Go, go, goats

For some reason Liz thinks that goats are pretty much the greatest thing ever. I think they are marginally cool. Anyways, she wants us to get about four to start with, with the possibility of getting many more. In my mind that will entail four small paddocks so we can rotate them, and two little houses. Those sheds should be pretty fun to build. Installing the fence posts, less so.

There are lots of goats listed on Craigslist in Middle Tennessee. I have also found websites for several goat farms in the Columbia area. It will be fun to visit them and speak with the owners. There are tons of types available but I am partial to the pygmy types. They look so cool with their horns and beards. We definitely don’t want billies, but are okay with either neutered males or females. The ladies obviously have the advantage of producing milk, and babies. I am thinking maybe two of each to start with.

Last fall we went to the fainting goat festival in Lewisburg, which was a lot of fun. That is where these photographs were produced. There are also lots of goats on the campus at Sewanee. We go see them every time we are up in Monteagle. I think that goats on the farm will be a nice attraction for our friends’ kids to come see.

My dad is obsessed with the idea of making goat cheese. However he hasn’t mentioned anything about milking the goats twice a day. We’ll see what ends up happening with that.

Spring seems to be the main time to buy new goats, but it looks like there are always some being born. This fall will probably be the ideal time to acquire some, once we are settled into the farm house. I am looking forward to getting them and having fun with them. One guy told me that they are awesome pets.