What goes into your decision on what your ideal or maximum herd size is? We are on a dry lot with limited space so I have always set the permanent herd limit to 2 (maybe 3 if they all get along) bucks and 8 does. Of course, we have a temporary population explosion during kidding season, but that is short lived and otherwise we run a tight ship as far as our numbers go. I just saw a picture someone posted of a goat with very overgrown hooves and it occurred to me barn space and feed costs are not the only reasons I limit the size of our herd. The time and cost for day to day care plays a huge roll in how many animals I am comfortable keeping. Being a horse person long before getting goats, the importance of hoof care was established very early on. I dont think I ever thought much about it before, but I do pedicure days where everyone gets their feed trimmed and we keep them on a very regular schedule. I have back issues so one of the ways I gauge chore managability is how many I can get through without having pain. I have seen goats with rolled over toes and long hoofs which look very uncomfortable to stand or walk with, not to mention the fact that the stress it puts in the feet when heavily bred so my goats will not ever go without proper hoof care. So space, time, money for quality hay and supplements, and feet all come into play for us when setting the limit for our retained herd members. What are some of the ways you have found sets the limit or point of managability?
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:46:39 +0000
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