i can do it and i will!

[WhitewaterWoman]

I'm just saying I'm aware of issues with goats the OP may not be. In any case, it's not a bad idea to try something on a smaller scale before making a major investment. I rented a paddle board a few times before buying a high-end one of my own after learning I enjoyed it (despite a massive fear of water).

Not a bad idea, but NOT NECESSARY. I find purchasing a high end instrument to be incentive to work through the tough stuff because of the money already spent.

I thought I would like owning chickens because I like fresh eggs. I discovered I don't like being pecked on my hands or ankles or the smell of the #$&% beasts. They are EVIL. So glad I didn't spend $5,000 beforehand getting setup to own chickens.

Many people like chickens. There are people who have chickens for pets, even have them in their houses. If someone purchases chickens and sets up the whole shebang (I've raised chickens too), that person has more invested in making it work out somehow and not just dropping the project because of one bad experience.

Your experiences are valid. Others may have different experiences.

If I didn't know better, I would think you were someone who never took any risks. You take risks; the ones you want to take. The OP may want to take different risks, which might include not reading up on something ahead of time.

 

[WhitewaterWoman]

Your idea sounds nice, but you don’t sound ready. Of course, it can be frustrating to have a lot of people telling you not to do something you want to do. But, solve the problems before you, save some more money, and do this the right way so that you and any animals you keep can be healthy and content.

Impulsivity could crush this idea.

So could too much caution.

One of the rights we have as adult individuals, including those with disabilities, is the right to make mistakes.

 

[WhitewaterWoman]

My SO at the time wanted to get a few mini-goats. Neither of us had had any caprines prior to this idea. I did some reading on the subject- discovered that they can eat/girdle and kill trees.

You can protect trees with barriers. Not saying you should do that, just saying there are ways to work around that.

Ouch- there are 40+ large trees here so that would be a big problem! Also the intact males seem to have a bit of an odor, and like to head-butt with force!

The intact males stink to high heaven, can bust down strong fences and will butt hard enough to hurt. I did board an intact male for some six months. Not something I would want to do again. But it is something I lived through.

The young ones sure are cute though, playing on mini-hills and such- kind of like puppies!

Kids, baby goats, are some of the cutest animals around. They can jump straight up from standing still. They chase each other around and bounce and they are a joy to watch.

Herbivore dogs? But the OP may know all of this.
Turns out the horses we had here were pretty good termite substitutes- gnawing on boards and trees.....!

The land and shelter is another can of worms. I don't know the OP's situation- does the person live in the city, or in an inexpensive rural area?

Meanwhile the OP hasn't responded to any replies. Might have posted this in a fit and left, or is watching the replies? If the poster left the discussion we're, we're replying to one another?

You are correct. We don't know what the OP can do or what his resources are. That he has $10,000 is quite an achievement. I don't think I had that much when I started my farm. And unless its a very bad real estate deal, that money isn't lost. He will get it back if he decides to quit.

I'm having trouble with this thread because people seem to be intent on telling him he is too immature or doesn't know enough when 1) we don't know enough to make that judgment and 2) we are in no position to make such a judgement.

 

[WhitewaterWoman]

Videos of baby goats jumping and playing are plentiful. This is just one of many examples.

 

[velociraptor]

Many people like chickens.

I love chickens. I had one with curry and pineapple for supper.

And unless its a very bad real estate deal

That's my concern. I sense impulsivity.

 

[Shevek]

You are correct. We don't know what the OP can do or what his resources are. That he has $10,000 is quite an achievement. I don't think I had that much when I started my farm. And unless its a very bad real estate deal, that money isn't lost. He will get it back if he decides to quit.

Money does not go nearly as far as it used to. The homeless population has exploded.

 

[Rodafina]

So could too much caution.

One of the rights we have as adult individuals, including those with disabilities, is the right to make mistakes.

I agree with you - we all have the right to make mistakes. I also think that discerning when to go for it and when to exercise caution is very important because some mistakes are more detrimental than others.

When it comes to spending over 80% of your savings and the well-being of an animal, I think a more cautious approach is in order.

The overall goal sounds great, but it may be better to take small steps toward the goal and strive for it patiently. Perhaps OP's motivation can be a slow and steady burn that gets him to that goal.

EDIT: PS @WhitewaterWoman, My opinion is different than yours here, but your perspective is valuable and useful and I'm glad OP gets to hear it. In elaborating on my thoughts above, I am not trying to invalidate your sentiments, just explain how I arrived at my own. Your points about taking chances in life are very important and I do respect what you are saying.

 

[velociraptor]

One of the rights we have as adult individuals, including those with disabilities, is the right to make mistakes.

Mistakes are important, no mistakes means no growth. I've made lots. As you pointed out I take risks, yes, but I'm also cautious about the risks. The older I get the more aware I am of how much less time and abilty health-wise I have to bounce back from them. Doesn't mean I don't still do some crazy things.

You should have seen the look on my wife's face when she found out I tested my drysuit in the Bow River in January at -20C air temp by floating anchored in the water next to shore for 30 minutes. My daughter was there in case I hit the rhubarb and we had a small tent with dry towels and blankets and a Buddy heater running inside for after I was out of the water. The dry suit held up well and I was feeling confident in the ice paddles I did last week (Two Jack Lake is partially frozen now - fun!).

I'm a big fan of a smaller test under controlled circumstances before going all in.