Goats as Firefighters
In recent years, goats have enjoyed increased popularity as brush-eaters, both as a large scale commercial enterprise and on the private properties of homeowners.
We are frequently asked if we "rent out" our goats as brush eaters. We do not.
Commercial Grazing
At first glance, it seems that using goats to reduce the fire load on various properties is a great idea. Goats do not consume gasoline, do not give off carbon pollutants, and can easily cover terrain that people and mechanized equipment would find difficult. On the other hand, at Goat Rescue our concern is for the goats and, looking at it from their point of view we see a different picture.
- They are trucked in, often from long distances, to unfamiliar settings.
- Their diet is subject to rapid change, and they are sometimes exposed to poisonous foods, both of which may cause illness and death.
- Although they are watched over, this still does not prevent them from the risk of injury or death from predators and people.
- They are a part of the meat industry. Grazing services are often timed so that pregnant does will kid while grazing. This is stressful to the does and the kids. Young kids are later sold at auction.
- Thousands of goats are exploited in this way.
Homeowner's Pets
On the other hand, pet goat owners can enjoy a great mutually-beneficial service from their goats.
In the photos below, you can see what our small herd of about eight goats accomplished on a neighboring hillside in just a few months.
Before Grazing After Grazing
I put up the fencing with a minimum of T-posts and no nails or staples by using bailing twine to tie the fencing to the trees.
Goats have a fondness for the bark of certain trees, and will girdle the tree and kill it if you don't protect it. After the goats have been browsing for a short time, it is a good idea to look at the trees, and if the goats are beginning to nibble on any that you don't want to lose, wrap the trunks with wire. I have found that a few times around with chicken wire works well.
As brush eaters, goats are relentless. What they don't eat, they will simply trample down. Compared to sheep, as browsers they tend to not tear out the roots of the plants they eat, allowing the grasses to return, thus contributing to erosion control.