As a chicken owner, I’ve been asked many times if it’s a good idea to keep goats in the same run as chickens. At first, I was hesitant about the idea, but after doing some research and talking to other chicken and goat owners, I realized that it can actually be a great setup. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and insights about keeping goats and chickens together.
Can Goats and Chickens Live Together?
The short answer is yes, goats and chickens can live together. However, there are some things to consider before bringing goats into your chicken run.
First of all, goats are known for their curious and mischievous nature. They love to climb and jump, which can make them a potential danger to your chickens. If you’re going to keep goats with your chickens, you’ll need to make sure that the goats can’t jump or climb over the fencing.
You’ll also need to make sure that your chicken coop is secure. Goats can be surprisingly strong and persistent, and they might try to break into the coop to get to the food and water.
Benefits of Keeping Goats and Chickens Together
While there are some challenges to keeping goats and chickens together, there are also some benefits. Here are some of the advantages of having goats in your chicken run:
- Natural weed control: Goats are natural grazers and will happily eat weeds, shrubs, and other plants that chickens won’t touch. This can help keep your chicken run clean and tidy.
- Fertilizer: Goats produce a lot of manure, which is an excellent fertilizer for your garden or crops. By keeping goats in your chicken run, you can create a natural composting system that will benefit both your garden and your chickens.
- Entertainment: Goats are funny and entertaining animals to watch. They’ll keep your chickens entertained and provide them with some social interaction.
- Milk: If you have a dairy goat, you can use the milk to make cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. This can be a great way to supplement your chicken’s diet and add some variety to your own meals.
Tips for Keeping Goats and Chickens Together
If you’ve decided to keep goats and chickens together, here are some tips to make sure it’s a successful setup:
- Make sure the fencing is secure: As mentioned earlier, goats are excellent climbers and jumpers. Make sure the fencing around your chicken run is at least 5-6 feet tall and that there are no gaps or holes that goats can squeeze through.
- Provide plenty of space: Goats and chickens both need plenty of space to move around and exercise. Make sure your chicken run is large enough to accommodate both animals comfortably.
- Feed separately: Goats and chickens have different dietary needs, so it’s important to feed them separately. Goats need hay, grains, and other roughage, while chickens need a balanced diet that includes protein and calcium.
- Provide separate sleeping areas: Goats and chickens also need separate sleeping areas. Chickens prefer to roost at night, while goats prefer to sleep on the ground. Make sure you provide separate sleeping areas for each animal.
- Keep the coop clean: Goats can be messy animals, so it’s important to keep the coop clean and tidy. Regularly clean out the manure and bedding, and make sure the food and water dishes are always clean.
Examples of Successful Chicken and Goat Setups
To give you an idea of what a successful chicken and goat setup looks like, here are a few examples:
- The Gossamer Farm: The Gossamer Farm in Pennsylvania keeps goats and chickens together in a large, open area. The fencing is tall and secure, and there are plenty of trees and shrubs for the goats to climb and graze on. The chickens and goats get along well, and the farm has reported no issues with predators.
- Greenfire Farms: Greenfire Farms in Florida keeps a herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats in the same area as their chickens. The goats and chickens share the same coop and run, and the goats provide natural weed control for the farm. The coop is built to accommodate both animals, with separate sleeping and feeding areas.
- Savvy Homesteader: The Savvy Homesteader in Washington keeps a small herd of Nubian goats with their chickens. The goats and chickens share the same coop and run, and the goats provide natural fertilizer for the garden. The coop is built to accommodate both animals, with separate sleeping and feeding areas.
Conclusion
Keeping goats and chickens together can be a great setup for homesteaders and small farmers. While there are some challenges to consider, such as keeping the fencing secure and providing separate sleeping and feeding areas, the benefits can be well worth it. With natural weed control, fertilizer, entertainment, and even milk, goats can make a great addition to your chicken run. By following the tips and examples mentioned in this article, you can create a successful and happy home for both goats and chickens.
