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When it comes to raising goat kids, there are basically three parenting styles:

• Dam raising – Let mama do her thing while you cheer her on from the sidelines.

• Bottle raising – You become “goat parent of the year,” complete with sleepless nights, spilled milk, and kids that think you’re their personal Uber Eats.

• Hybrid raising – Tag-team parenting: a little bit mama, a little bit you. Basically co-parenting… goat edition.

So which way is better? Let’s take a little look.

🐐 Dam Raising (a.k.a. “Go Ask Your Mother”)
Mama goat handles parenting while you play the supportive role—like a coach clapping on the sidelines with snacks.
Pros:

• Low-maintenance for you – No middle-of-the-night feedings. The doe’s got this covered.

• Built-in immunity – Kids get colostrum and antibodies straight from mom. Think of it as goat multivitamins… with superpowers.

• Social skills 101 – Kids learn how to be goats from other goats. Headbutting, hay stealing, standing on things they shouldn’t—you name it.

• All-you-can-eat milk buffet – No bottles, no schedules, just unlimited milk on tap.

Cons:

• Not-so-cuddly kids – These babies bond with Mama, and while they can be friendly, it can take a lot of time. You’ll be the “background character” in their life story.

* Weaning = goat soap opera – loud crying, headbutting, dramatic standoffs. Basically, a goat telenovela.

• Disease roulette – Mama and herd members can pass on germs. Welcome to “Goat Kindergarten: Germ Sharing Edition.” ( now honestly I don’t know really if this is a con it can go bad but heard immunity can be a great thing and of course everyone has their own opinion about this some do vaccinations while other like myself do more of a Holistic way. My advice is to do lots and lots of research and find what you want to do )

• Udder favoritism – Some kids only nurse on one side. Translation: uneven udders and one very cranky mama. If this happens, you will need to milk out the side that the kid is not nursing on.

🍼 Bottle Raising (a.k.a. “Full-Time Goat Nanny”)

You’re officially goat mom (or dad). Congratulations—you now run a 24/7 goat daycare. Snacks included.

Pros:
• Instant besties – Bottle babies will adore you. Forget dogs—these goats will climb in your lap, follow you everywhere, and cry if you shut the bathroom door.

• Udder TLC – The doe’s udder stays balanced and healthy because you’re managing all the feedings.

• Better disease control – You’re the milk manager, so you can dodge certain health risks.

• Early weaning options – Want to sell kids earlier? Bottle babies make that easier.

Cons:

• You’re now the cafeteria worker – Feedings are on a strict schedule. Kiss your free mornings goodbye.

• Expensive babies –  While  now you will be going through more milk, you will have to choose if you are going with milk replacer  or whole milk a.k.a red cap (depending on where you live for the color of the cap).  You’ll swear the kids are drinking more than you budgeted for. (Spoiler: they are.)

• Goat identity crisis – Bottle babies sometimes grow up thinking they’re human. Cute… until one tries to join you on the couch. ( Is that really a con? 🤔 )

• Stage-five clingers – Forget personal space. You now have goat shadows, and yes—they will scream if you leave them for five minutes.

🐐🍼 Hybrid Raising (a.k.a. “Tag-Team Parenting”)

Mama does most of the work, but you step in with bottles when needed. Think of it like joint custody.

Pros:

• Best of both worlds – Kids still learn goat manners from mom and  bond with you. They get herd training from mama and extra snacks from you—basically, jackpot kids.

• Backup plan – If mama’s low on milk or juggling triplets, you roll in like the substitute teacher who actually brings candy.

• Less work than full bottle feeding – You’re not chained to a strict schedule; just filling in the gaps.

Cons:

• Still some work – You can’t fully escape. Monitoring nursing, balancing bottles, and explaining why the goat kids eat better than your family is all part of the fun.

• Goat confusion – Kids may look at you and think, “Wait… are you the snack bar or the babysitter?”

• Attachment shuffle – The kids get clingy with mom and you, so now you both get tackled at feeding time like a goat mosh pit.

🏆 The Final Verdict!   So… who wins the goat-parenting trophy?

• What ever way works best for you! For me, I love the hybrid way.   While I don’t love washing bottles, I do enjoy seeing those little milk faces. Having them run towards you is the cutes thing. Receiving the little kid cuddles just warms my heart.
• Being able to help the doe out as every mother knows that little break is what keeps us sane!

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When people hear my goat’s name, they usually pause and ask, “Wait… Misery?” I can’t help but laugh because despite the gloomy name, Misery is one of the brightest, most joyful parts of my homestead.

How Misery Got Her Name

Her name was actually inspired by a line from the Green Goblin in the Spider-Man movie.  At one point, he says:
“Misery, misery, misery – that’s what you’ve chosen. I offered you friendship, and you spat in my face.”

The line stuck with me because it was so bold and unforgettable, and when my little goat came into my life with her loving personality, I knew instantly what her name had to be. Misery just fit.

Of course,  She is a sweetheart She’s not loud, but when she wants attention, she lets you know it. Misery was one of our bottle babies.  She loves to follow me around.

Personality Plus

Misery is not the queen of the barnyard, but she is young. There is still time for that.   She loves climbing on everything—hay bales, rocks,  sometimes even my back if I sit still too long.

She’s also incredibly affectionate in her own goat-like way. Misery doesn’t just come over for pets; she makes her way to me and if she can she will try and sit on my lap but most of the time she will lay down right next to me and start chewing her cud.  Just like most bottle babies, they want to be with you.

Life With Misery

Owning goats is always an adventure, but Misery adds a little extra spice to every day. She keeps me laughing with her antics—like jumping in the hay feeder and laying down when she knows I am about to fill it.
Kids who visit the homestead adore her, and she loves to nibble on shoelaces or pose for pictures like a true diva.

Why She’s My Favorite

Out of all my goats, Misery has carved out a special spot in my heart. She’s independent, hilarious, and beautiful. I love watching her hop around. Every homestead needs that one animal who becomes more than livestock—they become family. For me, that’s Misery.
So, while her name might raise eyebrows (and make Spider-Man fans smile), the truth is: my life would be a lot more miserable without her.

Here are a few photos of Misery.

Breed : Nigerian Dwarf doeling

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Small Ears, Big Personality, if you’ve ever spotted a goat with almost no ears, chances are you’ve met a LaMancha goat. 

Don’t let their tiny ears fool you—what they lack in ear length. They more than make up for in charm, milk, and personality!         

 Where Did These Earless Cuties Come From? LaManchas might look like they belong in a cartoon, but they’re a real American breed.       

 Officially recognized in the 1950s, their roots trace back to goats from Spain. Today, they’re one of the most popular dairy goats in the U.S.

Those famous “earless” ears?   They are often called  Gopher ears or Elf ears, but they are  teeny nubs, less than an inch long.  No matter what they are called, they hear perfectly fine. They just look like they’re  always ready for a close-up.

                            

Milk That’s Oh-So-Creamy LaMancha milk is rich, smooth, and high in butterfat. perfect for cheese, yogurt, or even homemade soap.     

Personalities can be as sweet as their milk. They can be friendly, curious, and downright lovable, LaManchas are known to follow their humans around like puppies, but just remember that they are also just like us they do all have different personalities, I have two that don’t follow me around just keep working with them.                 

Built for Any Homestead These goats are hardy and adapt well to different climates. Whether you’re on a small hobby farm or a bigger homestead, they fit right in.  

                           

Caring for Your LaManchas.  

* Shelter: Dry, draft-free housing keeps them happy.  

 • Food: Good hay, clean water, and grain! I use grain as an occasional treat or on the milking stand while milking or doing hooves.

  • Routine Care: Regular hoof trims, parasite checks, and if you do vaccinations for your herd.       

 * Don’t forget the Ears! Those adorable little ears need just a bit of extra  TLC.

In summer: Watch for sunburn is what I’ve been told but have never had this issue. If you choose to use a sunblock on them, do your research to find a safe one for goats. When using the sunblock, I would put a little on a q- tip and dab it on.      

Cleaning the ears : Take a cotton ball or a q – tip, dip it in warm water, you dont want it dripping wet, just moist. Then, gently wipe the outside of the ear, and you will not be going into the ear canal. Keep an eye out for scratches or cuts since the ears don’t have much.

Play time! Make sure to have toys for them to jump and play on and remember a goat needs a friend. One goat will be a depressed goat.

The Bottom Line LaMancha goats may have the smallest ears in the barnyard, but they’ve got some of the biggest personalities you’ll ever meet. Between their sweet nature, creamy milk, and unique looks, it’s no wonder they’ve become a homesteader favorite. So if you’re looking for a goat that will give you both milk and laughter, the LaMancha just might be your perfect match.

Here is a photo of our beautiful Ophelia. She was born in May.  So she still has a lot of growing to do.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of adding goats to your homestead, chances are you’ve come across the beautiful and beloved Nubian goat.

With their long, floppy ears, roman noses, and friendly personalities, Nubians are not just practical homestead animals—they’re downright charming companions.

A Little History Nubian goats originally came from Africa and the Middle East. They were later crossbred in England with British dairy goats, which is why they’re often called Anglo-Nubians. This mix created a hardy breed known for adapting well to hot climates while still being productive in cooler regions.

What Makes Nubians Special?  • Milk Production: Nubians are dairy goats, and their milk is prized for its high butterfat content (usually 4–5%). That means their milk is creamier than many other breeds, perfect for making cheese, yogurt, and even homemade soaps.

• Personality: I love my Nubians. Yes, they can be affectionate and friendly, but just like people, they all have different personalities. 

I know many like to only dam raise, I like to hybrid meaning that once a day I offer a bottle to them so that way they become even more friendlier and learn to trust me sooner.

• Appearance: Their long, pendulous ears and roman noses make them stand out. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid shades to spotted coats.

• Size: Nubians are considered a large breed of goat. Mature does weigh around 135–175 pounds, while bucks can tip the scales at 175–250 pounds.

• Milk Quality – If you love rich milk for cheese-making, Nubians are ideal.

Friendly Temperament – They tend to bond closely with their humans, making chores more enjoyable.

• Heat Tolerance Their heritage makes them well-suited for warmer climates.

• Versatility – Some homesteaders even raise them for meat, though most keep them for dairy.

Things to Keep in Mind Nubians can be a bit loud, which is something to consider if you have close neighbors.

• Because they’re larger goats, they may need sturdier fencing.

• They’re social animals, so they’ll be happiest when kept with other goats. ( Remember, one goat is a sad goat )

Final Thoughts Nubian goats are a wonderful addition to many homesteads. They offer rich, creamy milk, sweet personalities, and endless entertainment with their playful nature.

Whether you’re looking to expand your dairy production or just want a friendly goat to brighten your days, Nubians are a breed worth considering.

Here is a photo of our sweet girl Ozzy.

✨Nigerian Dwarf goats are one of the most popular goat breeds for homesteads and small farms – and it’s easy to see why!                                         

They are adorable, fun-sized, and full of personality. Plus, their milk is creamy, sweet, and higher in butterfat than most other dairy goats. But before you bring these little charmers home, let’s talk about how to care for them properly.          

🏡 Housing & Shelter Even though Nigerian Dwarfs are small, they still need a safe and comfortable place to live.                                                                    • Shelter: Provide a dry, draft-free space with good ventilation. A three-sided goat shed works well in mild climates, but in colder areas, a fully enclosed barn or goat house is best. 

• Space: Plan for at least 20 sq. ft. of indoor space per goat, plus plenty of outdoor room to roam.           

• Bedding: Straw or pine shavings make cozy bedding. Just remember to keep it clean and dry.          

 🚧 Fencing If you’ve heard goats are escape artists… it’s true. Nigerian Dwarfs may be small, but they’re clever!             

• Use strong fencing (woven wire or cattle panels work, but make sure they can’t get through the cattle panels. I have put up extra fencing wire on mine because I have one doe that can fit through)

Make sure it’s at least 4 feet tall, they say. If you can make that work, then awesome, but I have started going with 6 ft. • Check often for weak spots they will find it!         

 🥕 Feeding Nigerian Dwarfs thrive on a good diet.                   • Hay: A constant supply of good-quality hay should be the main part of their diet. ( I used to feed a mix of grass hay. Now I only do alfalfa hay )

• Grain: Only give in moderation. We only give it to the does that are in milk. Otherwise, they get it every 4 weeks when hooves are being done.                       

                                                         • Minerals: Keep a goat mineral block or loose minerals available at all times. (most prefer loose minerals)               

• Water: Fresh, clean water!  No matter what you use for keeping their water in. It is going to get dirty. Give those buckets or troughs a good scrubbing every now and then.

🩺 Health & Grooming Taking care of their health is key to happy, long-living goats.                                                           • Hoof trimming: Every 4–6 weeks, keep their hooves from overgrowing.                                          

• Vaccinations / deworming       Do your research if you decide this way for your livestock.  Remember if using a vet check and make sure they know about goats.

For my herd, I use holistic care. Please do your research on both ways to find out which way is best for you. 

I recommend the book    Holistic Goat Care: A Comprehensive Guide…
By Gianaclis Caldwell

 • Grooming: Their short coats don’t need much, but a quick brush helps keep them clean.  we do a brushing when they are getting milked or hooves done.

  Enrichment & Personality are playful, curious, and social.                                               • Goats are herd animals. No matter what breed you have, you need more than one! (one goat is a lonely goat!)

• Provide climbing structures like stumps, rocks, or wooden platforms. They will give you lots of laughs as you watch them play.     

• Spend time with them-they can be very affectionate, but just like humans, they have their own personalities too.     Yes! They can even learn tricks, but remember that takes time and patience and snacks!(treats)  

 Why They’re Worth It Caring for Nigerian Dwarfs takes some effort, but the reward is huge. They’ll give you milk, laughter, and endless entertainment with their silliness. 

Plus, their gentle, family-friendly nature makes them a favorite for both kids and adults. If you’re looking for a goat that’s easy to manage, full of love, and perfect for small homesteads, the Nigerian Dwarf might just be the goat of your dreams.                                 

Here is a photo of Frank. The top photo is him at year and 5 months old. The bottom photo is him at 4 weeks old.       

                                                                                                                                 

We have a few new doelings on our homestead. 

We got Eleanor first. She is a nubian. 

Eleanor is 10 weeks old. A little shy, she was not a bottle baby. She is getting better about not running away when we enter the pen. She is a beautiful doeling.  I am looking forward to breeding her with Frank.

Our next new little doeling is Lucy!

Lucy is a mini nubian, 9 weeks old. She reminds me of a deer. She is very sweet and loves to be held. She is a bottle baby.

Our next little doeling is  Persephone!

  Persephone is 3 weeks old, she is a  mini LaMancha! She is very sweet. She is a bottle baby. I was worried because the other person who had her was having trouble getting her to take a bottle, but she has  been taking it very well for myself.

I am thinking about breeding her with Frank as well.

Adding the nubians and the lamancha will help with my milking production. 

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