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The Beginner's Guide to Raising Goats: How to Keep a Happy Herd
From Angoras to Nigerian Dwarfs, this beginner’s guide to raising goats will break down the dos and don’ts to starting your herd. Learn how to pick the right kind of goat for your homestead’s needs, build fences and shelters, feed and breed them, and more. There’s even a recipe section in the back that shows you how to use their fresh meat and milk to make tasty home-cooked meals like Goat Chili and Goat Mac N’ Cheese.
154 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 17, 2020
Callisto Media/Rockridge Press was kind enough to send me a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
From Angoras to Nigerian Dwarfs, this beginner’s guide to raising goats will break down the dos and don’ts to starting your herd. Learn how to pick the right kind of goat for your homestead’s needs, build fences and shelters, feed and breed them, and more. There’s even a recipe section in the back that shows you how to use their fresh meat and milk to make tasty home-cooked meals like Goat Chili and Goat Mac N’ Cheese.
I love goats – they are so sweet and friendly but I also love goat cheese and my sister’s Kenyan Curried Goat so I love what I eat, literally. (Oh, next time I go to the animal farm in Canatara Park I am going to feel doubly guilty!) The book was a fascinating read as I loved reading about the different goats and learning about what is involved in taking care of them. The recipes were a bonus as cow’s milk makes me gassy, but goat milk does not – if only it could be as inexpensive as cow milk is so I could drink even more coffee…lol.
From Angoras to Nigerian Dwarfs, this beginner’s guide to raising goats will break down the dos and don’ts to starting your herd. Learn how to pick the right kind of goat for your homestead’s needs, build fences and shelters, feed and breed them, and more. There’s even a recipe section in the back that shows you how to use their fresh meat and milk to make tasty home-cooked meals like Goat Chili and Goat Mac N’ Cheese.
I love goats – they are so sweet and friendly but I also love goat cheese and my sister’s Kenyan Curried Goat so I love what I eat, literally. (Oh, next time I go to the animal farm in Canatara Park I am going to feel doubly guilty!) The book was a fascinating read as I loved reading about the different goats and learning about what is involved in taking care of them. The recipes were a bonus as cow’s milk makes me gassy, but goat milk does not – if only it could be as inexpensive as cow milk is so I could drink even more coffee…lol.
July 18, 2020
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book is a very good resource for anyone thinking about owning goats. There are many benefits of raising goats but as with any livestock they need a herd, meaning a minimum of two goats or more. There is a lot of information in this book about the different types of goats; meat goats, milk goats and fiber goats. The book discusses several breeds of goats and their main use.
I would suggest anyone thinking about having their own homestead read this book to help you decide if goats are the correct animal to help them become more self sufficient.
I would suggest anyone thinking about having their own homestead read this book to help you decide if goats are the correct animal to help them become more self sufficient.
July 11, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Beginner’s Guide to Raising Goats is a tutorial and instruction guide to goat-keeping by Amber Bradshaw. Due out 14th July 2020 from Callisto on their Rockridge Press imprint, it's 180 pages (for the print copy) and available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook is available now). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
The author has an inviting and engaging style of writing and does a great job of sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for goats and quality goat husbandry. The introductory chapters cover the positive benefits of goatkeeping and some of what's entailed in adding goats to the reader's life, choosing goats (to prevent potential problems later), and preparing a home which will suit them (and you). The following chapters cover subjects more deeply: structures, cleanliness, training, routine care and maintenance, health & breeding, producing milk, meat (and processing), goats for fiber, and food recipes for meat & dairy.
Recipe ingredients are listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are in American standard only. Tips and alternatives for the recipes are contained in highlighted text boxes. The book includes a short author bio, but lacks any index, metric conversions, or a general ingredients list. The bibliography and resource lists will provide lots of possibilities for further learning and reading.
This is a useful and well written book. It's graphically appealing and typeset in a clear, easy to read font, but the photography is not abundant. This would not be my *first* choice for a goatkeeping book to learn from, but it would make an excellent choice to add to the homesteader's (or those interested in living a more self-sustaining lifestyle) libraries.
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Beginner’s Guide to Raising Goats is a tutorial and instruction guide to goat-keeping by Amber Bradshaw. Due out 14th July 2020 from Callisto on their Rockridge Press imprint, it's 180 pages (for the print copy) and available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook is available now). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
The author has an inviting and engaging style of writing and does a great job of sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for goats and quality goat husbandry. The introductory chapters cover the positive benefits of goatkeeping and some of what's entailed in adding goats to the reader's life, choosing goats (to prevent potential problems later), and preparing a home which will suit them (and you). The following chapters cover subjects more deeply: structures, cleanliness, training, routine care and maintenance, health & breeding, producing milk, meat (and processing), goats for fiber, and food recipes for meat & dairy.
Recipe ingredients are listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are in American standard only. Tips and alternatives for the recipes are contained in highlighted text boxes. The book includes a short author bio, but lacks any index, metric conversions, or a general ingredients list. The bibliography and resource lists will provide lots of possibilities for further learning and reading.
This is a useful and well written book. It's graphically appealing and typeset in a clear, easy to read font, but the photography is not abundant. This would not be my *first* choice for a goatkeeping book to learn from, but it would make an excellent choice to add to the homesteader's (or those interested in living a more self-sustaining lifestyle) libraries.
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 12, 2020
An interesting look at raising goat’s with the thought and care that comes with having this type of livestock. From picking out a breed, feed, care, housing, breeding, and many more. Pretty much all the basic for a beginner.
What did I like? Not only does the author give you the basics but also gives you the cost of keeping a goat healthy and what it takes to feed a goat. I’m sure many people get goats only to later realize what the cost associated with livestock truly entails. Not to mention the work keeping the goat healthy, and well fed. This is a truly remarkable beginner guide, and I enjoyed it.
Would I recommend or buy? If I was looking to buy a couple of goats, this would be a great guide to have. It give you plenty of specifics and a ton of information. I’m not in the market yet for buying goats but looking at this guide I can tell I will have to put a lot more thought into the process. I think anyone looking to add goats to there livestock then this is a great start.
I received a complimentary copy to read. Five stars! A wealth of information!
What did I like? Not only does the author give you the basics but also gives you the cost of keeping a goat healthy and what it takes to feed a goat. I’m sure many people get goats only to later realize what the cost associated with livestock truly entails. Not to mention the work keeping the goat healthy, and well fed. This is a truly remarkable beginner guide, and I enjoyed it.
Would I recommend or buy? If I was looking to buy a couple of goats, this would be a great guide to have. It give you plenty of specifics and a ton of information. I’m not in the market yet for buying goats but looking at this guide I can tell I will have to put a lot more thought into the process. I think anyone looking to add goats to there livestock then this is a great start.
I received a complimentary copy to read. Five stars! A wealth of information!
August 23, 2020
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of The Beginner's Guide to Raising Goats: How to Keep a Happy Herd by Amber Bradshaw from Callisto Media via NetGalley in exchange for possibly writing a review.
My sister expressed an interest in goats, so when I saw this book, I thought I would read it and give her an idea of what she would be in for if she one day acquired some. I would never recommend a person take on caretaking any animals after reading just one book. However, if you are thinking about taking on goats, this book will give you a very good idea of what to expect. I liked that this book is not super technical. It truly is for beginners. She provides lots of practical information, including an idea of how much things cost and step-by-step instructions on how to do things like build a goat manger. It is a tremendous resource for a new goat parent.
Bonus points for the cute goat photos.
My sister expressed an interest in goats, so when I saw this book, I thought I would read it and give her an idea of what she would be in for if she one day acquired some. I would never recommend a person take on caretaking any animals after reading just one book. However, if you are thinking about taking on goats, this book will give you a very good idea of what to expect. I liked that this book is not super technical. It truly is for beginners. She provides lots of practical information, including an idea of how much things cost and step-by-step instructions on how to do things like build a goat manger. It is a tremendous resource for a new goat parent.
Bonus points for the cute goat photos.
November 15, 2020
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'll admit, I know very little about goats in general, but I've been interested for a while in learning more about their care and benefits in a homestead setting. I can confidently say after having read The Beginner's Guide To Raising Goats by Amber Bradshaw, that if you too are new to goats and would like to learn more about keeping them, this is an excellent place to start.
There is so much useful information held within these pages - from different breeds, general health, how to identify illnesses, vet visits, routine care, training, building plans, to recipes! This book is an incredible reference to keep on hand for any new goat owner, or as research for those looking to get into goats for whatever reason. I would definitely recommend it.
I'll admit, I know very little about goats in general, but I've been interested for a while in learning more about their care and benefits in a homestead setting. I can confidently say after having read The Beginner's Guide To Raising Goats by Amber Bradshaw, that if you too are new to goats and would like to learn more about keeping them, this is an excellent place to start.
There is so much useful information held within these pages - from different breeds, general health, how to identify illnesses, vet visits, routine care, training, building plans, to recipes! This book is an incredible reference to keep on hand for any new goat owner, or as research for those looking to get into goats for whatever reason. I would definitely recommend it.
July 21, 2021
It was weird to have goat recipes at the end. I don’t even have my goats yet but I’m already bonded to them in a way that a recipe seems wildly unnecessary. No judgement, despite how judgy it sounds. There were other parts that were very straightforward and helpful. I just need to be more mindful with my farm animal resource materials going forward.
April 10, 2022
Good resource for goat newbies like myself. Very focused on the commercial element: raising goats for milk, meat, and fiber. I’m more interested in having them for wildfire mitigation, and wish there had been more info on that.
August 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this books. I loved that it was able to provide a lot of info about how to monetize your herd. That was really helpful. It’s a light read. Sometimes I wished they had a couple longer stories (more than just a couple sentences a few times).
June 29, 2024
We are thinking of getting goats in the near future, and this was a great introduction to goat care. I originally read this on Kindle unlimited, but I will probably be getting a physical copy to keep as a reference guide
September 10, 2020
This was a good overview, touching on all the important topics without going in-depth
February 18, 2021
Wow, I feel completely ready!
This seems complete. I know there is the actual on the job training but this book with be my go to.
This seems complete. I know there is the actual on the job training but this book with be my go to.
April 2, 2022
Informative
Very well thought out and put together. I enjoyed reading this. Especially the poisonous plants. Thankfully, i only have 1 on my property.
Very well thought out and put together. I enjoyed reading this. Especially the poisonous plants. Thankfully, i only have 1 on my property.
July 3, 2022
Beginner
If you are just starting with goats this book has a lot of easy to understand information great book thanks
If you are just starting with goats this book has a lot of easy to understand information great book thanks
January 24, 2023
Great information
This book was super helpful for what we need to have prepared for pur new baby goats!!! Lots of great information and recipes
This book was super helpful for what we need to have prepared for pur new baby goats!!! Lots of great information and recipes
May 24, 2026
Great resource for starting a small herd.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews