I was told that goats are good to clear brush. I saw that others have asked this before and it is true but, I would like to know which breeds might be best suited for the job. I am moving into my grandfathers long vacant farm (He used to raise goats when I was young). I would also be interested in knowing if anyone in the Bucks County, Pa area has any goats for sale that might be suitable. I would love to get kids but I don't think the pasture would be appropriate for babies just yet. Any suggestions would help.

-- (OXStang@aol.com), July 26, 2001

Answers

If all you want to do is clear brush get mixed breeds cheap.Registered animals will cost much more.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), July 26, 2001.

You could pick up a cross bred for cheap, also if not interested in breeding or milk production I would just get a couple of wethers (castrated males).

-- Skip in Western WA (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), July 27, 2001.

I would suggest getting a "meat" type goat breed, and here is the reason why. (also whethers work well too, even better) A meat type breed hopefully does not have the milk production a dairy does, and if you don't want to milk the that would be the way to go. also, the goats will need a little TLC extras such as worming and minerals and hoof trimming as well. I just wanted to mention that because so many folks who get goats for clearing brush and who don't really know a lot will wonder why they have rough coats, get skinny or limp around after awhile.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), July 27, 2001.

Yes, if you get goats for this, be prepared to care for them. You'll need to get water out to them also and if it's hot and miserable, some shade too. Here in Oregon if someone wants "Brush Goats" they call the local radio station and say so. Our particular little show that's on every morning here is called "swap 'n' shop" and you just call in. pretty soon someone will call you and tell you where to pick up the goats. You are then expected to keep and care for them until someone else needs brush goats and they move on. No purchase neccessary! :-) I'd also check with your feed stores and the county extension service and put an add in your local newspaper. someone must have rotating brush goats if you're in a rural area. Hope this helps. Let us know.

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), July 27, 2001.

Best goats are hungry ones! :)

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), July 28, 2001.

In your situation I'd definitely say cheap (crossbred) wethers. Gets you used to some of the requirements of keeping goats and looking after them and fencing them without having the strain of keeping up with kidding and kids and milking (you could use them for meat if you wished). Also your cheap introduction won't tempt you to use them as initial breeding stock - when or if that time comes you'll be able to establish your herd proper without an emotional investment in things that might breed but shouldn't (see for instance recent posts about a rabbit which someone wants to breed because they like it, even though it obviously shouldn't be part of a breeding program).

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), July 28, 2001.

Was updating my website on agdomain and saw this recent updated site. Its a person selling goats in WVA that has brush goats. heres the link. Now remember, if you decided to consider them, look for diseases. Good luck. http://www.agdomain.com/web/sheltonfarm/

Bernice

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), July 29, 2001.

I have no opinion on breeds but on timing. I borrowed a couple of my friends goats this summer and they have barely put a dent in the brush. Now if I had only thought to borrow them in May! There is just too much out there right now but in early spring they would be able to clear off all the new growth as it appeared. Thats my suggestion.

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), July 31, 2001.