No buts: discover the addictive joy of raising goats

Goats are amazing, multi-talented creatures that have been domesticated for over 10,000 years. As well as being a source of food, clothes, and milk, they're wonderful companions: cute, intelligent, and playful--and often as friendly and attentive as dogs. In addition, they make endearing noises and--according to ancient Ethiopian legend--discovered coffee. So what's holding you back? The new edition of Raising Goats For Dummies rebuts all your excuses, and shows you why having one--or, actually, a few--of these companionable ruminants (cud-chewing animals) in your life will bring you great joy, and, if you choose, unbeatable homemade milk and cheese--and possibly a cozy new sweater.

A happy goat aficionado since 1998, Cheryl K. Smith takes you from the grassroots of raising your goat--choosing and buying the breed you want, building and maintaining goat-friendly housing--to more elevated terrain, including how to build your own milk stand, participate in online goat shows (it's a thing ), and even monetize your goat. You'll also learn the fundamentals of proper care to make sure your goats are fed, kept healthy, and bred in ways that ensure they have the happiest life you can provide.

• Study the history and breeds of goat, like the Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy
• Live sustainably from and even profit from your goat
• Identify and alleviate common ailments
• Have fun raising the kids

Whether you're researching buying a goat or learning on the hoof about the ones you have, this book has everything you need to see why getting your goat will bring years and years of joy.

Cheryl K. Smith has raised a small herd of Nigerian Dwarf and Oberian dairy goats under the herd name Mystic Acres since 1998. She is the owner of karmadillo Press and is the author of Goat Health Care, Goat Midwifery, The Best of Ruminations Goat Milk and Cheese Recipes, and Raising Goats: Some Essentials.