Goat Milk is a Lifestyle… Not a Hobby!

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My first son was raised on goat milk for quite a while during his infant-toddler years in addition to breast milk. He was a health, happy chunky baby and a healthy, happy toddler. He never had a single earache growing up, never required antibiotics for anything. Back then, my mother in law was the goat lady in our area.

Fast forward quite a few years and we discovered we were expecting again! I started prepping for baby #2 and at the top of the list was getting a milk goat for our family.

Here’s what you need to know when shopping for your first goat!

1. You can’t have just ONE goat! They are herd animals so you will need 2-3. They don’t have to be all girls, you can keep a neutered male (a wether) for a companion.
2. You don’t need a buck (a breeding male) unless it’s breeding time. Bucks are STINKY (I can’t say this loudly enough!). You won’t be able to keep your does from being pregnant ALL the time if they are in with a buck. You will rapidly go from having 2 or 3 goats to 2 or 3 dozen goats as they usually have 2-3 babies each, every 5 months. I “borrow” a buck when I’m ready to breed my does again (once a year).
3. You need a fence that is TALL. 6’ tall, but some bucks will be able to jump it even then! More importantly, a tall, secure pen will help keep your goats safe from dogs and predators. THE PEN MUST BE READY BEFORE YOU BUY GOATS AND BRING THEM HOME! I know that seems obvious, but I know some people who did this in the opposite order. It didn’t work out so well…
4. You will need a stanchion or milking stand. You will need it before you bring home a goat that needs to be milked twice a day! They’re pretty easy to build. My husband made mine out of metal, but wood ones work well also. Here’s a fancy one on Amazon. It has saved my life! It works like a breast pump for lactating human moms and saves so much time!
5. My checklist: Shop for a doe or does in milk (currently being milked). Everyone has their favorite dairy breeds, but registration papers aren’t necessary if you’re not showing them. Buy ones that are less than 5 years old (preferable 2-3 years old) that are on at least their second or third milking season. You want them broke to the milk stand and easy to handle. Buy does from a clean and tested herd – ask to see the paperwork. Goats can contract diseases and sexually transmitted diseases like Brucellosis . Again, this will save you money and heartbreak in the long run.

Next, check out my blog posts on cheesemaking and making goat milk soap. Stay tuned for more great things to do with goat milk! Subscribe here and never miss out!