Welcome to The Porch
The Porch is the place to get familiar with HSFGR: who we are, what we preserve, why our heritage-first focus matters, and what new or returning goat owners should understand before stepping further into the barn.
Here you’ll find our mission, foundational philosophy, breed direction, heritage story, ownership guides, safety basics, and helpful reading for breeders, new buyers, families, and farms.
If you are ready to apply for membership, register goats, transfer ownership, or update records, head to the HSFGR Office.
If you are still learning, comparing, planning, or deciding whether HSFGR feels like the right home for your herd, the Porch is a good place to begin.
Quick Menu for The Porch
About HSFGR
- OUR MISSION – who we are and Our Mission
- Foundational Philosophy and Purpose– Honoring the Foundation, why we exist, and what we mean by “Heritage”
- Silky Fainting Goats: Heritage First
- The Heritage Story – a Long Time Breeders’ account of Silky Origins
- HSFGR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – read this
- Contact the Registrar – Email links on this site are set to open in your default email app or provider. If no default is set on your device, you can copy and paste the address into your preferred email service.
Preservation & Standards
The Real Cost of Goat Ownership
Before bringing goats home, it’s important to understand the long-term commitment they require.
Below we provide tools to help. Clear budgeting. No daydreaming. Better outcomes for goats and owners.
These are the categories behind an ethically raised goat
Feed (the biggest variable)
- Hay / forage (seasonal or year-round)
- Minerals (quality, loose)
- Grain/supplement (if used)
- Bedding (winter + kidding season)
- Water access (heated buckets, troughs, etc.)
Hay markets can double costs in drought years.
Health & Prevention
- Fecal testing / parasite monitoring
- Vaccines (basic annual)
- Hoof care supplies (or farrier cost)
- Routine vet buffer (annual)
- Emergency reality (it happens)
One emergency visit can exceed a year of “cheap goat savings.”
Infrastructure + Time
- Fence, repairs, gates, panels
- Shelter maintenance
- Feeders, buckets, tools
- Biosecurity / quarantine setup
- Your time (daily care, kidding season, record keeping)
Time is the biggest “unpaid” cost in ethical breeding.
Conservative annual cost per goat: $790 – 2,065 + (Varies by Region)
Breeding does and bucks often cost more due to pregnancy, kidding, and year-round maintenance.
Early Ownership Guides
Barn Note - Quick Read
• Research breeder goals - coat alone does not define type
• Ask about temperament, structure, and long-term health history
• Confirm identification and registration status
• Observe movement, bite alignment, and overall condition
• Discuss feeding routine - sudden changes cause stress
• Ask about fainting expression and handling expectations
• Find a Vet
Choosing the right goat begins with choosing the right foundation
Before You Buy
Bring Them Home
Barn Note - Quick Read
• Use secure, weather accommodating, well-ventilated transport
• Bring familiar hay from the breeder when possible
• Offer water during longer trips
• Avoid mixing with unfamiliar animals immediately
• Quarentine and allow quiet decompression time on arrival
• Watch closely for appetite, posture, and normal rumen movement
• Contact breeder with any questions or concerns
The first 24 hours should be calm and predictable
First Week Basics
Barn Note - Quick Read
• Maintain the same feed schedule initially
• Provide hay free-choice and fresh water
• Monitor temperature, appetite, and manure daily
• Limit handling to calm, predictable interactions
• Contact your breeder if anything feels “off"
Observation matters more than intervention
Safety & Emergency Reference
Just in Case
Emergency Basics
Barn Note - Quick Read
• Keep thermometer, electrolytes, and contact numbers ready
• Learn normal vital ranges before an emergency happens
• Sudden appetite loss or bloat signs require immediate attention
• Isolation space should always be available
• Trust your instincts - early action saves lives
• Contact breeder with any questions or concerns
Knowing what is normal is your strongest tool
Poisonous Plants
Barn Note - Quick Read
• Learn local toxic plants common in your region
• Avoid pasture access to ornamental landscaping
• Hungry goats explore - prevention is easier than treatment
• Seasonal changes can alter toxicity levels in plants
• Contact your local extention office with questions or concerns
See the full poisonous plants guide for detailed reference