bridget piccioni

I'm not sure about breed, for either. So much learning to do before jumping in!

I do think I'd start with goats first as we have a heck of a lot of goaty land and I'd like to get accustomed to keeping animals before having to figure out the shearing piece. Our perimeter fence is next on the list! It's a funny parcel - rectangular: 1/4 mile by 165 feet. I wonder about chopping it into strips. Would 2 lines of cattle panels running the short length perpendicular to the perimeter fence work?

It would sure be helpful to learn from folks in person. Or at least be working with a breed that is already known to be pretty well outfitted to hang in our climate/environment

For predators we definitely have the occasional black bear and big cat roaming through the general area.

New to raising animals of any kind, besides cats and dogs. We have 5 flat acres in Wilamette Valley (wet winter, dry summer) and are probably looking to add sheep and/or goats along with poultry. Goats would be for both meat and dairy.

We have about an acre of grasses, an acre of park-like forest and 3 acres of untended pine and madrone forest with a smattering of oak. Plenty of blackberry and broom.

Where do I start? I was thinking 2-3 of either sheep or goat and adding 2-3 of the other once established. What do I need to know about the rain? I am recently hearing goats aren't so fond...

Favorite off forum references?