Nudibranch
Well-Known Member
Well I'm going to go against the grain and say I have goats and sheep (26 goats at one point) and none of them cause any issues or escape. Even the Herdwicks! I'm down to 4 goats at the moment but will be kidding in spring so more on the way, and lambs. Horse tails are all fine, they all respect the electric and goats will actually graze really well if they don't have access to trees and bushes. They do a great job of hedge trimming as long as you can move them on once they're done. They also eat every scrap of ragwort. That said, our fields have plenty to keep them busy, like slopes, fallen trunks, trees etc. I'm not sure how they'd be on a flat bare patch. If you do actually like goats, a couple of Golden Guernsey wethers (castrated males) would be the most chilled. I used to quite dislike goats; I wouldn't be without them now! In many ways they're less hassle than sheep as they don't need dagging, shearing or treating for blowflies, and they have more of a will to live.
Definitely split or track your grazing. Mine is in 5 paddocks/fields of various sizes, from about 4 acres down to half. I don't poo pick at all as I can rotate and rest properly, and the sheep and goats really help with worm control. They also top it nicely so although we have a tractor, I never need to mow. The birds round here do a good job of breaking and scattering muck.
Speaking of tractors, don't buy an old, i.e. vintage style one! You'll pay a fair bit and then find it can't take the implements you really need, like a loader bucket or transport box. Totally agree about getting a companion, even if it's a loan or livery. I have a couple of Welsh A's on the go; one is on permanent loan out but the baby gelding is really useful for company.
It's sooooo nice just wandering out of your back door and on to the yard in your pyjamas first thing in the morning. Or chucking a coat over the top to do winter hay when it's dark and cold - it's a 2 minute job then back in the warm!
Definitely split or track your grazing. Mine is in 5 paddocks/fields of various sizes, from about 4 acres down to half. I don't poo pick at all as I can rotate and rest properly, and the sheep and goats really help with worm control. They also top it nicely so although we have a tractor, I never need to mow. The birds round here do a good job of breaking and scattering muck.
Speaking of tractors, don't buy an old, i.e. vintage style one! You'll pay a fair bit and then find it can't take the implements you really need, like a loader bucket or transport box. Totally agree about getting a companion, even if it's a loan or livery. I have a couple of Welsh A's on the go; one is on permanent loan out but the baby gelding is really useful for company.
It's sooooo nice just wandering out of your back door and on to the yard in your pyjamas first thing in the morning. Or chucking a coat over the top to do winter hay when it's dark and cold - it's a 2 minute job then back in the warm!
