The Joy Of Keeping Goats

Goats are easy to care for and a low-investment choice for anyone wishing to live out rural dreams or add to an existing stable. The Joy of Keeping Goats offers practical advice, clear guidelines, and wonderful anecdotes from author and self-sustainer Laura Childs. In her book, she walks readers step-by-step through important information on breeds, feeding requirements, how to make cheese, and much more. With gorgeous color photographs, The Joy of Keeping Goats clearly illustrates what an easy and rewarding experience raising goats can be.

When the going gets rough, the rough . . . start raising their own food. In the first full-color guide of its kind, author and small farm owner Laura Childs reveals exactly what it takes to start raising your own animals, including chickens, geese, goats, sheep, pigs, and cows. Childs discusses what you can expect to harvest from your animals—from eggs to milk to meat to wool—based on her own real-life experiences. Whether you want to raise a few chickens for eggs alone, try your hand at a few goats with the aim to make your own cheese, or are looking to sustain your family and make some extra money from raising and selling beef, this is the book for you. Childs offers general information for each breed and animal, from how to get started to what to feed and where to house the animals. This invaluable guide is the perfect first book for anyone interested in starting a backyard barnyard or a small farm—or simply dreaming about the idea.

A second edition of the beloved guide to farm animals. When the going gets tough, the tough . . . start raising their own food. In the first full-color guide of its kind, author and small farm owner Laura Childs reveals exactly what it takes to start raising your own animals, including chickens, geese, goats, sheep, pigs, and cows. Childs discusses what you can expect to harvest from your animals—from eggs to milk to meat to wool—based on her own real-life experiences. Whether you want to raise a few chickens for eggs alone, try your hand at a few goats with the intention of making your own cheese, or sustain your family and make some extra money from raising cows and selling beef, this is the book for you. Childs explains how to get started and everything you need to know about successfully raising each animal, including: • Comparison of breeds • Designing your farm strategy • Preparing a home for your livestock • What to feed your animals • Animal health • Breeding • Milking, laying eggs, and butchering This invaluable guide is the perfect first book for anyone interested in starting a backyard barnyard or a small farm—or simply dreaming about the idea.

How to raise goats for meat, milk or bucolic...

No buts: discover the addictive joy of raising goats Goats are amazing, multi-talented creatures that have been domesticated for over 10,000 years. As well as being a source of food, clothes, and milk, they're wonderful companions: cute, intelligent, and playful—and often as friendly and attentive as dogs. In addition, they make endearing noises and—according to ancient Ethiopian legend—discovered coffee. So what's holding you back? The new edition of Raising Goats For Dummies rebuts all your excuses, and shows you why having one—or, actually, a few—of these companionable ruminants (cud-chewing animals) in your life will bring you great joy, and, if you choose, unbeatable homemade milk and cheese—and possibly a cozy new sweater. A happy goat aficionado since 1998, Cheryl K. Smith takes you from the grassroots of raising your goat—choosing and buying the breed you want, building and maintaining goat-friendly housing—to more elevated terrain, including how to build your own milk stand, participate in online goat shows (it’s a thing!), and even monetize your goat. You'll also learn the fundamentals of proper care to make sure your goats are fed, kept healthy, and bred in ways that ensure they have the happiest life you can provide. Study the history and breeds of goat, like the Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy Live sustainably from and even profit from your goat Identify and alleviate common ailments Have fun raising the kids! Whether you're researching buying a goat or learning on the hoof about the ones you have, this book has everything you need to see why getting your goat will bring years and years of joy.

Learn to raise goats and start reaping the benefits of owning these fun and useful animals Raising goats is a major part of human life (and survival) around the world. The movement has increased in popularity in recent years as consumers embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, reject commercialism, move to organic food options, and raise concerns about industrial agriculture practices. Raising Goats For Dummies provides you with an introduction to all aspects of owning, caring for, and the day-to-day benefits of raising goats. Breaks down the complicated process of choosing and purchasing the right goat breed to meet your needs and getting facilities for your goat set up. Provides in-depth information on proper grooming, handling, feeding, and milking Covers the basics of goat health and nutrition Offers tips and advice for using your goat to produce milk, meat, fiber, and more You'll quickly understand what makes these useful and delightful creatures so popular and gain the knowledge and skills to properly care for and utilize their many offerings with help from Raising Goats For Dummies.

Build Fences, Make Goat Milk Soap, Create Goat Play Structures, and Much More! Get ready to jump into the world of goats, one DIY project at a time. Owning and raising goats doesn't have to be an expensive venture. With imagination, simple tools, and salvaged or bargain materials, you can make everything your goats need for their health, safety, and entertainment. Packed with useful information for goat owners, you'll learn about breeds, housing, nutrition, and more. Plus find instructions to learn how to: Build fences Construct a hay storage area Naturally control harmful weeds in the pasture Make natural worm prevention supplements Build a dehorning box Create goat play structures Make yogurt, cheese, lotion, soap, and more Bake goat treats And more! From horns to tail, you're ready to tackle the needs of your goat herd with 50 DIY Projects you can create on a limited budget. Let's get started!

Replete with friendly advice, homespun wisdom, and entertaining anecdotes, Living with Goats offers reassurance of just how easy and rewarding it is to raise goats.