Raising Goats: Beginners Guide to Raising Healthy and Happy Goats

Good info in a affordable book

This book is set up much like the chicken book in that the first half details information on various breeds of goats and the second half tells you how to take care of them and where to house them. Good basic information.

Janet Wilson has wise advice for anyone considering the raising of goats. Build high fences, guard against dogs, get more than one, have enough space, and make sure you have enough time for your goats. Her section on goat to human diseases is interesting, even though rare if you are careful, and is based upon common sense as well as science.I like how thorough her information is. She includes a glossary of “goat terms,” and then how to choose which kind of goats to get (based upon function and personality). A wide list of breeds is discussed as well as diseases and pest that attack goats.Her writing style is conversational, and even the newest of goat aficionados will gather enough information to have a good start with this hobby. Fiber, milk, brush clearing, and meat production is considered for each breed. Equipment for pasteurizing milk, building shelters for them, and appropriate fencing material are described. Training a goat to a cart or teaching them games are other fun ways to enjoy goats (all detailed in the book).Showing goats has become quite popular, and Wilson has a section devoted to instructing people how to show their animals.This is a TERRIFIC book for anyone interested in raising goats. It covers every aspect of ownership and would be a great resource for years to come. More than a beginner’s guide. HIGHLY recommend!

This book is a treasure trove of useful information for anyone considering - or already raising - goats. "Raising Goats" is literally the only resource a prospective goat owner needs to get started on the right foot. From choosing a breed and understanding goat "vocabulary" to creating the right environment, feeding, breeding, health care, and even introducing goats to each other or to the family dogs, author Janet Wilson has it covered. I appreciated Ms. Wilson's lighthearted, engaging writing style and her practicality. The organization of goats by their function is especially helpful, as are the many links to informative websites including goat associations and breeders. Don't waste your time doing loads of online research - Ms. Wilson has done it for you! Before reading this book, I had merely toyed with the idea of keeping goats (some of our neighbors do). After reading it, however, I'm not only enthusiastic to raise my own, but I have the confidence to feel like I'll know what I'm doing!

If you or your family are considering goats whether to breed, milk or just as a pet, this book is for you. Actually, you need this book to help you plan out having a goat. I like how all the breeds and their purposes are explained with the good and the bad. The photos throughout the book give you an idea of what each breed of goat looks like but their disposition.I used to have goats and I wish this book had been there. I love the care and feeding sections, how you can build shelters and links to the various supplies that are needed. Goats are probably one of the most "fun" farm animals that a family could have and it is great experience for all. Just be prepared . . . goats have huge personalities.

I learned so much from this book - from all the vocabulary, to how low-maintenance goats are. I also had no idea that agility goats were a 'thing'... or that goats can learn commands as a dog can. The photos are of a very high quality. I would have liked to see at least some discussion on disbudding, as I've heard and read elsewhere that it can be cruel. Any book about animals should factor in some discussion (or at the very least, an acknowledgement) re: humane questions/controversies, no matter where you land on the spectrum.

My wife and I are finishing a transition from hectic city life to a more relaxed self-sufficient country life. We are going all the way: A home we build ourselves, solar, man made well, chickens, cows, pigs, horses, everything. Yes that included goats, my wifes' favorite animal. I purchased this book because I knew nothing about goats and wanted a mixture of reading and youtube. This book coveres everything you could ever need or want to know about goats. I learned so much that I developed a liking for the animal and have a deeper compassion now that I know how to take care of them. I recommend this book to anyone in the farm life and especially if you are considering raising goats as pets, for milk, or whatever else.

If I wanted web info, I’d go online. I wanted a reference book. Want to know how to milk a goat - go to this website. Want to know how to trim their hooves (must be done monthly so important!) - go to that website. Nearly worthless and would have returned it if I hadn’t already written in it. “The Backyard Homestead: Guide to Raising Farm Animals” covered BOTH those topics and more and it was better organized in a few pages devoted to goats. I highly recommend it instead. Conversely, THIS book is supposed to be for beginners, and, Instead of helping me start, it very nearly turned me off raising goats altogether. Look elsewhere for goat help.

I mailed this book to my daughter in Colorado and she said it was full of excellent info on raising her 3 goats (new additions to the family)