Spend time around goats and you’ll notice something peculiar: some have impressive, curved horns while others are completely hornless. This difference sparks curiosity among new goat owners. Do all goats have horns? Is it related to their breed or sex, or is there more to it? At Merry Meadows Farm, where...
Can Guinea Fowl And Chickens Live Together?
At Merry Meadows, our mornings begin with the clucks of hens and the unmistakable shriek of guinea fowl echoing across the pasture. It’s a sound that some might call chaotic—but for us, it’s harmony. If you’re considering adding guinea fowl to your backyard flock or wondering whether these wild-at-heart birds...
Goat Terminology 101: Essential Goat Terms for New Owners
If you’re new to raising goats, it might feel like you’ve wandered into a whole new language. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! At Merry Meadows Farm, we’ve helped many new goat owners learn the ropes, and one of the most common early questions we get is: “What does that word mean?” This...
Buck or Wether? Choosing the Right Male Goat for Your Herd
If you’re just starting your goatkeeping journey, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is which kind of male goat to bring into your herd. It might seem like a simple choice—after all, a goat is a goat, right?—but in reality, the decision between a buck and a wether will shape everything from...
Guinea Fowl: Why You Need Them On Your Homestead
Have you considered Guinea Fowl as the unsung heroes of your homestead? Originating from Africa, these unique, hardy birds have been underestimated for decades, often viewed as mere ornamental additions to rural landscapes. At Merry Meadows Farm, located in beautiful Kingston, Oklahoma (zone 7b), we’ve discovered firsthand just how valuable...
Nigerian Dwarf Goats: A Small Goat with Big Milk Potential
Stepping through the gates at Merry Meadows each morning, there’s a sense of excitement in the air whenever our Nigerian Dwarf goats are nearby. Their petite frames and spirited personalities immediately catch the eye, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to raising dairy goats. These little charmers carry...
Nubian Goats: Are They Right for You?
The moment you see a Nubian goat, it’s hard not to be captivated by their long ears and regal profiles. Their easygoing nature often catches visitors by surprise, blending a social temperament with an endearing curiosity. These goats have a way of connecting with both seasoned farmers and those just...
Goats For Land Clearing
At Merry Meadows Farm, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible power of goats to clear overgrown brush, restore land, and reduce feed costs in a sustainable way. Goats are natural browsers, making them perfect for tackling invasive weeds, shrubs, and other vegetation that can take over pastures and properties. Not only...
Do Goats Recognize Their Owners?
Many people are surprised to learn that goats, often perceived as just livestock, are intelligent animals with complex social behaviors. One of the most fascinating aspects of goat behavior is their ability to recognize people, particularly their owners. This raises the question: do goats really recognize and remember the people...
Goat Nutrition 101: What Your Goats Need to Stay Healthy
Caring for goats involves more than just providing a place to graze. Proper goat nutrition is essential for their health, productivity, and overall happiness. Understanding what goats need to thrive will help you create a feeding plan that supports their unique dietary requirements and prevents common health issues related to...