06-24-2016, 06:24 AM
We don't dehorn any of our goats. We breed for polled (naturally no horns) stock.
If you're looking for grazing pets, may I suggest bottle fed sheep. Like lquade said the goats will eat and destroy all your fruiting and ornamentals first, then the trees (they will eat the bark off of trees you thought were too big for them to eat, eventually killing the tree), then the grass, and then lastly the weeds. The exact opposite order you were hoping for. They will constantly try to get over, under, or through your fence. They will climb equipment or trees to get over fences. Sheep just stick their head down next to the ground and eat whatever is there. You mentioned having kids, goats jump up on people just like dogs do, however unlike dogs it is very very difficult and in some instances impossible to train them not to. They will try to jump up onto laps and even shoulders, especially when they are young.
Another good grazing pet option is geese. They don't go after the tall grass but once it's mowed or weed whacked they do a good job of keeping it down. They are mainly herbivores and don't generally eat slugs or bugs like chickens and ducks but they will chase mongoose and other small animals away, especially if they are nesting.
In Puna Both goats and sheep will require strict deworming and ectoparasite regimens (some have to be injected), and most goats will need regular hoof trimming and occasional treatment for hoof rot. They will need regular mineral supplementation and goats will need extra copper. Sheep are the opposite with copper so if you mix them you can't let the sheep get the goat minerals because it's toxic. Goats are a lot of work and are expensive to maintain and you'll probably have to buy supplemental food to keep them healthy. Sheep are a little easier. Geese require little care and forage all their own food.
If you're looking for grazing pets, may I suggest bottle fed sheep. Like lquade said the goats will eat and destroy all your fruiting and ornamentals first, then the trees (they will eat the bark off of trees you thought were too big for them to eat, eventually killing the tree), then the grass, and then lastly the weeds. The exact opposite order you were hoping for. They will constantly try to get over, under, or through your fence. They will climb equipment or trees to get over fences. Sheep just stick their head down next to the ground and eat whatever is there. You mentioned having kids, goats jump up on people just like dogs do, however unlike dogs it is very very difficult and in some instances impossible to train them not to. They will try to jump up onto laps and even shoulders, especially when they are young.
Another good grazing pet option is geese. They don't go after the tall grass but once it's mowed or weed whacked they do a good job of keeping it down. They are mainly herbivores and don't generally eat slugs or bugs like chickens and ducks but they will chase mongoose and other small animals away, especially if they are nesting.
In Puna Both goats and sheep will require strict deworming and ectoparasite regimens (some have to be injected), and most goats will need regular hoof trimming and occasional treatment for hoof rot. They will need regular mineral supplementation and goats will need extra copper. Sheep are the opposite with copper so if you mix them you can't let the sheep get the goat minerals because it's toxic. Goats are a lot of work and are expensive to maintain and you'll probably have to buy supplemental food to keep them healthy. Sheep are a little easier. Geese require little care and forage all their own food.