Thrissur: Quite contrary to the popular novel, 'goat days' gave a new life to Ollur native Sudheer, a physical education trainer. When he had to spend the lockdown days without any practice, he decided to try goat rearing. He bought 14 goats and also built a cage that can house 50 goats.
Sudheer works as a PT teacher in KMGVHS School at Thavanur in Malappuram. He built the cage for goats without any help within one and a half months during the lockdown.
The cage has a length of 28 feet and width of 12 feet. It can house about 50 goats. 12 goats will be first shifted to the new cage. Apart from this, Sudheer has also purchased two goats that belong to the hybrid breed Beetal.
Though Sudheer built the cage all by himself, he had to spend Rs 55,000 for it. Coconut tree and mango tree were used for building the cage. Iron pipes and net also were used. A sheet was used as roof.
Sudheer purchased a welding machine via online for constructing the cage. Facilities to feed the goats and removing waste also was arranged. A poultry cage is set up in the bottom of the cage.
Sudheer was the coach of Kerala team in national-level school meets. He has also served as sports trainer at many universities including Agricultural University. His parents, wife Ambili and children Abhay Ram and Ashray Ram also support him in goat rearing.