Kasey Marshall discusses the proper care and management of dairy goats and egg-laying chickens on a homestead. Dairy goats such as Saanens require correct nutrition, shelter, parasite management, and exercise tailored to their age, sex, and use in order to yield over 1 gallon of milk per day. Chickens need correct nutrition, adequate shelter protected from predators, and steady egg collection. On the homestead, the dairy goats and chickens will forage freely and help clean up unwanted plants and food waste while providing nutrient-rich manure for composting. Both animals are well-suited to be incorporated into the homestead for their milk, egg production, and ecological benefits.

1. Kasey Marshall

2. Dairy Goat
Needs Correct nutrition (forage, grain, and supplements) including warm water – by age, sex
and use
Shelter off of the ground and draft free – 3 side minimum
Worm load management/ parasite management
Correct exercise by age , sex and use
Access to mineral blocks if not in supplement
Proper udder care for optimal performance
Yields Mature doe on 2nd freshening or beyond should yield greater than 1 gallon a day with
proper management
Niche Natural:
Saanen Valeey, Switzerland. Can tolerate any climate but thrive in colder areas similar to
their native homeland. Free range with lots of natural shelter
On the Farm:
Small box stall off of the barn for easy access to shelter. Free roaming of pastures and
paddocks
Behavior Natural:
Forager whom will eat a wide variety of food. Spend half of their day eating and the
other half sleeping or relaxing. Will take flight if chase is given otherwise if startled
should run a few feet away and then turn to investigate. Naturally very curious.
On the Farm:
Consume excess produce yields
Create high quality manure for compost, pasture spreading and soil enrichment
Graze higher level grasses than beef or horses
Consume unwanted plants such as weeds, twigs, bushes , etc…

3. Chickens (egg production only)
Needs Correct nutrition including water
Adequate shelter and nesting area protected from predators
Possible heating during winter for warmth
Steady egg collection to prevent nesting
Yields One chicken should produce around 200 eggs a year
Niche Natural:
Feeding areas include open canopy and shrub brush while roosting is done
on lower branches of forested areas
On the Farm:
Coop with predator safegaurds and easy access egg collection boxes
Equipped with in floor heat(not heat lamps) for warmth but not incubation
Behavior Natural:
Foraging for a wide range of foods is the main activity
On the Farm:
Roaming clean up of unwatnted bits
Consumer of waste produce and eggs shells
Good source of manure to soil enrichment

4.  Both animals have and will be incorporated on the
homestead.
 In the past we have had two Saanen dairy goats. They
gave more than ample milk supply for all our
activities. We used this milk for drinking, cooking,
soap making, gourmet dog treats and as a
supplemental feed for the dogs and plants.
 We have not had chickens yet, but they are an
integrated part of our homestead design. We plan on
producing all of our own eggs. The chickens will also
be used for the vegetable garden clean up and for
consumption of different unwanted bits. We do not
plan to raise chickens for meat at this point.
 We will also raise one cow every year or two and one
pig every year to meet our meat yield needs.