but I just loved all of the details that have gone into your thoughtful and detailed report about goats. Amazing!

[@SkyFullOfPotential]

Instructions unclear, I now have 100 goats

[@mollyvivian578]

😂

[@hollysmith3980]

😂

[@JoySkydancer]

😂

[@joyceterra2265]

😂

[@robinsouth8555]

To funny, maybe an intervention?

[@mikegraham7078]

We had a goat as a companion animal for horses. One goat. She had been bottle-raised and never had an evil thought. Many, many inconvenient goat-like thoughts, but no evil. Instead of other goats she had horses. That seemed to work for her. Had her for a long time, but I'm not sure how long. 5-10 years, I think. She was awesome. Had to give her up because she kept digging one horn into pregnant horse bellies. Gave this maiden goat to a school for disabled adults on the condition that they never breed her. They bred her the next year and she died. That goat was way less of an asshole than the average human.

[@emilyglasser1072]

Very sorry for your loss😢

[@irenemax3574]

Great story, thank you 🙏 😊

[@NevadaGoats]

Typical ending to the story.

[@lukearts2954]

With all due respect to the disabled, adult disabled who go to, or live in, such "schools" mrdr animals that are given to them. Whether it's negligence by the staff like this story, or them literally choking the chickens, or poisoning the therapy dog... Lifespans of animals in such institutions are halved. At best...

[@kittycat6195]

How very sad. A very sad ending to a pretty happy life prior.

[@RobertJones-ey9qz]

You talked about fencing, I've always heard, if a fence will hold water, it might keep in a goat. I've found that pretty true.

[@mayaabueg9018]

So true

[@RobertoJuanSurMontana]

The only thing I could use to contain my goats is the solid chain fencing like the kind common little league ball fields are surrounded... I also used to keep my buck on a super solid chain attached to 3 solid cinder block sized anchor, and moved that anchor every morning for his munching, then walked him back to his evening sleeping station.

[@jessicahay9305]

Same with pigs

[@peterh348]

Electric fence. I had 7 wire fencing on my farm; 3rd and 5th wire were electric with 5000-7000 Volt. Goat gets a shock, and never tries that fence again --- for a little while. They will actually periodically test if the fences are still live, ha ha. Once the voltage goes below 2000, you may as well not have it. I've farmed up to 1000 goats. Made good money off the fibre for some years. And they cleaned up all noxious weeds on the farm, which is the first reason I started building up the numbers. .

[@tb6303]

Sounds about right, unless they can jump out or jump onto something and then jump out.

[@limapodima7534]

What a great presentation. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. One of my patients had a goat. I saw that she was in need of extra care during one of my home visits. I tried to bring her things that I could to give her a better diet. If only I could have seen your video back then, I worked so much I had limited time to do the research that would have saved her life. She was a remarkable goat. I had to get my vet to make a home visit when she was beyond help. There were so many signs in retrospect where I could have done more for her. I’m sure I helped her a little. However it wasn’t enough. I would like to know how you dealt with the barking. I have an Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees and a Great Pyrenees. Both rescued. The purebred female is a barking problem for the neighbors. I don’t blame them because it’s constant even inside. She’s perfect otherwise.

[@nelsonted1]

My Turkish room mate in college was working on his PhD in goat husbandry. He could go on and on about goats. He knew goats.

[@gypsylee333]

You're just trying to set me up to get banned, I'm onto you Mr!! 😂

[@allmyedgesaresharp]

​@@gypsylee333😂😂😂😂😂😂 so your smart like a goat. 😂😂😂😂

[@ganiniii]

Turkish and Greeks are top quality European goat experts 😂

[@majortolleson7976]

Great video, 25 years ago we started with 8 3mo nannies and through trial and error, advice, and learning, we got as high 44 at one time. It was a great experience for our kids, and the family. Your video did not talk me out of goating, but did hit on alot of the things we experienced. We initally trained our goats with a bell. For the first 5 days we kept them in the secure/barn/pen area, and rang the bell before we fed them. From then on, if we needed to catch them up or call them up, we rang the bell. Later on the noise of the chain saw would bring them running. From time to time i would cut branches from privet hedge/trees and they responded to the noise. Great memories, of lucy, Ethel, tbone,daisy, sandy, rebel, ellie mae & granny, and all their kids!

[@damamae950]

The dog was a rock star

[@damamae950]

p.s. all trouble aside, your goats are Gorgeous

[@rainy_wish_studios]

I "goat sat" for a friend. That was all it took. 🚫🐐 Never. Never ever.

[@urkiddingme6254]

🤣 fostered an 80# Pyrenees rescue puppy whose throat was permanently damaged by goats attacking him. He was an adorable sweet boy who would let the cat take over his food bowl while he stood there and watched. I've had my doubts about goats ever since.

[@jeffday2574]

@@rainy_wish_studios here's the thing. Goats know and trust who they know and trust. They know we are all different and it takes a few days to win them over. Sometimes months but it happens and dairy goats are the worst. But I always win them over. Goats are smart. Alpacas are quite possibly smarter yet and not very trusting. It has taken years to get 2 of the 3 to take a treat from my hand

[@jeffday2574]

@BromideBride we had 12 goat babies yesterday. 11 in the 3 days before. I figure that's about 20% of the pregnant population. We have 3 house goats right now and we feel fortunate because last cycle we had 18 house goats it's like a petting zoo. But if we don't they die out there if mom can't get them up.

[@MCJSA]

That's fun! Here. Hold my goat. I'll be right back....

[@jeffday2574]

@MCJSA right in there with hold my beer

[@Hick-A-BillyLLC]

I would have to say; the title got my feathers ruffled! I have been raising goats since 2010 & love them dearly. You have done an excellent video explaining their behavior, intelligence, chaos, & how they are not grazers. I havw been well trained by my goats. Sometimes it took me quite a long time to understand what they need or wanted, but eventually they got their point across. 😂 My advice to any new goat owner would be to listen to them CLOSELY & observe them closely. They will guild you & can be lots of fun!

[@darrenwalker905]

I so appreciated this video! On one our goat escape rampages, they got into our rododendrons. We entered our barn thenext morning to find green vomit plastering the walls. Have you had your goats vomit? It's like a gush of venom spewing straight out of their mouths at an astonishing speed that can only be believed if actually witnessed. Ezzie was our goat demon. Lolipop was our godsend. It's been almost 10 years since Loli died. Not sure if we could do it again. But your delightful video was not only spot on informative, but reminded me just how much joy they can bring. And for this, a deep ans sincere thank you!

[@30dayride67]

I love your "Please Don't Get a critter" videos! They apply to every animal whether livestock or pet! With so many jumping into homesteading, small farming etc. I have seen so many animals suffer the consequences of owners who did not do their homework before getting them or maybe they just weren't realistic about how enthusiastic they'd be about doing the actual chores involved every day forever, no matter the weather. Realistically, people need to do their homework and really be honest about their lifestyle choices not only when considering what species of animal they want, but also what breed and for what purpose. If possible, they should offer to volunteer at a farm, rescue or with someone else's animals to do the chores and learn what the animals require in their area, what diseases are common and any other potential pitfalls. Even experienced people can make major mistakes when moving to another part of the country. Soils can be deficient in certain minerals, a common weed or fungus in the area might be a concern etc. Animals are a big responsibility and when you have too many they can become all work and no fun, so start slow and know your limits.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

Thank you, well said! I've rescued/rehabbed animals for most of my life and it's so unfair and heartbreaking when people get an animal without knowing what that animal will need -- _for a lifetime._

[@abbypitts3857]

Feeling deflated and empowered at the same time. Thank you for the cold water/reality slap in the face. I needed that.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That is the best possible response I could ask for from a video like this. I hope I helped you avoid some of the more painful lessons I had to learn.

[@abbypitts3857]

For sure! I really appreciate that you show reality rather than just the aesthetic. 😂

[@SheriDin]

​@@AnneofAllTradesyou made me cry at the end of Ur video. My father had goats and cows. I was probably too young to know all the difficulties. Now I am considering having some because I love raw goat milk. There is no comparison. And I love goats. I honestly really do. I am wondering, if you knew then what you know now, would you do it all over again? ❤

[@AnneofAllTrades]

@@SheriDin that’s tough to say because there’s a whole lot more at play than just the goats and their affects, but even if I look back at where life has led me, yeah, I probably would. I love my animals. I can’t and don’t really want to imagine my life without them. But I have definitely learned that there are animals that fit in our pack, and animals that don’t, for many reasons, and I’ve gotten a lot better and hopefully a lot quicker at realizing and rectifying when that is the case.

[@SheriDin]

@@AnneofAllTrades Thank you for your reply. My parents were both animal lovers. After my father passed my mom moved and started her own packs but without the bigger animals like goats and cows. She had chicken, ducks, geese & turkey. She adored them. I recently moved out of the city and have been longing to have my own animal friends. I won't hv so much land as you do but I have seen a lot of people here manage somehow. I will only have animals if I can give the best to them although my heart really yearns to have them.. .

[@Thehomesteadingherbalist]

I have 2 dairy goats for almost 2yrs now! Best decision I’ve made for growing my homestead. It is a commitment but not one I have ever regretted. ❤

[@FrankKiss-h5g]

As a crazy dairy goat owner for the past 15 years, i gotta say this is by far the most accurate goat ownership video I've ever seen. Love me some goats, and yes I have Nigerian Dwarf goats.

[@AntonioMargheriti1]

KZbin gave me Outdoor Chef Life, Gridlessness, Little Mountain Ranch, and now your channel. This is my kind of knowledge.

[@sunsetsky594]

I don't have a homestead, I just really enjoy your videos. I watched this one with my five year old granddaughter, and she loves it. She loves animals. Now she's asking to watch one about cows. No problem - thank you, Anne!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Don’t tell my goats, but my cows are my favorite ❤️❤️❤️

[@lyric8006]

I happened upon your channel & from the first minute I was hooked. You are a superb & entertaining teacher and your conscientious attention to your values is truly inspiring.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

@@lyric8006 that’s a huge compliment, thank you ❤️❤️

[@debbiesimmons3081]

I was given a baby goat. He was sickly in the beginning but once he discovered my passionfruit vine he perked right up. He lived for over 10 years. He was my precious good boy. Goats just need more attention than many people are willing to give - about the same as a dog.

[@Princess-Um]

I usually don't like videos that are longer than 10 minutes, but you? I'll watch every time. You're very informative, well-versed with what you're doing, humble, and quirky/funny. Thanks for bringing us into what you're doing!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Well shucks! I appreciate you sticking around!!

[@Princess-Um]

@@AnneofAllTrades are you kidding? That was me saying that you're awesome!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

@@Princess-Um not at all! “Aw shucks” is my way of saying, “oh wow, I appreciate that”

[@TheOrijinalPajeet]

This keeps popping up in my recommended.. I live in an apartment, don´t like goats, can´t keep goats, don´t drink their milk or eat their cheese. According to KZbin I´m the perfect candidate for EVERYTHING about goats.

[@J-dt8li]

😂

[@AnneofAllTrades]

At least you realize it’s not the right situation for you! This video was made for folks like you who still, for some reason; think it’s a good idea to get goats.

[@Kknightstar]

How about goats milk soap? You might like that 😊

[@loetjek]

Now you’re commenting on a goat video. You sure you don’t like goats? 😅

[@richardford6576]

Now that you’ve commented you’re going to get more goat videos

[@earthangel2590]

I sent this your video to my son and daughter-in-law who are considering goating. It's great and informative and I want my grand-goats to have the best possible chance at a good life! ❤

[@J8n3eyr3]

I got two dwarf Nigerian chaos gremlins, a whether and his sister, for their ability to take down honeysuckle. They have been so good at it that I have to get more hay this year. My overgrown yard has never looked better. Everything Anne said was spot on!

[@melissaoleary8196]

Such great information! We fostered our friend's small Nigerian dwarf herd for a couple of years, it was then that I learned I was a goat person. We are now moving to another farm with 30 acres of goat hill paradise. I am so excited to get my own fiber goats next year. I really miss having them in my life! ❤

[@leplufin2832]

Toute cette énergie, toutes ces connaissances, toute cette passion, tout cet amour du vivant, tout ce naturel à la caméra et, en plus, cet irrésistible sourire, vous êtes une belle personne dans tous les sens du terme. Une vidéo qui fait du bien rien qu’à la regarder. Merci! 😉🐐

[@audreyfuller7301]

I've had LA Mancha goats for years, they produce so much milk. I've only kept the original mama I started with, she's 15 years old now and still going strong.

[@Dagrdottir]

My Mum was a Shepherdess in the 1940's/50's (yes I really am that old lol) and though her job was sheep she had a soft spot for goats. She loved their intelligence and loving nature. In her spare time she would put hay bales up against barn walls so that the goats had enrichment as they loved to climb. She was ahead of her time in the way she treated animals and added to the basic care that the farm owners didnt have time or the inclination to provide. Everything you explained in your video was pretty much word for word what Mum told me about the goats on the farm she worked on.

[@hawkberry]

What a wonderful story, Your mom probably made alot of people and animals happy in her life and brought joy to herself!

[@darrenwalker905]

Thanks!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Wow thank you!!

[@BlueRidgeCritter]

This was great. Everything that you covered was spot on. We got goats when I was 12, in 1986, and we had eight within about 2 months. We learned about the selenium deficiency problem pretty fast, by losing two kids and one more was crippled. Our cattle, that we also got about a year later, suffered from it as well - It caused neurological problems. Selenium deficiency wasn't really known much then, but it became knowledge pretty quickly and our process from our vet was to give them a selenium shot right after they were born, and then we always put out mineral blocks that had selenium in them. We never had any more problems with any of our animals after that. I'm in my '50s now, and we are starting to do it all over again with my children. First the garden, then the chickens, now they want goats. I liked my goats, We had Alpines and Nubians, But I'm not going to lie, there's a little part of me that's terrified. They are so smart, and can be so sweet, while being absolutely the biggest pain in the neck animal we ever had on the farm. And we had one that would bite you while you were milking her. And yet, they were hilarious. The best description I've ever seen was a KZbinr who said that they are the equivalent of the unruly teenager who just found the key to the liquor cabinet. Yep. That's about right.

[@KevinLyda]

Amusing timing for this video. I was walking the dog today and a goat tried to follow me home. He was quite cute. I convinced him to go home.

[@AOTechWorx]

I live in Suriname South America. I had a goat and I knew nothing about goats, but I learned a lot quickly. I also noticed that he is "picky" when he eats. He was really smart. He was friends with all the dogs on the street. He can deal with traffic. Nobody I talked to had ever seen a goat hit by a car. Thank you for all your videos, Anne. I learn a lot from you. I love animals.

[@Norbingel]

These are some very good points! Especially the ones about them not being lawnmowers and picky eaters. I got my goats primarily to clear land and for fertilizer and found out they wouldn't eat most of what I wanted them to clear. I will wholeheartedly recommend goats to anyone who has the vegetation for them but would also advice others to hold off till they can build up a system they can forage off of. We're steadily building up our trees and tall grasses for them but in the meantime had to reduce our goat population while that's going on.

[@TheMyrrhMaid]

Solid advice for sure!! I get asked all the time what type of livestock to start with and I always reply “depends on your land!” I’ve had a variety of different animals and breeds. Geographical location and terrain really do play a huge role in what my advice would be. If you have flat grassy pasture I wouldn’t recommend goats, at least not as a primary animal. Sheep or cattle, depending on the acreage, would be a better option. But if someone lives in the mountains on a brush filled forested area - heck yeah I’m going to tell them goats! There’s so much that goes into choosing livestock types and breeds if you want to have a successful homestead or farm.

[@hawkberry]

The amount of love you have for these beautiful creatures is so evident!! I love that you pay attention to them wanting attention. So sweet, they obviously love you very much!! They live in a paradise!!

[@ericswilley357]

Just grounded, real, golden truth. Thank you for sharing and saving us and our livestock from our ignorance.

[@peaceydanckwerts]

Really enjoyed this Anne. Thank you. I have been running meat goats for about 15 years now - a steep learning curve. I thought they would be much hardier than sheep, but I now know the difference between sheep and goats is that goats just think of more imaginative ways to die!. On fencing, there is a saying in South Africa (I'm a little north of there in Zambia) that, if you take a bucket of water and throw it at a fence - if any water gets through, then the fence isn't goat proof! My goats don't actually make me any money, but they DO do what I wanted them to do, and that is that they help slow down the bush encroachment, whereby bushes and trees slowly take over our crop land and pastures.

[@doodlesthegoose7085]

Anne - You missed a big one! "If you are old and have a bad back and do not have the wear-with-all to get a properly sized stanchion that you can easily work with so that you can TRIM THEIR HOOVES please don't get a goat", says the old lady with the bad back and no proper stanchion...

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Have you seen my super simple stanchion build? It’s a pallet cut in half with a couple 2x4’s and a bolt to make the head gate

[@doodlesthegoose7085]

@@AnneofAllTrades If you saw the huge rack on my oldest female.. I must have missed that video though.

[@nolongerlistless]

Great comment! Please let me point out that "what you require" is "the wherewithal" i.e. the the money "with which/wherewith" to pay for the stanchion. It's a throwback to older English speech; see other examples where "where+preposition" = "preposition+which/what" : Wherefore art thou Romeo? - Why are you Romeo/for what/for which reason? The pen wherein you will find the goats= the pen in which you'll find them. The means whereby you'll achieve your goal= the means by which you'll achieve it. [Wearing has nothing to do with anything - and once upon a time, in my childhood 1960s, we were taught to make a "hw" sound for "wh"... but that comes across as stilted now.] ❤

[@ginnytr]

Yep, as I age into this (have goats for 15 years), I got a Hoof Boss to make trimming easier. I love it.

[@bassmanjr100]

I have heard that if you don't feed grain and give them some rock or paved areas to walk through trimming can be minimized. I didn't keep mine long enough to test that theory. 😂

[@lhaaa1059]

We can learn from your experiences. Thank you, Anne, for taking the time to share with all of us !

[@debbiewhite3601]

Thank you ❤ Ive recently been struggling with depression. I REALLY NEEDED some Goat Medicine this morning. I had Goats. I Miss my Goats, especially my buck, Stormy, who acted more like a big dog than a buck goat. I WILL have Goats again! I can't keep up with the dairy side of things, so they will be fiber/ Angora Goats the next time. That way, I get the FUN, and here in Northern NM, can sell the fiber to the many fiber artists in the area. Taos even has an annual Wool Festival! I do LOVE GOATS! Always have...ALWAYS WILL!!! Re depression, don't worry. I am already in therapy 😉

[@jeffday2574]

@@debbiewhite3601 I am laughing with you on this. There are no bad days with goat babies. I had a lady come out to stand in the goat yard in her professional attire and just be with them. The hand raised babies are like little street urchins begging for attention. They were all over her in her nice clothes. I said to her next time wear pasture appropriate clothes lol. It turned out she was a shrink wrapper a pychologist. She asked me if she could send patients out to visit. I said absolutely we will set them up with bottles and they can fed and handle the goats. That was 3 years ago and they are here once or twice a month. The goats will love them with unbridled enthusiasm and the goats get all excited over them. They don't notice any difference between them and us. It's very endearing to watch one lady breaks down crying and laughing as they violate all personal space. Goats are emotional animals and they get sadness and show love and interact with us when they require more than the usual pat on the head. Those bonds are for life they will never forget kindness

[@CraigTheBrute-yf7no]

As long as you don’t use Betterhelp

[@nnagle9224]

I am not a goat herder, but this was fascinating. There seem to be more health and welfare responsibilities than being a house pet owner. Thanks for all of the knowledge and tips.

[@wendellsullivan2341]

We have had dairy goats for 9 years and I can affirm EVERYTHING you said! We keep 30-40 on a regular basis. Nigerians, Kinders, and Mini Lamancha's. You referenced some of the costs. In the current economy they will cost you money! But the quality of life they provide is well worth it. They provide ALL our dairy as we make cheese, yogurt, kiefer, etc., and they provide about 75% of our meat.

[@judylloyd7901]

Kefir?

[@i20010]

@@judylloyd7901 Its a yogurty drink.

[@urkiddingme6254]

@@judylloyd7901 Kefir has more probiotics than yogurt, and is drinkable as opposed to spoonable. You can buy it in health food stores (or Sprouts) same as yogurt -- plain or with fruit or other sweeteners. My favorite store brand is Alexandre.

[@hawkberry]

@@judylloyd7901 you buy kefir grains to put in the milk and it ferments it overnight into a wonderful tangy, sour yogurt like drink. you can then add any flavors or fruits to it or drink it plain. Love it!!!!

[@FLPhotoCatcher]

Try dairy sheep. I raise sheep, but have never raised dairy sheep. I will not try raising goats. Our sheep, even though they eat mainly grass, do not have a parasite problem, though I treat them proactively with a safe dewormer. And they are very easy to keep fenced in - I don't even have to have a fence on the side of the field with a wooded hill.

[@jeffmcrae8987]

Thanks!

[@katrinagarland5219]

What an eye opener! Had no idea and I was considering goats. Thank you so much!

[@alfmaxey6090]

Excellent video as a former owner of small herd of goats I thought your advice was excellent; I miss my goats but as a 70 year old widow it not realistic anymore. Sold the last one that survived coyotes he sired a kid before his death; goats are a joy and a challenge 😂

[@RobertoJuanSurMontana]

Three cheers! Yes, I built up the family Hobby Farm gardens, designed and chistled timbers into timberframe barn, then decided "hey!? what am I going to do with an empty barn!?" So I bought 1 mama and 1 baby Nubian goats. They were super. Mama provided the next round of 5. I immediately realized I was then way over population for their pen and run size. The dairy goats turned into meat goats :( . The next generations of goats were very healthy until I rescued a miniature fixed buck... he apparently came with a mild condition that went viral when he tried to mix into the established heard. Then that entered my goat area soil, and it never terminated. Only perpetual diatomaceous earth diet and the season rounds of injection medications would quell the ailment, but never obliviated it. The herd numbers had to remain balanced. The buck odor had to be tolerated. I loved caring for them for some 14 years, but when feed prices skyrocketed, my time was further strained, then I had to end the herd. Drats... If any readers doubt if they should get some goats, then I say emphatically "NO!" However, if any readers are most assured that they will put forth the time and effort that Anne and family are doing, then it is emphatically "YES!!"

[@jayeckhart1561]

My grandfather had two goats when I was about 8-10 years old. Every time I went to his place they made me their private butting target. I still have the opinion that goats are assholes. More power to you for putting up with them.

[@enlightenedhummingbird4764]

I agree. I had two goats many years ago and they are escape artists! We had to re-home them for the safety of drivers on our country roads. And they headbutted our dog constantly, to the point of her flying through the air. Another reason we had to re-home.

[@fukyuu-wh1rc]

Oh MAN. I hope you were a fast runner!

[@jayeckhart1561]

@@fukyuu-wh1rc Not fast enough

[@vickiefleck4388]

​@@enlightenedhummingbird4764 yes, yes, escape artists. My husband put up a barbed wire fence all around the goat pen. It may have slowed the escapers down a little but that's it. Actually my goats go out and graze by themselves and I check on them they come back on their own but can get to things I don't want them to. I had beautiful gladioli one spring and then I didn't. My chocolate Nigerian Moe loved them. Gone. But when they come back in the spring it reminds me of her. She followed my hubby around like a dog. Lost her my second year. We have her daughter and I pray I'll get another beautiful chocolate from her.

[@tigerlily222]

My legs are constantly recovering from bruises & 90% of them are from the goats. I'm afraid if I ever was taken to the ER unconscious, they'd probably arrest my husband thinking I was an abused spouse. Nope. Just goats. They're literally BUTT HEADS.

[@elizabethcollins8817]

Very informative! My husband has always wanted a goat. I’m gonna show him this video.

[@mountainside26]

Wonderful video- this is such a well informed statement of what actually goes into caring for goats - and if you take the general ideas and replace “goats” with any other animal- the advice is the same. “If you’re going to goat, please goat responsibly.”

[@donnacreager8428]

Oh Anne..what a great message. ❤❤Well done my friend 👏

[@J-dt8li]

Fully agree on the market saturation since 2020. We now REALLY struggle to sell our very high quality, registered Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats, because the market is so saturated with cheap backyard goats. But we have far more demand for our goat milk than we can possibly supply!

[@HarvestingFaithHomestead]

I have always wanted a dairy cow, but recently came to the realization that i could not possibly handle all the milk that they produce on the daily, so for a while I was considering goats. I never really wanted goats because I know how difficult to be and I know my husband would NOT be on board so it would be entirely on me to take care of them, but figured if I wanted dairy then it was my only reasonable option for a small family. Then I was told that you can milk sheep! I had no idea! Sheep are such sweet animals, and they can be used for meat, milk, and fiber, which makes them a fantastic multi purpose animal on the homestead. And I’ve heard that they have even higher butterfat than goats, which is cool. The only downside is that they don’t produce as much milk as a goat does, but that’s not really a problem for us since we really only drink milk with our coffee and use it to cook. Getting a gallon of milk a day, compared to seven gallons from a cow, is way more manageable in my opinion.

[@jmkjmk6420]

⁠ you don’t force livestock to reproduce. They want nothing more whenever they are in heat it’s a pretty funny sight to see. Also lamb is delicious, while we do dairy goats we did do a few lambs for meat and wow do they taste amazing. I do love sheep milk but goat personality is so fun. Ours don’t escape so that helps!

[@lorinichols9996]

My brief homesteading experiment 30 years ago was interrupted by divorce, but it was a mixed bag for me during the few years I was doing it. Loretta (Lynn) was a great starter goat, but of course, she produce mostly bucklings in her two breedings. I also stupidly took on two young wethers to keep her company that were supposed to go back to the owner when I got another doe, but that never happened, and I was stuck with them. I was never able to find a customer for the milk, so even though I enjoyed having it and learn to make cheese and yogurt, having customer or two would’ve helped defray costs., plus it was soooo much for two people. And nothing ties you down like a lactating animal! It was fun taking them for walks in the woods, though! I honestly don’t recall all the flatulence. I would also add that if you don’t keep a buck for breeding, it can be a long drive to one for a very quick turn around and head back home. Maybe AI is more commonplace now?

[@amyrose2666]

Be sure to check into what sheep need. They can also be difficult in their own way

[@sharonrich7414]

Loved this video! Thought about a companion for our pony who lost her friend. Then remembered our baby goat named Trouble on our farm years ago. When she was older, she actually played knocking heads with our bull. She would stand on our big boulder in the pasture, bull would line up and then she would jump and knock heads. I’m sure our bull was gentle enough to encourage more future fun. She would also wait till my tulips just flowered and eat the tops off. Remember sitting in our kitchen having morning coffee and looking out the window and seeing Trouble in the barn up in a hay mow opening !

[@rachelleroberts4290]

I could never imagine life without my goats. They bring so much joy to me. BUT your right Anne, not everyone should get them. They are ALOT of work. I am retired, and I could not imagine caring for goats, properly, if I had to leave my home to work. I also do not make money from them. They are essentially my hobby. As you mentioned, thanks to 2020. The market it oversaturated. They are not a good financial source for a small farm.

[@BroqueCowgirlHomestead]

My excess baby goats get raised for meat for our family. I refuse to send them to a salebarn or a home that isn't equipped with the knowledge for goats. Yes baby goats are the cutest things. I enjoy them and play with them...give them the best life, and they only have one bad day. Not everyone will agree with that. But it's what I do on my ranch. I have sold baby goats in the past. But like you said, now it's almost impossible to find good homes for them. The last 2 goats I took to the sale, I got $10.39 for the pair. Won't do that ever again.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I agree with that sentiment 100% I would always rather process an animal here in the farm than knowingly send it to a hellish existence elsewhere. Thankfully I’m able to vet the folks I sell animals to pretty well.

[@Aliandrin]

Is goat meat like sheep meat?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

It has a very different flavor to me, though some say it’s similar. I ate a lot of goat meat when I lived in Asia. I cannot stand the taste of lamb or older sheep.

[@BroqueCowgirlHomestead]

@@AnneofAllTrades I grew up in far West Texas and the Mexicans cooked it in a pit on the ground. Cabrito. Oh my word that is the best stuff you will ever put in your mouth. As for lamb....that's a hard no for me. Altho we have been on ram hunts and had sausage and summer sausage made out of them that is really good too.

[@BroqueCowgirlHomestead]

@@Aliandrin To me if it is a young wether it tastes alot like beef.

[@sky-frequency]

Brilliant. Grounded helpful information. I was almost crying at the end as you clearly have had quite a time with the goaty fellas. Great little film. Thank you.

[@jeannemyers489]

Fantastic segment. Telling it like it is, not embellishing. People should know what they are getting into! Well done. ❤

[@actcityottawa]

Goat Realities - Fascinating that you have been able to stick with it and were rewarded with seeing the best and worst of goat personalities. That is a testament to your focus and connection to your craft...Peace and love, Kman, Digileak World

[@johnfoy5760]

Thank you for all of the information regarding goats. I have held off from getting them Now I know what to look for when I am ready to commit to my flock. God bless you and your family.

[@Nathaniel_Bush_Ph.D.]

Yeah, there's a reason every ancient herding culture used goats as a symbol of evil. 😂

[@benwinter2420]

Lots to unpack there . . to an extent in that case they were being used as a scape goat

[@neuroticnation144]

😂😂😂

[@KarlKrogmann]

Every? And you "have" a Ph.D.

[@Nathaniel_Bush_Ph.D.]

@@KarlKrogmann Didn't you know every (semi-)humorous KZbin comment had to go through peer review? 😂😂😂🤡

[@mackellyman5642]

@@KarlKrogmann What is the grammatical rule for every? We use every + singular noun to refer individually to all the members of a complete group of something: There's a photograph on the wall of every child in the school. Try to answer every question.

[@SarahS1214]

I’ve never thought about getting a goat. I was channel surfing and stopped on your video. I had to say what a wonderful video this is, so informative. If my daughter who has a horse, ducks, and chickens ever thinks about goats, I will send her to your video!! Thank you!!

[@Punacat101]

Another really fantastically, honest (and fun) video. I had goats years ago -- they were both challenging and wonderful. A little research, a lot of patience and a willingness to learn are required. Goats are fantastic. But they are not for everyone. You need to be real about your abilities and your expectations.

[@evennorthug2585]

Most charming and educational. These goats are lucky to have such a smart and caring boss.

[@dembones2203]

I’ve wanted to get goats for years, and now I want them even more! Thank you for your in-depth, honest, & humorous approach to this subject. I always look forward to your informative videos. You really got me at the end with, “If you’re gonna goat, please, just goat responsibly”, & then your grin.😂

[@yekimyarg]

Volunteered at a farm in Coalmont, TN that had and bred many goats over a long time, and were very experienced at it. Still, the goats were suprisingly efficient at exploring themselves - out of curiousity - into injury and even death a couple times. Great video!

[@highfive9835]

Yeaaaahhh. That shot of Jeffrey taking you out... my first buck was like that. Mean goat stew after a year of him threatening me and making mean babies. The good Lord had mercy on me and I learned in a chance encounter that personality is genetic. My next buck was a sweetheart, and has added a lovely mellow friendliness to my lines.

[@ginagaines714]

Same experience here! We should breed for temperament as well as production. My Mr. Buddy was gentle during rut (which with ND's is monthly, LOL), with newborns and frisky bucklings. I don't know how I'm going to find a successor as perfect as he was.

[@AntonioMargheriti1]

Jeffrey would’ve received 1 warning before becoming stew 😂

[@Aliandrin]

As a cat breeder absolutely, personality is genetic. Each one is different but you can see the broader strokes being passed down. Things like stubborn, protective, sweet, dominant, grumpy. One of the three queens I started with was exceptionally silent. I still get kitties who just refuse to meow out of that line. Some people like it, but I want big talkers for my keepers. Even really really specific stuff like playing fetch.

[@hawkberry]

@@Aliandrin I have always had cats delivered via the cat distributions system, but I do love my talky-talkers!! haha, they have so much personality!

[@mnamnam6061]

I don't see any chance for me to have a farm and goats, little late, but the way you told about the Geees was just a ride. Full of important facts and very much needed personality hints, spending the time watching was a great thing to do today. Thank you👍

[@SJWoodworks]

Awww, I had a couple of dwarf wethers as pets - a little training as babies and they ended up being great with our little kids (even though they would butt heads with each other until they bled!). They were the best pets we ever had.

[@begodeapoita]

I love your channel and your videos, Anne. Thank you!

[@baneverything5580]

The neighbor`s herd of about 20 goats escaped and politely picked my green beans, a few tomatoes, strawberries and my beautiful lettuce flowers going to seed. It looked exactly like a theft by humans. I even found one ripe tomato on the ground a few feet from the plant. But the next day they returned and ate every last thing roots and all except my onions and mustard greens. I caught them in the act and they were acting very grateful that I went to all the trouble of planting all the delicious food just for them and seemed shocked when I flipped out. They even took my tomato cuttings rooting in water bottles on the porch and my cigarettes. Coyotes or something got them all and a large pig not long afterwards. We also have some red wolves here in Louisiana, black bears, bobcats and a few mountain lions too.

[@peacelove7706]

By FAR, THE BEST video about goats I’ve ever seen…and I’ve been lookin…. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! This was a dream of mine but I’m keenly aware that I’m in love with goats and yet have zero clue about caring for them. I grew up with all kinds of domestic, animals and was taught….You Commit to TRULY CARE FOR and LOVE THIS ANIMAL FOR THEIR ENTIRE LIFE. I wish everyone got that lesson as a child. It is THE SINGLE most important factor when taking on ANY ANIMAL. Of course there can be times when you have to re-home for any number of reasons,, totally get it, but the idea is, DO YOUR RESEARCH, FOSTER, spend time at a working Farmette, whatever you can do, just go in heavily educated because the real lessons are learned in the doing and living it !

[@nr682]

Bacteria/ parasites “proliferate” rather than matriculate. Thank you for the info. Love your personality and passion for farming. Great video!

[@WiseChild1987]

My neighbors next door keep a goat as a “pet” on their 0.2 acre home lot. They throw hay at it in the backyard and yell at the poor thing to shut up. They never take it out and about or give any more attention to it other than tossing the hay over the fence from front to back yard. When the goat’s companion died (after just a few month of it being here), they buried it a foot away from my yard (about 20 ft from each of our homes) so I reported possible abuse to animal control. They said the other goat seemed healthy and confirmed it was lawful to bury the goat under the regs in our area because it was a pet. I check on the surviving goat everyday now, and feel so terrible for it. It’s gotten its head stuck in the fence at least three times and I’ve had to go over and tell them since they pay it no attention. The last time I think it was almost dead from heat stroke and/or strangulation; it barely moved and seemed as if it had been stuck there for an entire day. They cussed the goat out the whole time trying to free it from the fence (was along their front line right by their house). I feel so terrible for this poor, poor goat but doesn’t seem the authorities in my area can or will do anything since it’s not skin and bones and I haven’t witnessed physical violence towards it 😢

[@Serene3574]

I like goats, but never had a farm. I must say, however, your goats, cows and whatever are keeping you young. Your skin and hair, not to mention your fitness look so healthy and lovely. Loved this video! By the way, the word for a goat Shepard is goatherd.

[@rochelerothschild29]

LOVED THE VIDEO!!! Very informative and such a delightful video to watch. You made your point clearly, distinctly and lovingly. I won't get the 2-3 goats I was thinking of getting now that I know the facts and how important it is to raise them responsibility. I sincerely thank you. I'll just continue to watch adorable goat videos on KZbin. With gratitude!

[@thewayofthewell4547]

So goatful for all of your fabulous information!

[@racebiketuner]

Stop kidding! 😉

[@lemmalee]

I love the description! Before watching the video, it looks like it you’re saying betterhelp is a replacement for getting a goat 😂

[@AnneofAllTrades]

😂😂😂 if anything it should be the other way around, get a goat, you’ll probably need therapy 😜

[@urkiddingme6254]

I fostered an 80# Pyrenees rescue puppy whose throat was permanently damaged by goats attacking him. His bark is more of a croak. He was an adorable sweet boy who would let the cat take over his food bowl while he stood there and watched. I've had my doubts about goats ever since. ( Teddy landed a great adoptive family with 5 acres and people who could afford to spoil him.)

[@johnklein233]

I do not know why this video popped up on my KZbin feed, but I enjoyed watching it. You are very knowledgeable and articulate.

[@shelleyparent4729]

Great video! It is very informative. We don’t have goats yet but have cute, funny, escape artists: beagles. They are testing our fencing now. We have visited people that have experience or currently have goats & learning from them. We are almost ready to have goats of our own. We may start with wethers then get does. We have lots of woods & brush for them. Thank you so much. 😊

[@gpapa22]

You are a fabulous teacher. Wonderfully instructive, and fun to watch. Thank you ❤

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank YOU! What a great compliment.

[@allon33]

If you can't handle having a Goat, you sure as hell should not be getting a Donkey.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Preach

[@apseudo13]

Dayuam

[@SueStowe]

Thank you for the education Anne🥰 You saved us from making a huge mistake by being so up front and honest.

[@eggspanda2475]

Anne you are amazing

[@christineconrad9763]

Thank you so much for the work you do. You are appreciated!

[@NonexistentHomestead]

The fact that goats are browsers is exactly why I like starting with them on a new wooded property. They are great at clearing underbrush and creating a pasture. Once the goats have done their job, I prefer to move on to sheep or cattle.

[@patrickd2013]

4:25 I have no problem with your English. I think it is perfectly appropriate. Thank You very much for going to the trouble of making such an informative video! So much I did not know about goats! No, I'm not thinking about raising them; I'm just fascinated by them, ever since I had their milk, when I was near Thailand (on a US warship), and theirs was the only milk we could get. I loved it!

[@kenycharles8600]

Thank you for this presentation.

[@drummer4hire12]

Thank you for taking the time to educate..........Great production!!!!

[@crazychickenladyhomestead6918]

Totally agree on the escape artist thing! We had two Oberhasli, and they kept unplugging the hot lead from the battery to escape. Not sure if they beared the shock or moved so perfectly to get their heads through a 5" space. Eventually, they did it when we weren't home, and one tried to unplug the dog fence and got eaten by the one dog we had that did not like goats. He's rehomed, and we do plan to get goats again when we have permanent fencing and electric.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yowza! Dang! Sorry, that’s a hard lesson to learn 😔

[@user-vk7cp1op9p]

Well researched and presented, and funny at times. Thank you!