I have a question to those who have experience. I have much Florida underbrush, I thought a restrained Billy Goat might eat the underbrush and foilage. Husband thinks Billy Goat will chew through fence and knaw at car bumper. I only want Goat to clear underbrush, including Palmetto bushes. Is my wish a reality? Please, those who have experience with goats, please reply. Signed: I am so broke, I can't even pay, attention. Thank you.

-- My Story (andIam@sticking.com), February 23, 2001

Answers

I don't think you should get the goat. It wouldn't eat the fence (unless it's a hedge), or car bumper, but I don't think that either you or the goat would be happy with the arrangement.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), February 24, 2001.

If all you are looking for is a bush chewer, you need a wether or two (neutered males), not a buck, who will be more interested in getting out and looking for girlfriends. You can tell your husband though, that unless it is a wooden fence, the goat isn't going to be able to damage it chewing, and his car bumper (and everything else made of metal) is safe. A decent woven wire fence will keep them in, especially if you run a line of electric fence along the inside. They can be relied on to find holes though, so be sure you patch any. They will also need a small shed to protect them from wet weather. Also, hornless goats would be best, horned goats can get their heads stuck in the darndest places, not to mention the damage they can do, even accidentally, to various body parts. Hooking your wrist while you are leading them and catching the horn tip in places my husband considers VERY important top the list here. ; - ) I have no idea if they eat palmetto, does anyone have any information on that? I also do not know what vegetation local to Florida is dangerous to goats. You would need to check that out to keep them from getting poisoned accidentally. Get a good book on goat basics, and you'll be set.

-- Connie (Connie@lunehaven.com), February 24, 2001.

I would say you should definetly get a Billy Goat to clear the brush. There's nothing goats like better then the opportunity to eat,and eat,and eat,and eat,and eat,and....well,you get the idea ;-) We got goats when we moved to clear the brush and they had the area cleared 99% in two days. They were constantly eating,and they loved the bushes,and they also ate small trees. I would say "Go for it,reach for your dreams.Make wishes reality."

-- Cosmic CountryGirl (CosmicCountry@Yahoo.com), February 24, 2001.

So you want a Billy Goat? The male goat (buck) is a big, stinky, obnoxious, stinky :), and have some really nasty habits. They are not pets. They are a little akin to having a bull for a pet. With some knowledge you can sucessfully be around them, show them, with little danger, but definetly not the sex for someone wanting just a brush eater. If you really want to get a goat, actually better to get a few goats since they are herd animals and can get very lonely, then do some research. Find yourself someone who has goats in your area and visit their farms. You can usually pick up wethers (castrated males) cheaply, free or for meat money 35$ usually. Does are usually more expensive, but you can also get really good deals on them if someone is really looking to sell. Find out about worming, hoof trimming, shelter, fencing etc. No livestock is free. A goat is not going to eat the bumper of your vehicle, they are going to jump on the hood and roof, making pretty little indents all over them. They will eat every rose bush and ruin your garden without good fences. Make sure when visiting others farms, you take a close look at their older boys, and especially July through December when they are in rut! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), February 24, 2001.

The only thing I can see that needs to be added here is that tying a goat out isn't safe for the goat. They get tangled up on everything, even a clump of tough weeds or a little knot of root sticking up from the ground. Then they can't reach their water (and will die of thirst) or can't get away from wandering dogs, perhaps even your own, which will worry them to death. Or they just strangle outright. I think you intend to fence your goats (and they do need good fencing, but at least once you've fenced an area well enough to keep goats in, you won't have to worry about any other animals you may keep there getting out, either!!), but thought I would mention about tying just in case. And by the way, wethers when full grown can be used as pack animals and in harness, so you might be able to find more uses for them than just to eat the brush. Contact your local Ag. Extension agent for a list of toxic plants in your area, and probably some goat literature, too!

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), February 24, 2001.

Yes billy goats will eat palmetto.So will nanny goats.Get a nanny or a doe.Nanny goats are usually much cheaper than does :>) Check your brush area for Bracken fern.Florida is covered with the stuff and it is poisonous to goats.

-- JT in Florida (gone2seed@hotmail.com), February 24, 2001.

First, among goat breeders, the term "billy" is derogatory. You don't want an intact buck. TWO wethers will serve your purpose. Goats are herd animals and are not happy alone. If you have only one he will spend a good deal of time trying to figure out how to escape and find some companionship. Tying up is a very bad idea. You'll likely come home one day to a dead goat from strangulation. Tethering a goat in an unfenced pasture within reach of the edge of the brush for short periods of time with supervision is acceptable. A four foot high woven wire field fence is all you need to contain contented goats. They will need shelter where they can get in out of the elements. Dry bedding is important to general health. Also, don't expect them to survive on brush alone. Even wethers need to have their diet supplemented with a small amount of grain, hay and minerals. Check with your county extension office to make sure you don't have any plants on your property which are toxic to goats. Make sure you get someone who really knows about goats. Some things that are safe for sheep, cattle or horses are not safe for goats.

-- Skip Walton (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), February 24, 2001.

Yes JT very good point :) Bucks and Does are usually more expensive than Nanny's and Billy's!!

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), February 25, 2001.

I agree with everyone. You need to know too, that when you get a goat there is a lot more than just letting it eat brush. Goats need hooves trimmed, plenty of water and shelter and companionship. If you can't provide that, then I would wait until you can. A billy is definitely not what you need. Good luck

-- Andy (cabinfever@sisna.com), February 26, 2001.

I can agree with the above, just like to add my personal experience with the buck. You're "safe" up to year and a half to two years age max, they are "teenagers" with an attitude–believe me. Don't make pets out of them, then they won't be afraid of you. As they get older, they get more crafty & aggressive (bustin'-out fences, doors) and more protective of their territory and flock of does. In fact, he turned on me (never done this before!) because I was helping one of the kids in crisis – in which it triggered it's protective instinct, thinking that I was hurting the kid. I ended up with five stitches on my right shin and he ended up in the freezer short

-- David K. Cripe (cripeland@aol.com), February 27, 2001.

I can agree with the above, just like to add my personal experience with the buck. You're "safe" up to year and a half to two years age max, they are "teenagers" with an attitude–believe me. Don't make pets out of them, then they won't be afraid of you. As they get older, they get more crafty & aggressive (bustin'-out fences, doors) and more protective of their territory and flock of does. In fact, he turned on me (never done this before!) because I was helping one of the kids in crisis – in which it triggered it's protective instinct, thinking that I was hurting the kid. I ended up with five stitches on my right shin and he ended up in the freezer shortly aft

-- David K. Cripe (cripeland@aol.com), February 27, 2001.

Well, if the only reason to get a goat is to eat the brush, don't. Bucks are notoriously hard to handle - especially with no does around! Also, depending on what's in there, your investment could be gone with one unfortunate munch. Some things (especially wild plums) can be poisonous - even to brush goats.

Sounds like a better bet would be a chain saw, machete and a brush mower, possibly rented (instead of purchased). It would certainly be cheaper than feeding that goat after he's done with his job!!

-- Sue Diederich. (willow666@rocketmail.com), February 28, 2001.