Why Kikos?

When we first decided to get into goats, I mainly wanted them for pets. But, my husband, Brad, said

."...our farm animals have to be profitable”.

He began researching and talking to people in our area that raised goats. Brad discovered there was a real market for meat goats. Pygmy or Boer goats were the most popular breeds. Pygmies didn’t seem to fit into the meat goat market as well as the Boer. And, after many discussions with people raising Boer and Boer-cross goats, we found Boer goats needed a lot of attention due to hoof and parasite issues.

Then one day, Brad picked up “Goat Rancher” magazine and found an article on Kiko goats. Kikos seemed to fit our lifestyle. Kiko goats wouldn’t require as much attention; and, if we purchased breeding stock,

"...I could have Kikos for pets!"

We purchased our first Kiko goats, a herd of eight, in 2006. Despite our hectic lifestyle and lack of time for proper management, our Kiko goats have done quite well.

Cottage School Acres now boasts a herd of eighteen 100% New Zealand and thirty-five Kiko-cross nannies/doelings.[2009]

 So, "why Kikos?"

Kiko goats thrive in our Missouri weather, love our Missouri browse and seem tolerant of our Missouri parasites. But, I think my real answer to that question is

"...Kikos really do make great pets!"