Maybe I'll ask the moderator to move the beekeeping thread into here because they're weirdly considered livestock. Anyway, this thread is an effort to centralize all the previous threads that have popped up on raising and keeping livestock over the years (chickens, rabbits?, bees, ducks?, etc.) Share your pictures, your stories, your building designs, your ideas, your questions.

Right now I have an urban setup with a newly swarmed beehive put in last night, and a chicken coop with 10 hens of various heritage breeds that free-range. I'm installing another hive next week.

I have the opportunity to keep goats outside Durham city limits on a friend's property for milk and cheese. We're considering getting a few Nubians. Anyone have any goat experience they'd like to share?

4/2/2013 5:30:13 PM

haha, It's odd I clicked this thread and replied first.

I double majored in poultry and animal science at State.

In addition, I was on the livestock, poultry and horse judging teams at State.

Since you brought up goats...I travel all over the country judging goat shows and speaking at genetics, selection, evaluation, meat and diary seminars.

The first thing I'll ask is what purpose do you want your goats to serve? meat? diary? pets? novelty?

4/2/2013 5:36:21 PM

^The goats are for primarily milk and cheese. I don't really eat meat anyway, so I didn't really consider goat meat. I've never really liked it even when I've tried it.

4/2/2013 6:20:35 PM

^^I'd like to hear more about your goat diary



In all seriousness, I don't have much to contribute to this thread at this point - but I'll definitely lurk on what you have to say.

[Edited on April 2, 2013 at 6:21 PM. Reason : carrots for the goat]

4/2/2013 6:21:27 PM

Go dairy then...nubians are fine.

Im a fan of Kiko's as well.

4/3/2013 11:51:13 PM