Yes.. and a few Angora rabbits, Lamas and Merino sheep as well. Petting Zoo springs to mind. Sell bags of animal feed to keep the cost down. People do come and pay to feed them.
I was going to suggest Alpaca's but they are running at ?4,000.00 minimum so I guess Wenchy and I will just have to get our "Wool" somewhere else.
http://www.allthingsrural.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=22try these instead.
Are they easy to look after???
Pygmy goats are extremely easy to look after and low maintenance. They will live out all year round providing they have an adequate shelter that allows them to escape bad weather. This is essential, as goats hate the rain! They will also require ad-lib hay during the winter when the grass quality is poor. This is best fed in a hayrack to avoid waste. A small amount of feed is usually fed daily.
Good fencing is of the utmost importance as goats are cheeky and, given the chance, will try and escape! Secure posts with stock fencing to about a metre high should be adequate providing there are no items for them to climb on near the fence lines. Logs and benches inside their enclosure will enrich their time spent out there and provide hours of entertainment.
Goats require worming at least 2 times a year with 3 times being preferred. Foot trimming will need doing when required but they will need checking regularly to ensure they don?t become overgrown. They will also need vaccinating but your veterinary surgeon will advise you further.
Should I choose Males or Females???
Both make equally good pets, however if your don?t intend to breed, two wethers (castrated males) are usually the best option.
Are there any legal requirements???
By law you are required to have a holding number and a herd number to keep goats. Even if you only have as little as two, it is still required. This is easily obtainable from your local DEFRA (Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) office where they would be happy to help you. This must be in place before the goats come onto your premises.
Goats are also required to be easily identified by an ear tag or ear tattoo. This should already be in place when the goats are purchased. Any movements of goats to and from a premises should be accompanied by a movement form which are easy and straightforward.
