A special journey at the Bidaller Farms as we gear up to welcome some new members to our family farm! After thoughtful consideration, we’ve decided to raise several goats-be it Kiko, Boer, Pygmy, or Alpine. But before they arrive, we needed to ensure they'd have a proper home.
After consulting with knowledgeable local friends, we learned that while tethering goats is temporarily okay, constructing a dedicated pen is essential for their well-being. This includes a shelter to protect them from the elements and a secure area for sleeping. Inspired by our farm’s "piggery," which I've always envisioned transforming from a simple shed to a functional animal house, we set out to make it suitable for our future goats.
With a plan in hand, my partner Jem tackled cleaning the piggery, while our son Moe and I ventured to a local farmer's outlet to pick up supplies. Despite the sticker shock from the cost of materials, we chose to prioritize quality and affordability. Darn this government and their inflation. Taxes are 15% on top of an already inflated price.. but I digress.. Canada is expensive, and I'll leave it at that.
The most significant purchases were the wire fencing and a post-pounding tool-which proved to be an invaluable investment, far safer and more efficient than using a sledgehammer. Together, we installed 13 steel T-posts and stretched out a 100-foot long section of 5-foot high welded wire mesh fencing, securing it firmly with metal hooks and triple brackets at the bottom to deter any predators.
As the pen took shape, I fetched our first bales of straw for the bedding area, with hay to feed the goats until the spring growth provides them with natural forage. This entire project has not only been about building a pen but also about laying the groundwork for a sustainable and eco-friendly way of life here at our beloved farm.
We’re thrilled to start this new chapter of our lives, bringing you along for every step of this exciting adventure. We can't wait to introduce our brush-clearing goats to their new home-and to you! Stay tuned for more updates, and thanks for joining us as we live our dream of rural life and homesteading.
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