FlockWorks

Frequently asked questions - Process Section

• I read on the learn page that you bring the goats at night or the very early morning. Will you make and exception and bring the goats at a specific time?
  Depending on the circumstances, we can try to. But if it is too hot, or if traffic expected to be too heavy, then that won't work. Also, we can't guarantee a certain time. Loading goats is less and less of a *production* all the time, but there are still times where things can go very wrong and the loading time can be hours, when we expected them to be more like minutes.
• The quote I received states that not all optional services are quoted. Why?
  Many of the optional services are very labor intensive. Most of the time we don't offer extra services as an option when the job is further away. This is especially true of debris and brush removal. Also, as the herds get busier, it gets more and more challenging to provide services beyond managing the herds.
• So, is there a list of optional services?
  To be honest, we try not to bring up things that we can't fulfill because of the time of year, the goats schedules, distance... or really any reason. We have always hesitated listing all the services we *could* offer, but we get asked a lot, so is now here.  Just remember, not all services are always available.  
• Your quote request form asks me to identify if any optional services are considered a core part of the project. How do I indicate if some are and some aren't?
  We try as best as we can to understand what your expectations are and what results and options are important to you. The comment area of the quote request is where you would communicate any specific preferences or requirements. It's always good to reiterate those things when meeting in person.
• Can I visit with the goats when they are on my property?
  You can always watch the goats. We've had jobs where people set up lawn chairs and even camping cots, but to have direct interaction with the goats is not possible most of the time. IF FlockWorks staff are on hand, they may offer to carry a small goat out for some petting.  For public jobs that have any duration, we often set up one "Meet and Bleat". 
• What about livestock guardian dogs!?
  Many people who have goats (etc.) talk extremely favorably about livestock guardian dogs. While we understand how strongly some people feel about the dogs, we have also heard about dogs getting rough with newborn kids and even killing them.
  
  We have no doubt that this is a rare occurrence and would never happen with a properly trained dog, but to start with an unknown dog is an unsettling feeling and we are not there... at least not yet. And a (by most accounts) 18 month long training commitment is daunting.
  
  Also, the electric net fencing is a very SIGNIFICANT deterrent to predators. We have our goats on pasture/browse year round and have never had a predator successfully access our goats. We have had a bear charge the fence and appear to get tangled in it, but all goats were untouched. (By-the-way, we have since learned that you can train bear to electric fencing.)
• Why do you not stay on site with the goats?
  We also have had people imply that because some goat rental companies live with their goats that that is the only way to manage them. Although the idea of getting to spend more time with the goats is appealing, we simply cannot make this work at this stage and do not see it as any greater protection than what our goats normally have. We do not sleep with our goats when they are at their home base and lots of that time they are still well out of sight and sound range from humans.
  
  The companies that travel with their goats are generally MUCH larger, western based companies that are covering LARGE geographic areas (think multiple states) and work a route across those areas. We run two or more herds locally, and we physically check on them often. We also increasingly use technology to keep tabs on thing.
• Why do you not bring the goats home nightly?
  We also have had people imply that because we leave the goats on the job that we do not care about their wellbeing. To us, this is backwards. Goats are not terribly fond of change. The one thing that they dislike is being moved around via trailer... especially when they have just been placed in a new area with fresh forage.
  
  Also, for us, if we brought them back, they would still be in electric net fencing, on pasture. We do not have any permanent buildings for our goats. We raise them to be effective eaters year round and only provide food if there is significant snow on their forage. They would be happier and just as protected staying where they are.
• Does the second tier (male) herd suffer with less nutrition?
  First, what is this addressing? We have the option to run the male herd (bucks and some wethers) directly behind the does and kids for a more thorough clear, The males eat a fair amount of what the girls leave behind. This option is becoming less and less available as the herds get busier.
  
  No. Male goats have lower nutritional needs. Many experts strongly caution against feeding males and withers grain to protect their health. More details here.
  
  You will notice that the boys get "anxious" to move faster than the female herd, but they are not suffering, just looking forward to a broader selection of forage.