Good brush clearing goats?

[javaferret]

Hi all, I was curious if anyone had an idea or preference on what types of goats make the best brush clearers. I plan to get goats (and my long awaited chickens!!!!) this coming spring, we just moved to central Oregon a month ago and have 5 acres. Most of the land is pasture with pockets of mini woods and then about 40 fruit and nut trees on the other side by the front and other side of the house. What I need is something that would enjoy eating and clearing all the tall grass, brush, old leaves twigs and such. I would prob just get wethers or old grampa billies, since I am not interested in breeding but would like to give them a nice life to eat and roam around.

I use to have miniature fainting goats when I lived in Wyoming 10yrs ago and they were great pets and easy to contain. I know some of the larger breeds are not as easy to keep fenced in, so that would be a factor since I haven't fenced all the land yet, and will be doing it in sections due to fencing cost. May even just have a set goat pet and let them graze in sections and bring them back, depending if we have a problem with coyotes.

Any suggestions would be great, since I am just bouncing around in excitement till I can get my chickens and goats. Well and planning the construction for their living quarters too

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Goats don't clear tall grass, they eat it mostly when tender, they like the leaf blades, they are good at eating brambles, trees, and shrubs, though they are more hit and miss as far as clearing land. All breeds will do what you want, I like buying the boy dairy goats, they are mostly unwanted and more calm than the miniatures. I have a mix, I would avoid Billy goats, they can be aggressive and smelly. Pick what you like or what you can find.

 

[Stacykins]

Goats are only decent land clearers when a huge number of goats are put on a small parcel of land for a short period of time. It basically forces them to eat everything. They will eat grass last, and eat what is young and most tender, so a few wethers won't actually do much for brush clearing. Sheep consume grass, but will make it look spotty too, as they pick the choicest grass to eat.

 

[javaferret]

Maybe I need to rent a herd to clear it out but probably just have it the land mowed/cleared out then add a couple of goats to maintain and have fun.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Maybe I need to rent a herd to clear it out but probably just have it the land mowed/cleared out then add a couple of goats to maintain and have fun.  

probably a better plan

 

[politicalcenter]

I would go with Boar goats and mostly nannies with one good breeder buck. By the time you rent or buy chemicals the goats should do the job for you. I would go with Boar goats because of resale value. I know you aren't a breeder ...but...a good buck and the rest nannies could give you some little ones to sell later.

I have used goats to clear land and it worked out well for me. I have Nigerian and Pygmies now...nine of them.


be careful...goats are addictive.

 

[javaferret]

Thats a good idea as well, I have noticed there are a lot of Boar goats (as well as dairy goats) out in this area. Starting to wonder which will be more addictive, the chickens or the goats my poor husband...

 

[Lamancha]

Goats are awesome! You will love them. Get dairy wethers, bottle babies. They are super unwanted and cheap ($30-$40.00) Best pets ever. We use ours as pack goats (see avatar).

 

[Stacykins]

Thats a good idea as well, I have noticed there are a lot of Boar goats (as well as dairy goats) out in this area. Starting to wonder which will be more addictive, the chickens or the goats my poor husband...

Be sure to research your local market before diving in. If there are a lot in your area, you might be selling kids for a loss. They are a popular breed raised for meat, but in some areas there are many goats for sale for low prices. If you have any sort of Muslim or Hispanic population in your area, then the value of meat goats will increase.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Goats are awesome! You will love them. Get dairy wethers, bottle babies. They are super unwanted and cheap ($30-$40.00) Best pets ever. We use ours as pack goats (see avatar).

love it, I like them to, I'm not sure I could get mine to cooperate like that, just love it.