When we first decided we were moving to Salt Spring Island, I started my campaign for getting goats. It started with not so subtle hints (“Hey, we should get a goat”), and continued with yearly Christmas lists being solely made up of “Goat, goat house and goat food”.
Three years of relentless focus and my better half has finally submitted (admitted defeat). We are getting goats.
We have a perfect property for them, with a large stretch of forest and hillside along the back that is unused and just begging for little hooves to clamour over it. We have the space on our land, and in our lives to welcome a little herd into the family, and so the road to goats is finally beginning.
First of all….
Why Goats?
Aside from the obvious “goats are awesome” response, I think for us it is about having an active and healthy hobby farm. We love animals and have been interested in having a farm that gives back to us. Goats will provide another level of fertilizer for the garden, and we may choose to get a milking goat, if not right away sometime in the future.
Preparing for Getting Goats
Now that the decision has been made, we have some work to do. While our entire property IS fenced, we need to improve the fencing around where the goats will reside. We also need to build a goat “shed” for their protection from the elements and a secure place to store their food and hay.
Hubby has great plans to build a living roof on their goat shed, and provide them with access to hang out there and nibble on the growth, so that is the main project we need to design and construct. We also want to create natural water sources for them using our rain tanks and natural creeks.
Housing aside, we also need to do more research. We are keen to get pygmy goats (who doesn’t love little goats) but want to ensure we are prepared and fully aware of all the little things that can go wrong.
Of course, I have started a Pinterest board ALL about goats!
New Life on the Farm
Most importantly I feel that finally making this decision is giving us a fresh look at our life and our farm. We have been avoiding goats and other animals because of the required care and being less able to get away. The reality is though, our flock of chickens already holds us hostage, and since we have found a capable “chicken” sitter, who can also “goat/farm/pig” and anything sit, our freedom is there for the taking. We might as well fully enjoy our farm in all the ways we want.
I am now on the countdown to spring, and to finding time to start building pens and sheds. While my husband has a “delayed” timeline…. my expectations usually speed things up. I also find that once you make a decision and put things out in the world, the universe tends to deliver quite quickly.
So.. goats! Bring it! I am ready!