Goats - A prepper's asset

One of the things I've noticed in the prepping lists and documents I have perused, is little mention of livestock. When it is mentioned, it seems in passing, and not a lot of information on the topic is put forth, nor practical opinions. As an opinionated stocker-up of goodies 'just in case', I would like to put for my own practical opinion on the livestock I would definitely think about adding to one's personal 'prep list'.

As far as livestock is concerned, goats are not necessarily the easiest. Alot of hands-on time will be spent with these animals, whether they are being raised strictly for meat; for their milk; or for a conglomeration of both. But, I daresay, these critters have a way of creeping into your hearts and can quickly become family members that earn their keep!

Goats are known as the 'farmer's weed whacker', this is due to not only the fact that goats can and will sample everything, but also, because of their anatomy, they prefer to reach at eye level or above for their food, preferring to browse on the tips of woody shrubs, trees, and leafy plants. Think of them as miniature giraffes, they don't like to 'graze' as sheep or cows do. Goats are browsers, not grazers. This will help keep your land clear of not only those pesky branches that always snag the bottom hem of your shirt, but also the encroaching brambles.

The basic requirements, though simple, need to be thought out and planned for efficiency and effectiveness. First, they need shelter. Obviously this is not only a task to build correctly, but also, an ongoing project to keep clean. Once the 'goat hut' is built and function-able, it is important to set up a routine schedule for yourself of not only cleaning, but also maintenance and inspection. Buildup of yuckiness underfoot can and will cause sickness, and just like you, goats will not enjoy cold drafts and leaky roofs.

Second, they need space. With fencing. This is something that will definitely keep your hands busy in a SHTF situation. And here, once again, maintaining and repairing your goat's fencing and/or pen is an integral part of the upkeep of having goats. Keeping about 6 to 10 goats per acre is just about right. The amount of goats will vary with the quantity and quality of browsing material available.

Thirdly, they do need an alternative food source. Yes, they can survive on their foraging, but for the best meat and milk outcome, you will want to add some nutritional supplementation to their diet. Supplementation with corn and oats is much recommended. Lots of fiber in their diet prevents digestive disturbances.

Raising goats, while hard work and sweat, can be very rewarding. And in a teotwawki situation, you will be grateful to have a sustainable, yet productive herd.

On the road again...

Unfortunately, I get the pleasure of working forty-five minutes away from the homestead. The drive to work gives me plenty of time to try and figure out how to get our homestead self-sustainable... the drive home gives me lots of time to contemplate all the things I could of been doing on the farm...   But hey, until we are self-sustainable, I gotta' keep the bacon coming, right?   It does seem awfully depressing though,...  it seems like the only sunny days are the ones I'm at work on. And I miss so many things that happen when I am work! I have lots and lots of side projects in the works to get home: a novel I'm writing, eBay, adsense, managing Amber Fox Apothecary, prepping rain barrels to sell, selling eggs, the list goes on..  I once heard somewhere that to be optimal, you must have monthly income no less than three times your monthly rent or mortgage. Sounds right...   Wish me luck! And to all those out there struggling through the same or similar circumstances: Press on!

sketch to the future!

SO this is the sketch I did up on Windows Paint. It has ALOT of stuff we haven't even started yet, but, you know, we gotta plan ahead!
**UPDATE**
Starting at the top right hand:
We got the pump house, moving to the left(east) we come across the proposed berry patches as well as herbs and such for Amber Fox Woman Apothecary. Then we walk across the driveway (gotta get those pebbles!) and into the far herb and berry patch. as we walk down the picture (north) we run into the play structure (still on the drawing board). Across the driveway lies more herb gardens. The garage/tarp shed is next followed by the small wood shed. behind that is the chicken yard and the coop location. still moving northward, we get to the goat pen. I didn't put the cherry trees in here, but the are in this area. obviously the gardens come next and the deer path through the apple trees. the fire pit is what we come to moving towards the right of the picture (west). Just beyond that is the site for the greenhouse. We have the structure, but have yet to move it to it's location. The arbor is the peach colored square and the strawberry raised bed garden is already in place right behind the house, as well as the rectangle herb garden. The hot tub will probably be located just off the front porch.