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by Karen Harris (Author)
"Funny and entertaining expert advice on raising goats from Karen Harris based on her two decades of raising goats from the front porch of her 1880's farm house."
In "Hobby Farmer's Handbook to Raising Goats," Karen Harris brings over twenty years of hands-on experience raising goats to help you build a happy, healthy herd. Drawing from her time spent bottle-feeding newborn kids, fixing fences, and wrangling escape artists like her beloved goats, Juju, Brown Sugar (Suge), and Dixie, Karen shares practical tips, real-life stories, and expert advice tailored for small-scale farmers.
Whether you're looking to raise goats for dairy, meat, or simply as lovable companions, this guide covers everything you need to know:
- Choosing the perfect breed: Whether you're after milk, meat, or dual-purpose goats, you'll learn the pros and cons of popular breeds like Nubians, Alpines, and Nigerian Dwarfs. Karen helps you match the breed to your farm's size, climate, and your goals-whether it's making cheese or selling high-quality meat.
- Setting up your farm: Learn how to design safe, comfortable housing that protects your goats from harsh weather, and discover essential tips for building goat-proof fences to prevent escapes. Karen's own experience, including advice on securing gates and using the right building materials, will help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Keeping your goats healthy: This book dives into preventative care, vaccinations, and what to include in your goat first-aid kit. You'll also learn to recognize early signs of common diseases like bloat and Coccidiosis, and follow step-by-step guides for treatment and prevention.
- Mastering breeding and kidding: From selecting the right breeding stock to assisting with births, Karen guides you through every stage of goat reproduction. Whether you're dealing with twins or a difficult delivery, you'll find the information you need to ensure a smooth process.
- Daily routines and long-term care: Learn how to develop a daily routine that fits your schedule while ensuring your goats get proper care. Discover tips for maintaining a healthy milking schedule, managing herd size, and setting up a long-term farm plan for sustainability.
- Nutrition and feeding requirements: Karen breaks down the essentials of goat nutrition, from understanding the four-stomach digestive system to choosing the best feed types for each life stage. You'll also get advice on managing pasture, supplementing with minerals, and providing clean water to keep your goats in peak health.
Karen's love for her goats shines through in every chapter. With stories about her goat adventures and even a few misadventures, like the time Dixie repeatedly escaped to stand on top of her SUV, this book is packed with both expertise and charm. Karen's writing style is warm and conversational, making you feel like you're learning from a trusted friend.
Whether you're a new hobby farmer or a seasoned goat enthusiast, "Hobby Farmer's Handbook to Raising Goats" will help you raise a happy, thriving herd and enjoy the many benefits goats bring to small-scale farming.
