https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:21:12 +0000 MyBB https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=6071 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:57:50 -0700 Stringinit]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=6071
This morning I was feeding the goats and my doe was next to me so I used it as an opportunity to monitor her condition from behind. My wether got territorial and when I wasn’t looking head butted right on my temple. I got a goose egg like I have never had before. 

This wether is one of the mellowest goats I’ve got and he was the last goat I ever expected to do this to me.
 
Be careful around your breeding animals even if you’ve had them for years. I got complacent and let my guard down. Carry a squirt bottle with you at all times, today I didn’t have my squirt bottle on me.My buddy adds lime juice to his bottles

As for a reprimand I flipped him on his back and held his front feet in the air for 5 minutes. He bawled out loud and moaned. It doesn’t hurt them it embarrasses them more than anything and it’s a show of dominance on your part. I only have had to flip one other goat for being horn aggressive. I still have him and he’s never shown aggression towards me again.

Good luck this breeding season and stay vigilant. A 220 pound docile goat can ruin your day in a horror worse!]]>
This morning I was feeding the goats and my doe was next to me so I used it as an opportunity to monitor her condition from behind. My wether got territorial and when I wasn’t looking head butted right on my temple. I got a goose egg like I have never had before. 

This wether is one of the mellowest goats I’ve got and he was the last goat I ever expected to do this to me.
 
Be careful around your breeding animals even if you’ve had them for years. I got complacent and let my guard down. Carry a squirt bottle with you at all times, today I didn’t have my squirt bottle on me.My buddy adds lime juice to his bottles

As for a reprimand I flipped him on his back and held his front feet in the air for 5 minutes. He bawled out loud and moaned. It doesn’t hurt them it embarrasses them more than anything and it’s a show of dominance on your part. I only have had to flip one other goat for being horn aggressive. I still have him and he’s never shown aggression towards me again.

Good luck this breeding season and stay vigilant. A 220 pound docile goat can ruin your day in a horror worse!]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5801 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:08:45 -0600 Billy Goat Texas]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5801
I've also used the regular "scissors" trimmer for the same purpose. 

either way it's alot of work on 6 goats.  I'm toying with purchase of a Hoof Boss, and would like feedback from others regarding whether they felt the investment worthwhile, and what specifically do they like about the Hoof Boss over other methods?

thanks in advance. 

shane]]>
I've also used the regular "scissors" trimmer for the same purpose. 

either way it's alot of work on 6 goats.  I'm toying with purchase of a Hoof Boss, and would like feedback from others regarding whether they felt the investment worthwhile, and what specifically do they like about the Hoof Boss over other methods?

thanks in advance. 

shane]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5508 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:59:12 -0700 Missy]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5508 So I can't hardly believe it but we are going to be moving to Montana next spring!!! 
We are looking at our options for getting the goats up there and we are trying to decide if we should get them transported or move them ourselves, I am leaning towards doing it ourselves because they are my babies, but what would you do?
We would like to take about 30 adult goats and maybe 20 kids but we don't know for sure because the kids are not due till January. We are thinking we will move them in two compartments to keep the kids safe. We should be moving in May so they will be weaned by then. We have a 36ft cargo trailer we would use, do you think they would fit? They are not huge goats, they only average about 130# a piece and the kids should be about 30# each.
Is it better do the trip as fast as possible or take breaks. If it is better to take breaks should we keep them in the trailer or try to rig up a fence system to let them out? We thought we would put square bales in with them so that they will always have access to food but I don't think we would be able to provide water all of the time just at every stop. Also is it ok to feed Alfalfa pellets on the trip? I am sure I will have more questions but I cant think of them right now!
Since we have never done anything like this before we could sure use any advice and know-how y'all can offer!!!]]> So I can't hardly believe it but we are going to be moving to Montana next spring!!! 
We are looking at our options for getting the goats up there and we are trying to decide if we should get them transported or move them ourselves, I am leaning towards doing it ourselves because they are my babies, but what would you do?
We would like to take about 30 adult goats and maybe 20 kids but we don't know for sure because the kids are not due till January. We are thinking we will move them in two compartments to keep the kids safe. We should be moving in May so they will be weaned by then. We have a 36ft cargo trailer we would use, do you think they would fit? They are not huge goats, they only average about 130# a piece and the kids should be about 30# each.
Is it better do the trip as fast as possible or take breaks. If it is better to take breaks should we keep them in the trailer or try to rig up a fence system to let them out? We thought we would put square bales in with them so that they will always have access to food but I don't think we would be able to provide water all of the time just at every stop. Also is it ok to feed Alfalfa pellets on the trip? I am sure I will have more questions but I cant think of them right now!
Since we have never done anything like this before we could sure use any advice and know-how y'all can offer!!!]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5424 Sun, 24 Sep 2023 08:48:59 -0600 Missy]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5424 So I was wondering how would goats do traveling that far? They would be in the back of a pickup with lots of hay and I would stop every few hours to offer them water, but is there something else I should do? Would they be up to hiking after being in the car that long? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thankyou! ]]> So I was wondering how would goats do traveling that far? They would be in the back of a pickup with lots of hay and I would stop every few hours to offer them water, but is there something else I should do? Would they be up to hiking after being in the car that long? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thankyou! ]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5284 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:12:11 -0600 Stringinit]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5284
I recently acquired a beautiful goat that is a Dwite Sharp doe. She has the pedigree but has a horrendous bellow in the pasture. Every time she sees us outside she is screaming for hours afterwards! She is supposed to be a multipurpose doe, packgoat breeder/Milker. She only produces a half gallon a day, small teets, but is really easy to hand milk with no stancheon needed. I can deal with low milk production and small teets but she is sooo vocal… she is an Alpine/Saanen/Oberhasli.

Now, I only have experience with one other doe who is an amazing alpine doe in every way. So maybe my new doe is just normal?

My question is; what is the likelihood her offspring will inherit the vocal genetics? I have had her for 2months now and she is welcomed into the herd by the herd. 

Thanks]]>
I recently acquired a beautiful goat that is a Dwite Sharp doe. She has the pedigree but has a horrendous bellow in the pasture. Every time she sees us outside she is screaming for hours afterwards! She is supposed to be a multipurpose doe, packgoat breeder/Milker. She only produces a half gallon a day, small teets, but is really easy to hand milk with no stancheon needed. I can deal with low milk production and small teets but she is sooo vocal… she is an Alpine/Saanen/Oberhasli.

Now, I only have experience with one other doe who is an amazing alpine doe in every way. So maybe my new doe is just normal?

My question is; what is the likelihood her offspring will inherit the vocal genetics? I have had her for 2months now and she is welcomed into the herd by the herd. 

Thanks]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5245 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 07:30:17 -0600 Stringinit]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5245
The destination this year is Colorado. I will pretty much be on hwy 50 all the way through and not making any stop’s except to rest the boys. Do I need to stop by or am I required to stop at all points of entry for each state and have my boys inspected?

I am sure a vet visit is in order as well. Also my boys don’t have ear tags and are not microchipped. Has anyone microchipped an adult goat before?

Thanks for any feedback]]>
The destination this year is Colorado. I will pretty much be on hwy 50 all the way through and not making any stop’s except to rest the boys. Do I need to stop by or am I required to stop at all points of entry for each state and have my boys inspected?

I am sure a vet visit is in order as well. Also my boys don’t have ear tags and are not microchipped. Has anyone microchipped an adult goat before?

Thanks for any feedback]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5231 Mon, 22 May 2023 14:01:24 -0600 idahoer]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=5231
I'm considering pack goats and wondering if two goats is too few. I am allowed only two goats and i'm right in the middle of my town so pretty much everyone would know if I had more. I'm on 1/2 acre and have another friend who has two goats in a similar size space, but they are pygmy goats. I understand that I will have to supplement food, but what i'm really wondering is if it's worth it to just have two for packing, or if you need a full string in order to have the proper herd dynamics and make it worth the time and energy investment. My neighbor has llamas and recommends them instead since two can carry a lot more weight and are quieter, but I do think goats are a lot more interesting animals (I have spent substantial time with goats working on a farm in my youth) and seem to actually connect with humans whereas the llamas would be more of a purely utilitarian animal for packing. Since we are only able to pack with either part of the year i'd definitely prefer goats. Thoughts?]]>
I'm considering pack goats and wondering if two goats is too few. I am allowed only two goats and i'm right in the middle of my town so pretty much everyone would know if I had more. I'm on 1/2 acre and have another friend who has two goats in a similar size space, but they are pygmy goats. I understand that I will have to supplement food, but what i'm really wondering is if it's worth it to just have two for packing, or if you need a full string in order to have the proper herd dynamics and make it worth the time and energy investment. My neighbor has llamas and recommends them instead since two can carry a lot more weight and are quieter, but I do think goats are a lot more interesting animals (I have spent substantial time with goats working on a farm in my youth) and seem to actually connect with humans whereas the llamas would be more of a purely utilitarian animal for packing. Since we are only able to pack with either part of the year i'd definitely prefer goats. Thoughts?]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4898 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 20:55:33 -0600 Jtlynch.74]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4898 In the future we will get an small horse dual axle trailer.
However for the time being this is what I came up with.

Overall it's a 10 by 4 flat deck trailer, I added 2x4 stake holders to the side. Built the panels up with 50 inch cattle panels and wood then put some corrugated metal siding on the sides and made a roof with it as well.

I'd really like any tips or recommendations for goats preferences in trailers. I'm going to try to make a front wind guard to take most of the wind off them.

Is a wood decking adequate for them? Should I get a rubber mat? 

Do they need feed and water available on an hour plus drive? 

This is for 2 whether alpine with horns about a year and a half old.

Going to try a maiden voyage soon and planning a trail magic camping trip in the next week and going to bring the 2 boys along. 

Happy to get these goats out on more trails!

  20220814_172046.jpg (Size: 232.77 KB / Downloads: 0)

  20220814_172013.jpg (Size: 257.71 KB / Downloads: 2) ]]> In the future we will get an small horse dual axle trailer.
However for the time being this is what I came up with.

Overall it's a 10 by 4 flat deck trailer, I added 2x4 stake holders to the side. Built the panels up with 50 inch cattle panels and wood then put some corrugated metal siding on the sides and made a roof with it as well.

I'd really like any tips or recommendations for goats preferences in trailers. I'm going to try to make a front wind guard to take most of the wind off them.

Is a wood decking adequate for them? Should I get a rubber mat? 

Do they need feed and water available on an hour plus drive? 

This is for 2 whether alpine with horns about a year and a half old.

Going to try a maiden voyage soon and planning a trail magic camping trip in the next week and going to bring the 2 boys along. 

Happy to get these goats out on more trails!

  20220814_172046.jpg (Size: 232.77 KB / Downloads: 0)

  20220814_172013.jpg (Size: 257.71 KB / Downloads: 2) ]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4864 Sat, 02 Jul 2022 14:02:09 -0600 Dandelion]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4864
Would it be okay to supplement the goats' diet with pellets, or at least buy some until I can secure a good supply of hay? I have 2 milk goats and 6 babies that were born this spring (5 wethers, 1 female). They would be getting plenty of browse as well, because I walk them and they get to come out of their pen when I'm home.]]>
Would it be okay to supplement the goats' diet with pellets, or at least buy some until I can secure a good supply of hay? I have 2 milk goats and 6 babies that were born this spring (5 wethers, 1 female). They would be getting plenty of browse as well, because I walk them and they get to come out of their pen when I'm home.]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4856 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 11:50:59 -0600 Dandelion]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4856
I have 5 baby wethers, obviously it will be 3 years before they are ready to pack, and I need to make the decision of whether to sell off a couple of them. I really only need 3 goats for my own backpacking needs...problem is, I'm attached, and it's hard to tell which of the 5 will be the best ones. 

The two I would sell are Alpine/Toggenburg, the others are Nubian/Toggenburg and 3/4 Toggenburg/1/4 Alpine. I think they'll all be good, but I'm a little worried that the Nubian/Toggs might not have as good conformation as the Alpine/Toggs (but they are the most bonded to me and I'd have a harder time selling them, also they will probably be the biggest). 

I would feel more justified in keeping them all if I thought they may be able to pay for their own food in the future...does anyone have any ideas? I'm wondering about doing pack goat rentals, but I don't know what kind of insurance I'd have to have for that...also kind of freaks me out to trust a stranger with them...
I am in the process of setting up a small campground on my land, and the goats may be an asset to that, could rent them out directly from there, or lead tours.

In the meantime the hay bill is coming up...hard to know what move to make.]]>
I have 5 baby wethers, obviously it will be 3 years before they are ready to pack, and I need to make the decision of whether to sell off a couple of them. I really only need 3 goats for my own backpacking needs...problem is, I'm attached, and it's hard to tell which of the 5 will be the best ones. 

The two I would sell are Alpine/Toggenburg, the others are Nubian/Toggenburg and 3/4 Toggenburg/1/4 Alpine. I think they'll all be good, but I'm a little worried that the Nubian/Toggs might not have as good conformation as the Alpine/Toggs (but they are the most bonded to me and I'd have a harder time selling them, also they will probably be the biggest). 

I would feel more justified in keeping them all if I thought they may be able to pay for their own food in the future...does anyone have any ideas? I'm wondering about doing pack goat rentals, but I don't know what kind of insurance I'd have to have for that...also kind of freaks me out to trust a stranger with them...
I am in the process of setting up a small campground on my land, and the goats may be an asset to that, could rent them out directly from there, or lead tours.

In the meantime the hay bill is coming up...hard to know what move to make.]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4813 Sun, 08 May 2022 13:46:01 -0600 blackie's maiden]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4813 https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4785 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:14:28 -0600 dragonmaker]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4785
  D2ABB3F1-3215-47CE-9DEE-1579748BAAD9.jpeg (Size: 174.8 KB / Downloads: 0) ]]>
  D2ABB3F1-3215-47CE-9DEE-1579748BAAD9.jpeg (Size: 174.8 KB / Downloads: 0) ]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4735 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 21:03:09 -0700 Jacobo2012]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4735 I’m currently setting up a 100’ by 75’ pasture to try and bring some goats home too. Next will be a shelter I’m curious if anyone has used wedge loc corners or knows anyone who has and how’d they hold up? I’ll eventually get to putting in steel post corners or wood but didn’t want to dig hole into frozen ground but wanted to get something up to try and get some goats home to]]> I’m currently setting up a 100’ by 75’ pasture to try and bring some goats home too. Next will be a shelter I’m curious if anyone has used wedge loc corners or knows anyone who has and how’d they hold up? I’ll eventually get to putting in steel post corners or wood but didn’t want to dig hole into frozen ground but wanted to get something up to try and get some goats home to]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4708 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 12:52:31 -0700 Stringinit]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4708
This is no safety issue. I realize PGE has to inspect their power lines, but why so low!? Just because I have goats and they may see no value in them, what if it were horses? My goats are big and strong, they could easily hurt themselves as well as my family when they stampede as we try to help them. What happens if they get out and cause an accident or property damage or get hurt and cause me expensive vet bills or worse. I live in town on a 2 acres, literally a few hundred yards from the power station.

This helicopter is in with a rocks throw away, too low!

Sorry to vent, but has anyone ever gone through this situation before?]]>
This is no safety issue. I realize PGE has to inspect their power lines, but why so low!? Just because I have goats and they may see no value in them, what if it were horses? My goats are big and strong, they could easily hurt themselves as well as my family when they stampede as we try to help them. What happens if they get out and cause an accident or property damage or get hurt and cause me expensive vet bills or worse. I live in town on a 2 acres, literally a few hundred yards from the power station.

This helicopter is in with a rocks throw away, too low!

Sorry to vent, but has anyone ever gone through this situation before?]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4512 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 21:43:56 -0600 seth s]]> https://www.packgoatcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4512
Looking at getting a guardian animal, and still deep in the research phase of it.  Went to a Llama school recently and also have been asking on FB LGD forums about LGD ownership.  I got a few good answers, but also a lot of breeders trying to sell me pups and of course the trolls that exist in every FB group.  We have lately had a huge increase in coyote activity, and normally we shoot on sight and also hunt them, but all the clear cutting near our property for the new homes has made it impossible to call in coyotes as there is always noise and movement off property that keeps them away in those times. Last week we lost our one of our call ducks and her duckling's and this Sunday a turkey.  Our neighbor to the right adopted a livestock aggressive dog that gets out quite frequent.  We have a 5' fence with a strand of barbed wire across the top, and 3 strands of hot wire on each side.  Fences can fail, power can fail and looking at getting another layer of security.  Still on the fence on which type of livestock guardian breed to get or a Lllama.  If you can, please provide any pros and cons that you have had with LGD's or Llamas as guard animals.  We have three labs, 15 goats and about 200 poultry birds.]]>
Looking at getting a guardian animal, and still deep in the research phase of it.  Went to a Llama school recently and also have been asking on FB LGD forums about LGD ownership.  I got a few good answers, but also a lot of breeders trying to sell me pups and of course the trolls that exist in every FB group.  We have lately had a huge increase in coyote activity, and normally we shoot on sight and also hunt them, but all the clear cutting near our property for the new homes has made it impossible to call in coyotes as there is always noise and movement off property that keeps them away in those times. Last week we lost our one of our call ducks and her duckling's and this Sunday a turkey.  Our neighbor to the right adopted a livestock aggressive dog that gets out quite frequent.  We have a 5' fence with a strand of barbed wire across the top, and 3 strands of hot wire on each side.  Fences can fail, power can fail and looking at getting another layer of security.  Still on the fence on which type of livestock guardian breed to get or a Lllama.  If you can, please provide any pros and cons that you have had with LGD's or Llamas as guard animals.  We have three labs, 15 goats and about 200 poultry birds.]]>