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goat or wizard?
Article by Peter Hansen
Starting a business of raising farm goats requires that you know how to start a goat farm methodically. To many, it seems a very insurmountable task judging from the obvious impediments like time, space and investment that you have to shell out. However, raising goats for dairy production can become more manageable if you know some of the basics that have been used by those who are successful in this business. You can start learning simple tips and tricks with regard to goat farming by reading along. The initial step you must consider on how to start a goat farm is the space that is available for you. If you have a sizeable amount of pastureland, it could be a good starting point. However, raising goats in a caged area has several advantages. Foremost among them is your ability to tend and care for them easily. It is also more convenient to feed them because they are never out of your sight and cage bred goats are less likely to be exposed to parasites than those raised in pastureland. Once you have decided which road to take then you can now proceed to the next step. Feeding is the next step in goat farming; you must be prepared to invest on good and nutritious feed for your goats. Your local farming supply can provide you with a wide array of choices that fit your budget and initial needs. More economical is by feeding them with different types of grasses and vegetation. You can replenish your supply of greens by applying dried goat manure to them from time to time. Provide your goats with fresh supply of water. Goats do not like acidic and dirty wares, so it is best to keep your water in a dispenser or feeder that they can easily reach. Maintain their healthy bodies by trimming their hooves for at least once a month to prevent them from being lame and other health issues they might encounter. Do not forget to deworm goats at least once a year. Liquid dewormers are now available which you can use on your own or you can choose to have the assistance of a veterinary doctor, who can warmly attend to your goats when they need it. As you can see, the common trend in guides about how to start a goat farm is that it requires a significant amount of time and effort. This business is good for those who are patient and loves to see the fruits of their labor firsthand. Finally, breeding your goats will help you expand your own farm. Goats are year round breeders and they produce around 2 kids at a time. If you keep around 6 in your farm, you can expect to get twice that number if you breed them successfully each year. Take note however, that to maintain a good and healthy set of kids, you must breed them only once a year. We hope that this guide on how to start a goat farm has been helpful to you when raising meat goats or dairy goats.