The concept of moving to the contry after a lifetime spent in urban America is daunting, but part of the fun is dreaming about what types of farm animals I’ll raise. So far I’m certain about the two breeds of dogs … and I know there will be both chickens and Guinea Hens, but I’m still undecided about, “Goat or Sheep?”
But last week I read an article on Dexter Cows. Not those big, intimidating things that “guard” countryside fence lines and stare back at me with unblinking eyes … not them. I’m talking about Little Cows. Not pygmy cows or miniture cows … a real breed of bovine … that’s naturally small. Cool.
I don’t have a family so a “normal” size dairy cow would have me making cheese, ice cream, and butter on a 24/7 hour basis. But Dexters give smaller amounts of milk and every web site I’ve looked at swore they are “gentle.” Have a look:
2 Comments
June 9, 2007 at 3:04 am
Goats worked well for us, they eat less feed than cows. they are also useful for eating scrubs and clearing out areas overgrown with blackberries, etc.. Goat curry is good eating.
My suggestion of the day: There is a trend in Canada for people to move to Manitoba and Saskatchewan – very, very inexpensive farms in those areas.
February 15, 2008 at 12:32 am
I’ve actually had everything you’ve mentioned there. Looking at the date, I’m not sure if you’re interested, but I’ll tell you a little of what I know.
I loved my Dexters, we had small herd of three mothers and their calves. They are very gentle, very smart, beautiful, and intelligent. I milked one of our cows for a year, and she gave us about a gallon a day- enough to share with the neighbors.
As for goats vs. sheep, the main difference for me is the wool. If you have black berries, the sheep can get stuck, and don’t forget you’ll have to shear them every year. Both give similar amounts of milk, but the sheep tended to have smaller teats, making it more difficult to milk them (by hand, at least.)
And guineas are loud! But lots of fun, too.