08-09-2016, 02:12 AM
Jeff,
We had 3 alpines that we used to pack our gear. One was a single birth and very large, many thought he was llama. He could carry about 80lbs no problem. The other two only about 60 lbs. It was all weight we didn't have to carry. But we didn't condition them to be ok with getting rained on. You know how afternoon showers pop up when you're up at elevation.... well, there we were all on folding stools, under a tarp, to wait out the downpour when in came all three of them to join us, they knocked us backwards out into the rain while they stayed under the tarp... its was hilarious, but of course once we were back home they got remedial training - we'd shut up the barn and try to keep them from getting inside just before rainstorm... but the largest one - he took his head and butted his way into the barn made his own way in - he was not going to be kept out. Finally had to tie him up away from the barn.
They are very enjoyable hiking companions. They are less damaging that llamas or horses. And since they do not graze to eat, and they leaves pellets not pies in their wake so there is way less impact to the trails.
We had custom pack
dles made for them (which we've since sold when we sold the goats once our knees could no longer handle backpacking). They were great - a Nubian? - sorry, but good luck with that one - they are not only lazy, but very noisy and whiney...
I'll have to check... we may still have a book about packing with goats that you can have - I'll let you know...
We had 3 alpines that we used to pack our gear. One was a single birth and very large, many thought he was llama. He could carry about 80lbs no problem. The other two only about 60 lbs. It was all weight we didn't have to carry. But we didn't condition them to be ok with getting rained on. You know how afternoon showers pop up when you're up at elevation.... well, there we were all on folding stools, under a tarp, to wait out the downpour when in came all three of them to join us, they knocked us backwards out into the rain while they stayed under the tarp... its was hilarious, but of course once we were back home they got remedial training - we'd shut up the barn and try to keep them from getting inside just before rainstorm... but the largest one - he took his head and butted his way into the barn made his own way in - he was not going to be kept out. Finally had to tie him up away from the barn.
They are very enjoyable hiking companions. They are less damaging that llamas or horses. And since they do not graze to eat, and they leaves pellets not pies in their wake so there is way less impact to the trails.
We had custom pack
dles made for them (which we've since sold when we sold the goats once our knees could no longer handle backpacking). They were great - a Nubian? - sorry, but good luck with that one - they are not only lazy, but very noisy and whiney... I'll have to check... we may still have a book about packing with goats that you can have - I'll let you know...