Dairy Goat question

[flgardengirl]

I've been thinking about getting a dairy goat and another goat as a companion for awhile now. I have been doing some research on them.
I am thinking a Nubian or LaMancha would be good in our hot climate. We have about 3 1/2 acres and lots of grass etc. I have a large outbuilding with a covered double carport that I can fence in and convert for goats. We are zoned for farm animals.
Here's my question:
What age should I buy a goat? I have seen some ads for some nearby but they say they are 4 years old. I found another one that said 4 years of age and ending thier lactation cycle. Is this good or bad? How many years will a goat be productive in giving milk?
Between what ages should I be looking at? Thanks

 

[arabianequine]

After their first kidding will give you the most years of milk. If they are born in the spring that doe can get pregnant that fall for spring kids then she will be lactating. If they are ending lactating they need to get pregnant again this fall for spring kids.

Every fall most people freshen the does. That means what I said above get them pregnant again for spring kids but people I don't believe milk the does during this time, not till they have kids in the spring.

 

[arabianequine]

I heard most people stop breeding their does between 7-10 years of age. They can live longer then that but it gets to hard on the does to continue with pregnancy and birthing process.

I would look for a doe born this spring that you can breed this fall.

The 4 year old you found needs to get pregnant this fall for spring kids and then you can milk her again and do the same each fall year. Some may do this differently but this is pretty standard. The 4 year old had a good 3-4 years left were she can kid each year...if her age is true.

 

[flgardengirl]

Thank you so much for lots of good information. That part about "if her age is true"...is what has me a little worried lol.
I would probably feel more comfortable getting one that was born this spring only because I am not experienced enough in how to tell a goat's true age. I don't know anyone around here personally that has dairy goats for sale, so not sure if I could trust them to be true on the goat's age or not.
It has been hard to find any dairy goats at all. I would be willing to wait until next spring, even, if I could be sure to get a good one lol but hardly saw any advertised this past spring either. I think we will become very attatched to her so maybe it would be better to get one very young so we can keep her for a long long time. I will keep looking.

 

[chicken farmer 1997]

i buy the goats young so the know me and the suroundins. i am out of goats bc i bought a $350.00 billy goat and it died.

 

[SarahFair]

You can age a goat by its teeth
(if you can hold its mouth still long enough to look

)
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/meatgoats/meatgoatfs11.htm

 

[Whitehouse Quail]

Quote:
Very very true!! I had to worm a few today, those suckers would NOT let me put the syringe in their mouth!

 

[SarahFair]

Ive decided their lips are like an elephants trunk. Sure its not as long but they sure can reach, and the strength!

 

[genuck]

If I were you and never had goats I would get a doe that has kidded before, preferably with no problems. Buy her from someone who will let you come back in the fall and breed her, and maybe have that included in the price. If you buy a young inexperienced doe now you will have to breed her anyways. Having 3 FF this spring myself as a first time goat nanny was no fun, if I hadn't had experience with horses I would have been a wreck, calling the vet, and possibly lost one of the does.

 

[misfitfarm]

Just be careful and watch how her bag and teats looks! Make sure the teats are uniform with no oddness to it. Could be trouble with nursing. If you buy a spring kid make double sure you get a look at her mom that will tell alot about how she will do! Look at her moms teats also. Ask alot of questions and if they don't want to answer or skirt around questions walk away! Good luck to you. Goats are alot of fun!!!!