Getting Started

Where Do I Get Started?

That always seems to be the first question when you begin any new project – whether it’s starting a new job, cleaning a house, or taking on something you’ve never done before. I asked myself that question when we bought land in Texas and had to figure out how to keep the agricultural exemption that came with it. We definitely didn’t want to lose that tax exemption, and it made far more sense to learn how to keep it than to pay full property taxes. We started looking into the different ways on how to keep the tax exemption. It had to be something to do with agricultural or wildlife.

How Goats Entered the Picture

In our quest to find the right answer for us, my husband mentioned renting goats out to “mow” down weeds. This would allow us to obtain an agricultural exemption and make money. I had never really been around goats and didn’t know much about them, so I started reading and researching. The more I learned, the more drawn to goats I became. Eventually I knew not only which goats I needed, but which goats I wanted. I found myself wanting goats for their milk so we could make our own cheeses, milk, creamers and more. As kids, my brother and I spent our summers on a cousin’s farm. With that experience and the knowledge I gained from the research, I was sure that owning goats was something that I could handle. I started getting very excited about all that goats could provide and do for us personally. I stayed on the track of getting goats and my husband shifted to pursuing a wildlife exemption instead.

Choosing Between Agricultural and Wildlife Exemptions

We discovered that a wildlife exemption would be easier for us to obtain and would allow us to maintain the property in it’s natural state. The agricultural exemption would require us to have at least 18 goats. There was no way that we wanted that many goats and we would not be able to keep the property in a more natural state. Goats are natural browsers and can mow down a sizeable area in no time. Our property is only 109 acres and would not sustain 18 goats for very long. We decided the wildlife exemption was the best option for us. But by then, I was already hooked on goats. I knew from my research that I wanted Nigerian Dwarf goats because of their high butterfat content. They produce 6% on average which is perfect for making cheese. They sounded like the perfect goat! We would start out with a small number of goats which would allow us to have a trial period to see how we would manage them. Goats are easy to maintain but are highly suspectible to worms. Start small and work our way up was the best plan since we were new to farming.

Starting the Goat Journey Early

Once I knew which breed I wanted, the next questions were when to get them and where to put them and where to purchase them. We weren’t planning on moving to Texas for over a year, but I felt there was no time like the present to get started. So I started researching breeders and learn everything I could about Nigerian Dwarf goats.

It’s important to get goats from someone who raises their animals the same way you want to raise yours. Every person handles de-worming, bottle feeding versus raised by their mama, etc., differently. Knowing your own preferences helps you choose where to get goats from and helps with transitioning them smoothly to your farm. It was also important for me to find full bred Nigerian Dwarf goats and not have mixed goats. Purchasing registered goats would ensure that I was getting exactly what I wanted and not find out later that the goat was a mixed breed and could not produce the butterfat content that I was wanting.

Finding the Perfect Spot for the Goats

We knew our current land would support goats, but finding the right spot for them was the challenge. Our land is quite hilly and not a whole lot of flat areas to put goats. We found a great location – close enough to the house to be practical but far enough away that they wouldn’t be in the way. We didn’t want to invest too much into the setup since our long-term plan was to build a really nice place once we moved to Texas permanently.

We had access to pallets, so my husband built a sturdy little goat house out of them. Knowing how much space each goat needed helped us size the house and yard correctly. The amount of space depends on the breed and size, so it’s a good idea to research before building. Nigerian Dwarf goats need about 25 square feet of dry shelter and about 135 square feet of yard space.

Building the Pen and Choosing Fencing

Next, we went to the farm store for t-post and livestock fencing. Goats are incredibly smart and will escape if given the chance. Welded livestock fencing can work for a while, but the welds eventually separate because goats rub, lean, and even jump against it.

You want fencing that is at least four feet high. We chose five-foot fencing – probably more than we needed, but it has worked extremely well. Since we were just getting started, we built the house and pen to comfortably fit three goats. Nothing big and glamorous but definitely enough to provide for the goats. Here is a picture of the pen and house we built for our goats.

Goats are social animals. They need other goats to be around. So you should never have just one. Having two at the very least is highly recommended. A good goat owner will not sell you just one goat unless you currently own goats.

Setting Up Feeders, Water, and Supplies

We added a hay feeder to the side of the house and covered it with tin to keep the hay dry. For water, I bought a trough that turned out to be much bigger than necessary, but it worked. After getting hay and straw, we were ready – except for one thing. How on earth were we supposed to transport the goats.

Figuring Out How to Transport Goats

I could hardly find any useful information about transporting goats. Should we buy a horse trailer? Rent something? Get a different truck? There were plenty of questions and very few practical answers.

Eventually, I found a farm in Indiana selling Nigerian Dwarf goats as a package deal. They were all registered with the Amerian Nigerian Dwarf Association. The seller raised them in ways that matched how I wanted to care for my own herd. So we purchased three does.

When I asked how to transport them, the owner told us it was much easier than we imagined: just put down a tarp in the back of the SUV and use two XL dog kennels.

My husband and I weren’t sure how we felt about driving hours with goats in the back of our SUV. We were worried about the smell and what it would do to the vehicle. But surprisingly, does really don’t smell. We barely smelled any urine or poop the entire trip.

Meeting Our Goats for the First Time

I had never been around Nigerian Dwarf goats before. When we arrived to pick them up, I was shocked by how small they actually are. I knew Nigerian Dwarf goats were only about 17 – 22 inches tall but I didn’t realize their actual size until seeing them in person. I thought their nubbly little legs were so cute. I had pictured them to be taller in my head for some reason. The owner brought them out, and we got to meet them for the first time. I fell in love instantly. One doe even nudged my hand, asking to be petted. That sweet moment eased all my anxiety and made me even more excited to bring them home.

Settling In and Adjusting to Goat Life

When we got home and put them in their pen, my husband and I took a deep breath. I was nervous and wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. But, four months later, things are going great. Goats are easier than I expected and incredibly fun. Each one has her own personality, and they’re so lovable. I honestly wish we had started this when our kids were still at home. Our kids are both girls and they tease us because we used to call them “The Girls” but now the goats are “The Girls” or “Ladies” as we sometimes call them.

Why We Chose Registered Goats

People often ask why we drove to Indiana to instead of buying goats locally – and why we spent so much money. My answer is always the same: these goats are registered purebred goats, and they’re worth the investment. There is no guarantee that a goat is a purebred if it isn’t registered. They could be part Nigerian Dwarf goat mixed with another goat breed. I wanted purebreds. I was not sure of showing my goats but I did know that I would want to sell the kids. The money for Nigerian Dwarf goat kids could range from $100 to $500 depending on registration, bloodlines, color, etc. I wanted to start with quality genetics so I can build a stronger herd over time.

Final Thoughts for New Goat Owners

I truly hope my journey into starting a goat farm helps you, no matter your reasons for wanting goats. Click below for a list of items you will need if you thinking if you are thinking about starting a herd of your own. If you would like to to follow along on my journey, please sign up for my newsletter. Feel free to share any thoughts, questions or ideas.