Our Big Goats

Our big goats are dairy breeds that we keep as pets. Queenie is a Nubian and her nephews Shylo and Skipper are mixed Nubian/Pygmie. Goats differ from cows in that they only produce milk for about 6 months after giving birth. To have a continuous supply of milk, you have to continue breeding your goats. That isn't practical for us (since we don't want to part with any animal born on our farm).

Goats are browsers as opposed to grazers like sheep. This means they prefer to nibble bark, branches and leaves off of trees rather than eating grass. They aren't great lawn mowers! Our big goats do not like closed doors and wrecked several stall doors in the barn before I gave up and gave them free roaming privileges. They are curious and affectionate companions and I have learned to laugh instead of yell when they participate in my work around the farm. They are also excellent escape artists; Queenie can size up a fence or gate then jump over the 4 foot height from standing.