Key Takeaways:

Do Goats Need a Lot of Space?

• Not Necessarily!
  • Even with access to 50 acres, goats often confine themselves to smaller areas if they have food, water, and shelter nearby.
  • For example, a herd of 27 goats comfortably occupies less than 2 acres, and often much less.
• Why?
  • Goats are creatures of habit and convenience, choosing to stay where resources are readily available.
  • They tend to congregate near feed and shelter, especially in colder months.

When Large Acreage is Necessary:

• For True Browsing:
  • Browsing goats require a variety of terrains, including creek bottoms, hillsides, and slopes, as they don’t graze on grass like some livestock.
  • This is ideal for goats in a free-range setup but requires careful planning and a lot of land.

Small Spaces Work for Dry-Lotting:

• What is Dry-Lotting?
  • Providing goats with feed, water, and shelter in a confined area.
  • Ideal for those without expansive acreage.
• Benefits of a Small Setup:
  • Easier to maintain clean bedding and proper drainage.
  • Controlled feeding prevents waste and ensures goats get proper nutrition, such as calcium-rich alfalfa.
  • Small spaces make it easier to monitor herd health and safety.

Bedding and Feed Management Tips:

• Use surplus alfalfa stems or other chaff as bedding, reducing waste and costs.
• Ensure the area has good drainage and proper maintenance to keep bedding dry and goats comfortable.

Dispelling the Myth:

You don’t need acres upon acres to raise goats successfully. As long as you provide adequate food, water, and shelter, goats can thrive in smaller, well-managed spaces.

For more tips on goat care, visit packgoats.com, where you’ll find guides, resources, and insights from experienced goat enthusiasts like Marc Warnke.