Goats?

[Froglover]

I guess things have changed a lot in the almost twenty years since I moved to Shannondale, but it was always my understanding that you could not have farm animals here.A neighbor in gate 2 seems to have acquired a couple of goats. I only really notice on nice days when my windows are open,but they make noise for hours. It's really driving me nuts.Anyone know if it's legal to own them? I feel sorry for their closer neighbors, the noise and eventually the stink.

[Starbuck]

With no HOA and zoning questionable, get used to it.

I live down G4 and one neighbor had cows and a horse for a brief period of time. Luckily we lived upwind, and my kids loved the animals, so we didn't mind. And many peeps I know have chickens, so....

A positive? Goats eat poison ivy!

[BigTom]

That might be the same 2 goats that were living in the yard of an empty house on Walter's way.

[KatherineA]

There is someone who has goats on the other side of my property - in the Shannondale side (Briar Trail??? area), somewhere over there and it (they??) do make a lot of noise so I can relate Froglover. The braying kind of goes with the Johnny Cash played at full volume on nice Sat and Sundays (thank goodness for the humid weather it keeps them inside) Although as said above, without any zoning or enforcable rules for the subdivision(s), get used to it.

[BigTom]

Are the goats really any worse than keeping chickens? Some people move here because they want livestock. Many of them have no experience with raising livestock and don't have any idea that they really need more ground than a small subdivision lot affords them. They read in Mother Earth News, or some other such publication, how they can raise their own livestock and be more self sufficient. The articles come complete with lovely pictures and it all looks so cool. The pictures and the articles don't show or mention the smell or noise created and apparently these people aren't smart enough to figure that out beforehand. I'm not sure some of them even realize it after getting their animals. Those statements will probably get all the chicken herders P.O.ed at me.
I think it might be easier to enact and/or enforce laws that deal with the noise or the intrusion of animals onto others property. That way it could be dealt with by Sheriff's Department. If someone has chickens or goats penned or caged so they can't leave the property and the noise isn't a problem it wouldn't bother me. I'm pretty tolerant of a diverse neighborhood. We have someone near us that has a donkey that sounds off regularly, we just joke about what perverted things they must be doing to it to make it make that much noise. Now when someone starts raising pigs I might complain.
Zoning changes or ordinances that evolve gradually or are made a little at a time give people a chance to adjust their lifestyle and would be easier to accept by the majority. Unless it's an emergency situation I don't think it's fair to abruptly change the law and expect people to promptly adjust their lifestyle.
Things are different when you move to the country and folks need to be a little more open minded (that is assuming you still consider Jefferson County the country).

[KatherineA]

I don't think goats are any worse then chickens really - slightly more noisy but really not that much.

I personally don't care (goats are better than listening to someone else's music full blast any day), and if I did not have a job with such a commute I would have a goat for milk and some chickens, build a goat shed and a chicken house. I was told that technically, they needed to be 50 feet from the property line, but this is never enforced. (I don't know where the person got the 50 ft thing).

Jefferson County did opt in to a fencing requirement - as far as keeping livestock on your own property - Learned that when the horse took up residence under my deck for months. But again - it took months for me to get it enforced or the horse moved to where it could be properly cared for.

While some parts of Jefferson County are "rural" or "country" those are fast disappearing. I definitely would NOT call the "mountain" rural. Rural to me is when your nearest neighbor is at least a mile away - like IL farm country, that's rural. Rural is where your drive and yard are big enough to turn around an 8 row combine, a 4440 J.Deere or larger with a disc and harrow attached. Here. Rural/country? not so much.

[LFE]

I wonder if they are missing something, or in need of something.
We have a goat farm across the street from us, and the only time they seem to be really loud is when one of them gets their head stuck thru the fence (greener grass?) or one of more of them get seperated from the rest of the pack.

On a positive note, they taste great slow cooked with apples!
On a not so postive note, they do not seem to eat as much poisen ivy as folks think they will (I think if its the only green thing left, they will eat it).

[Kensey]

Zoning changes or ordinances that evolve gradually or are made a little at a time give people a chance to adjust their lifestyle and would be easier to accept by the majority. Unless it's an emergency situation I don't think it's fair to abruptly change the law and expect people to promptly adjust their lifestyle.

The proposed zoning ordinance here grandfathered just about everything currently going on, as such things typically do, so I don't think that's really a concern for people who already have whatever -- and for the more genuinely rural parts of the county it even had a right-to-farm section.

Having said that: pretty magazines or not, some people just need to use the common sense God gave the horse they're keeping tied up on the back porch and realize you can't keep much livestock bigger than a couple of chickens on a quarter- or half-acre without getting in your own way or someone else's. It's not fair to the animals or your neighbors. I personally would love to have a horse, but even if we didn't have better places to spend that kind of money, we just don't have the proper room for one. As far as pigs specifically, raised properly, they're one of the cleanest animals you can own, and very intelligent -- but I don't like to think of a 500-pound boar breaking out and running loose in Shannondale.

I know one of our not-too-far-away neighbors has at least one goat (I hear it occasionally up on Stone Ridge, but I've never seen it). There's a house near us with a few fat chickens -- the rooster comes out and gives me the stink-eye when I walk our dog. I wonder what the total livestock population on the mountain outside actual farms is. I bet there are a lot more people with poultry and goats than we think.

[AAT53]

We have a neighbor with chickens and two goats. The only problem there has ever been is that they all roam free and have become immune to any fear of vehicles. They just stand there looking at you.

It doesn't happen often and they do move eventually, so it's not a big deal IMO. I like driving down the road and seeing them there for some reason.

I have never smelled any odors from them, so luckily that isn't a problem.

[BigTom]

Kensey,
Apparently you've never smelled a pig pen, even one medium sized hog makes quite a stink. Although it won't be long before we have feral hogs in this area.

[Kensey]

Kensey,
Apparently you've never smelled a pig pen, even one medium sized hog makes quite a stink.

Actually I grew up in farm country near a hog-processing plant. Penned-up pigs do indeed stink -- the more confined, the worse, but if left to graze over a good-sized area, they're no dirtier or smellier than other livestock. It's just like chickens -- a bunch of chickens kept confined in a small coop or a chicken house make a holy hell of a stench, but left to roam they're much less offensive.

[Tony]

Although it won't be long before we have feral hogs in this area. Think so? Could they actually survive winter? Don't they need fur or something for that?

[sidhe]

FWIW, I'd rather have chickens (no roosters) next door, they don't bark all night. With the economy in the toilet and the green thing going on, a lot of communitys are now allowing chickens, including DC. I have four hens, they are a lot less trouble that any pet/animal that I've ever had, well except for maybe the trantula. Eggs, fertilizer and don't forget the garbage disposal (they'll eat anything) and bug getter!!

[BigTom]

Kensey, You're not going to have anything but penned up pigs in Shannondale.
Tony, Feral hogs are spreading and creating a major problem. They all ready have them in parts of the West Virginia mountains that are as cold as it is here. Besides they adapt very well.
sidhe, I have been to peoples homes that have chickens roaming in their yards that did stink so much I had to leave. While they may eat large and medium bugs they seem to attract gnats and other small blood sucking bugs.

[sidhe]

Hey Tom, I'm not saying chickens can't stink and be a problem although so far my neighbors haven't complained, maybe it's the eggs that I bribe them with! I've been to peoples homes where the stench of dogs and or cats has forced me to leave. It's all in how the humans take care of their animals. I consider myself a responsible critter keeper, my kitties are indoors, my chickies are penned unless I'm out there with them and I clean their house and use the poop, it doesn't just pile up and stink. And............ the kitties and chickies don't bark all night, which seems to be the major complaint about critters here on the mtn.

[Starbuck]

Are the goats really any worse than keeping chickens?

When I first read this (too quickly), I read that last word as "children." Which I found highly amusing. :D

[cjb]

The articles come complete with lovely pictures and it all looks so cool. The pictures and the articles don't show or mention the smell or noise created and apparently these people aren't smart enough to figure that out beforehand.

Nahhh BT - no one is pissed at ya. It's responsibility plain and simple. Applies to kids, dogs, and CHICKENS!!

I would like to introduce you to some friends of ours: http://urbanhomestead.org/

They keep, chickens, ducks, goats, and a very productive garden; The front and back garden areas are about 1/10th of an acre or roughly about 4,350 square feet (approx. 66' x 66'). The entire lot is about 1/5 of an acre (66 ft. x 132 ft. or 8,712 sq. ft.).

This family of 4 (Dad & 3 now grown children) eat & make their LIVING off of their property IN the city. Here is where they are at - launch any internet mapping program and search: Pasadena, CA. where the "flag" hits, within 1 mile of that spot there is a family living solely off of their home 1/5 acre "farm".

Do you see anything you would call Rural within a mile of that flag?? No. Do local ordinances allow for Farming?? It does allow for most small animals. Do they keep it clean so that they are good neighbors?? Very. When they host a Dinner Party, they hold it on the patio which is within 20 feet of the animal pen.

IN FACT - we were watching an episode of Private Chef's of Beverly Hills show recently - and one of their "on location" was Path two Freedom. The table everyone was seated at??? was NEXT TO the animal pen!! check it out http://www.youtube.com/user/dervaes

[LFE]

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife/publ/wlnotebook/pig.htm

[Kensey]

A former co-worker grew up in Florida and his parents see wild boars in their backyard all the time. According to him, the FL game regulations say there's no bag limit -- you can shoot as many of them as you want on your own property or public lands, because they're non-native.

[BigTom]

A believe there are several states that allow year round hunting and no limits, like coyotes, because they're considered a problem non-native species.

[OzGirl]

I would like to introduce you to some friends of ours: http://urbanhomestead.org/

Thanks for the link - pretty cool.

[Chutney Daftcraft]

Speaking of goats, each time I clock on one of the topics, it says the goats ate the page. :rolleyes:

[WVGeo]

When I first read this (too quickly), I read that last word as "children." Which I found highly amusing. :D

The answer to that is "No"...

If I didn't have the commute I'd consider chickens, too, simply because I love chickens and love to sit and watch and listen to contented hens wander and scratch. However, I'm glad I have a little distance between me and a rooster that's somewhere nearby and can tune him out. He starts crowing just as dawn starts, and goes all day. If I were an immediate neighbor I wouldn't be pleased.

[sidhe]

Which is why I don't have a rooster, I'd probably toss him in the pot long before the neighbors got around to fussing at me.

[MountainMoon22]

My thought on the goats is that they need something like more food or water if they're braying all the time. My grandpa raised them, and I always remember them as quiet, friendly, organic lawnmowers. And the babies are adorable. This moves me to another topic, but I'll post in the Green forum.

[Wormdoc]

I've got the chickens and ducks, and Big Jim, the rooster. He does crow alot during the day, but I've asked my neighbors often if it bothers them, but they insist they rather like it....plus, they get lots of eggs. I keep Jim and the hens inside the coop until past 7 am, and if he does crow, it's quite muffled. He and the other two roosters in the area cockadoodle back and forth on occassion during the day. There are none of my neighbors that work nights, so must sleep during the day, luckily. I keep the coop clean, too.

My next door neighbor has goats and they're pretty quiet unless they are hungry. Happy goats shouldn't be making alot of noise, I think.

[lar]

I have a rooster in my neighborhood now too. Not too much of a bother so far, hope it stays that way. I know its all hip and everything to get chickens now, but Shannondale is not farmland, it more like a residential neighborhood.

[cindylu]

Hmmm. I live on Briar Trail and I'm kind of surrounded by chickens/roosters/ducks/goats/dogs/cats/cows/horses in addition to the wild rabbits/raccoons/possums and who knows what else.

My neighbor's chickens used to roam freely (a little annoying cause they pooped on my porch after eating the cat's food) but they are now enclosed. They have a rooster or two but guess animal noises aren't a hot button item for me. Don't really hear the crowing but I'd much rather have that then blaring music at all hours.

Have to admit its kind of funny to wake up and look out the front yard and see an unexpected animal like a goat instead of the deer. But we're in a rural area so I've accepted the unexpected.

[BigTom]

Shannondale ain't rural. It's the largest subdivision in W.V., it's a residential neighborhood.

[Starbuck]

Shannondale could be classified business park, but that don't make it so. We's rural. :D

[sidhe]

We need a proper word to describe Shannondale............ many of us moved here to escape "suburban/residential neighborhoods". I know I did!! Contest anyone?

[Felix]

Anyone interested in a Banty rooster (3 mos old), please let me know.

[Kensey]

We need a proper word to describe Shannondale............ many of us moved here to escape "suburban/residential neighborhoods".

The Robert C. Byrd ATV Recreation, Fireworks Launching and Landfill Facility?

(I keed, I keed!)

In strictly technical terms I believe Shannondale would be considered a rural subdivision.

[BigTom]

Go ask the farmers in the western part of the county if Shannondale is rural and while driving around out there look around. That part of the county is still rural, but barely rural.

[MountainMoon22]

I thought that we were zoned rural.

[TheChipmunks]

The Robert C. Byrd ATV Recreation, Fireworks Launching and Landfill Facility?

I love it!!!!!!!!

[newyacker]

We need a proper word to describe Shannondale............ many of us moved here to escape "suburban/residential neighborhoods". I know I did!! Contest anyone?

The land of people who complain about EVERYTHING!

[OzGirl]

I believe the correct term is RURAL RESIDENTIAL for where most of us live.

[Tony]

The land of people who complain about EVERYTHING!You've never lived in New York City? :)

[Girlyjeep]

I've never lived in a place where no one complained. It is the nature of the beast. Makes things more interesting.

[Black Dog]

I guess I come at it from a different angle than some. I absolutely love all the chickens, goats, donkey, dogs, cats, etc. in my neighborhood. We've had various neighbors over the years who've had chickens and roosters and I thought it was cool to have them in my yard, have to shoo them away from the front door of the Post Office to go in and get the mail, be awakened by a rooster at sunrise. One Rooster, who I named Robert, adopted my garage as his roosting place every evening. He came in and out through the cat door and roosted on my toolbench. I loved it! Until one of my neighbors complained about late night crowing and his owner killed him and gave him to the woman to cook. I'm still mad about that.
We've had Lucky, the town dog, who numerous people fed and cared for and who'd greet you at the PO and then try to sneak in behind you to catch a little heat or air-conditioning. My street has a few cats that were left by a tenant a couple years ago. We all feed them and look out for them. Braying donkeys, screaming peacocks and all manner of other critters have had homes in the Point. Except for Robert I can't think of anyone ever complaining. I feel it's one of the neat things about living here.

[rooneymom]

I'm looking forward to getting a couple of chickens once we get our yard figured out.

[WVGeo]

So maybe someone can tell me - twice in the last couple weeks I've heard what sounded like a goat bleating somewhere below my house on the Gate 1 end of Rolling. Just briefly, not constant. Saturday I actually drove around the area for a bit looking for the source, but nada. Then I started wondering - there's a doe been bedding her fawn down in my back yard a lot recently. I've heard fawns bleat to each other as they were playing before - could I be hearing the fawn complaining to mom about something?

[shadowplay]

One Rooster, who I named Robert, adopted my garage as his roosting place every evening. He came in and out through the cat door and roosted on my toolbench. I loved it! Until one of my neighbors complained about late night crowing and his owner killed him and gave him to the woman to cook. I'm still mad about that.


I remember you posting about Robert, that really sucked. (srs)