Are goats a practical way to keep an over-grown yard in check?
Image by plong
This goat was pushing a barrel at the Pure Luck Farm & Dairy in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Question by staceysmom321: Are goats a practical way to keep an over-grown yard in check?
I dont have the time or energy to try and vanquish the jungle in the back yard, and i was just trying to figure out a better, cheaper, and easier way. Ive always heard the stereo-types concerning goats, and was just wondering if anyone out there can tell me if this half-baked plan of mine can and should become a reality. Thanks for any input on the matter you can offer.
Can you help? Leave your own answer in the comments!
10 Responses to Are goats a practical way to keep an over-grown yard in check?
Leave a Reply
throw a thin layer of weed killer out there and itll shave off some of the unwanted greens lol =)
stsunamudo
December 25, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Well.
Goats will eat nearly every plant in sight — the roses, the gardinias, the lillies, the poison oak, the poison ivy, the good and the bad — that they can reach. Believe me! They’re good at reaching!
My Big Bear Ron
December 25, 2012 at 4:26 pm
practical no, working mabey good luck but I dont think it will work tell me if it does
Ian
December 25, 2012 at 5:18 pm
goats in the city is kind of odd but hey if it works thats cool.
sh_jm_jj
December 25, 2012 at 5:35 pm
I think its a really good idea. You can use the milk too.
kitcat
December 25, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Sheep are good at keeping grass short. That’s what people used before lawn mowers. Goats are more work. Sheep just need to be sheared once a year. Make sure they can’t get the flowers though. Sheep are a little more picky but are easier to keep. Make sure you do your homework before getting any animals.
jackrussellgirl2006
December 25, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Having goats, I can tell you; they really will eat anything they can. Plants or otherwise. If you’re going to go through with this, it will probably work, but make sure there aren’t any poisonous plants back there, and be sure you have a home for the goats afterwards, or you can afford to start feeding them, which you ought to do a little of anyways. If they’re left to it for too long, they’ll eat everything, and most of it will not grow back, if any will at all. Just don’t go and buy a bunch of gaots to eat your yard and not have a plan for them when all is said and done 🙂 But yes, I think that could work, so long as you don’t slip into neglect. Goats don’t require a ton of attention, but going out there a few minutes every day – even every other day – to check on them will be a very good thing.
One more thing to add – As with cows and sheep, goats lack top incisors (front teeth) and therefore cannot “cut” grass; they rip it, which often results in the roots being dislodged and then the plant dies and cannot grow back.
Chory
December 25, 2012 at 7:02 pm
A couple of large meat-type rabbits would be a lot easier and cheaper. Goats are escape artists and usually not allowed in most rural areas. You would only need to provide the rabbits with a secure home and water and a bit of hay in the winter. You would also need to run chicken/rabbit wire along the bottom of your fencing, but if you put them out by early summer, they will survive the winter easily.
iceni
December 25, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Goats are a great way to clean up an unruly yard. I had a BIG problem with poison ivy and now I don’t. I have 8 goats,but two will work out just fine.One will get lonely. Don’t forget that you need very sturdy fencing, at least 4 1/2 feet tall, and adequate housing. They will still need to be fed hay and goat chow.Goats are wonderful animals, full of personality,but still will need your time and love. Also, don’t tie them up. It could be quite dangerous for them. Also, make sure that you are zoned for livestock!
carollynne
December 25, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Hi Stacey,
Yes maam, I live on a farm, and the goats or sheep with eat anything in your yard, sheep are more for eating the grass, and goats will eat anything else, but dont let a goat eat a lilac bush or tree, it will clog there stomach and cause them to die. Depending on the size of your back yard, you may need more than one goat… be sure to get a nanny,(female) because the Billy’s are most of the time mean and all of the time Stinky….(lol) and make sure if at all possible to get them when they are young so they can be taught to be friendly because, if bought when allready grown more than likely it may be scared of you, and it wont let you touch it or nothing…. they will need grain, and every now and then hay, and fresh water daily…. I hope I was of some help, and if you have any more ?’s regarding animals just ask Kim
Kimmy10c29
December 25, 2012 at 8:16 pm