Frequently asked questions
Are you open to the Public, can we visit?
Our farm is a true Hobby Farm which we enjoy on our property along with our actual home. We do share our goats and other animals via our website and social media. On occasion we have open farm days (see other tabs) which are by invitation only.
Are you just goats?
We also have many other animals including alpacas, chickens, ducks, horses and so on. We also work as a private rescue and will take in animals to stay or be rehomed. We do not publicize this work :).
Can I rent your goats?
We do rent our goats for special events, TV promos and more. Rates are $125/hour for 2-3 goats (baby goats in season), 2 hour minimum + .50cents/kilometer. Our experienced goat handler will remain with the goats at all times to ensure their and your safety. Please contact us for availability and more details.
Do you take donations?
We can accept used or excess pet supplies such as feed, dishes, collars, bowls, food, and cages too. If you would like to recycle your pet supplies with us we will put them to good use, and in exchange you can cuddle and kiss a goat (if that's your thing, lol).
We do not profit from our Hobby Farm, and it does cost us several thousands of dollars a year to operate. We believe there are many people who may better benefit from your generous financial donations, and who are TRULY IN NEED (think The Salvation Army, our fav). Please consider this before donating to other farms or animal 'Sanctuaries' as some of them are unscrupulous people. Your local humane society or spca is also always in need!
So you think you want a goat?Read on!
How hard is it to care for a goat? What does a goat need?
It is not difficult to care for a goat, but like any animal, a goat does require daily attention. They must be given fresh food & water daily, and have their hooves trimmed every 6-8 weeks. A goat doesn’t require too much. They need a fellow goat buddy for company. They need basic shelter that is free of drafts where they can get out of the rain and very cold weather. Goats require hay & room to run & play. Growing kids, lactating and pregnant does, and bucks in the breeding season all need grain supplementation. Goats need to have access to goat minerals to ensure they grow well & maintain their good health. Goats love to play, so things like secure stumps, picnic tables, kids’ plastic play structures, or other fun things for them to play on are great ideas. You will definitely find much more joy in your goats if they are happy & playing.
Can I keep a goat in my house?
NO. Although they can be pee-pad trained, they cannot control when or where they poop. They do not acclimatize well to our all year round warmer indoor temperatures. We have rescued a few of these house goats over the years - please, these are livestock and farm animals, people. Not dogs!
What Kind of goats should I get?
There are so many to choose from! Basically there are meat, dairy and pet goats. Once you decide the purpose for having your goats you can explore the internet to find what will best suit you.
Can I get just one goat?
No, a goat must have a fellow goat buddy. They are herd animals and must have another goat to keep them mentally & physically healthy. Keeping two is an absolute minimum, 3 or more is better!
I am looking for a goat to keep my dog company, is this alright?
NO, no, no! A goat needs to have another goat for a buddy, not a dog. A dog that is not specifically trained/bred will instinctively consider a goat ‘prey’. A goat's playful manner will usually set off a dog's instinct to ‘chase’ and this can be very bad for the goat. Even our own family dogs, who are very well trained, are NOT allowed in with the goats.
Do all goats have horns?
No, it depends on the breed. Males and females can both have horns. Goats born with no horns are called polled. Some people choose to 'disbud' their baby goats horns, we prefer not too. We breed both horned and polled goats and find they can live fine altogether. Goats with horns cannot be shown in 4-H, AGS, or ADGA shows.
Polled Goats - Naturally Hornless
Some people prefer not having horns, and do disbud or burn them when about a week old. With a polled goat you won't have this unnatural task, and your new kid will now have the polled gene which they can pass on in their offspring!
A note on polled genetics - to see which combinations makes polled or horned kids check out this chart.
Horned (pp) X Horned (pp) = 100% horned (pp) offspring.
Polled (Pp) X Horned (pp) = 50% polled (Pp), 0% horned(pp) offspring.
Polled (Pp) X Polled (Pp) = 25% polled (PP), 50% polled (Pp), 25% horned (pp) offspring
Homozygous polled (PP) X Horned (pp) = All polled (Pp) offspring.
Homozygous polled (PP) X Homozygous Polled (PP) = All homozygous polled (PP) offspring.
How soon can I take home a baby goat?
We feel that baby goats need their mothers, just as other animals & people do. While it is ‘cute’ to have a tiny bottle baby goat, we feel there are more health benefits to keeping them with their moms. Our babies are raised for 9-12 weeks with their moms. They are handled daily to ensure their friendliness. We feel a friendly goat is a life-long happy goat. Baby goats are like puppies -they grow fast!
How big will a goat get?
That depends on the breed. Goats can range from 30-250 lbs! Our goats range from 30- 60 pounds, about 14-20 inches tall (we like them small). Goats will grow fairly slowly for the first few years until reaching their full size by about 3 years of age.
How long will a goat live?
A goat will typically live about 10-15 years, so when considering a goat purchase it’s important to keep in mind that your baby goat will require just as much care, for just as long, as a new puppy.
How much milk can I get from a goat?
This question is very tricky because it depends LARGELY on what the animal is being fed, it’s genetics, how many times it has freshened (had babies), how old it is, and how many times a day it is getting milked. Nigerians can give anywhere from a cup to a gallon of rich sweet milk a day, depending on the above notes. Oberhaslis can give anywhere from a half-gallon to several gallons per day. Remember, your goat needs to be trained to be milked, they will not necessarily stand easily for you if not taught.
What is a wether? A doe?
A wether is the absolute best goat pet ever! They are male goats that have been castrated. They are very sweet & friendly, & require only minimal care to have a happy healthy life. A doe is a female goat that can produce offspring and subsequently milk.
What is a buck? Do I need a buck?
A buck is a male goat that is capable of breeding & producing offspring. This may sound interesting to newcomers, but…yuck! A buck goat STINKS… they have glands in their bodies that produce a VERY smelly odor, which *apparently* attracts the female goats. They also urinate proficiently, usually spraying all over their chin, belly, and legs, in hopes of attracting the does. Bucks must be kept separate from does to prevent accidental breedings, and to protect the quality of the milk. Goat milk will absorb the buck scent, making it very unpleasant. Even very friendly bucks can become DANGEROUS AND AGGRESSIVE during rut (breeding season). Bucks are NOT for the faint-of-heart! We feel that a buck should only be purchased by well-educated goat owners who know exactly what they are getting into.
Still want a goat?
Visit our for sale page - but please be aware we often have a very long waiting list. Our prices START at $200 for basic wethers, $275 for bucklings, $400 for doelings and up to $800 for double registered super fancy goats!
Please be careful buying goats off kijiji - make sure you ask lots of questions, visit the farm, and trust your gut! All our goats are vaccinated and hooves trimmed - and come with 15+ years of goat experience and advice ;)