Highly suggest as a side note that you join BYC's sister site called BackYard Herds. When we had goats I found so much great help there!
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I'm already on there! I posted the extact same thing over there around the same time and still haven't gotten any feedback whatsoever. It's kinda disapointing, but it's still nice to read through someone elses and learn through them!Highly suggest as a side note that you join BYC's sister site called BackYard Herds. When we had goats I found so much great help there!
I completely understand your laptop situation. Mine hasn't been too great either on getting my notifications to me.If any of my posts seem to be unfinished or otherwise wonky, my laptop is on its last leg and I am awaiting a replacement.
So, as I was going to say before my computer refused to cooperate, is that I think it's a good idea to shop around and look at other sources. Even if you end up buying goats from the first seller, you will get the chance to see other set-ups and how goats are living there.
Registered animals are more expensive, and even though you MAY decide to sell goats or milk in the future, maybe it makes sense to start with a non-registered goat or two. IF something goes wrong, you won't be out as much money.
My first goat -- and the next four -- came from someone who bred African pygmy/Nigerian dwarf crosses. When my bottle baby needed a goat friend (Rocky lived indoors while he was on the bottle), I got a second kid from Dave. That kid developed a respiratory infection and, despite vet care, didn't make it. Had I been out $400, it would have hurt my pocketbook as much as my heart.
The thing is, no matter what you decide, you will come across challenges that no one can prepare you for. You'll probably beat yourself up for not anticipating things you didn't even imagine could happen. BUT, I think it's worth it because goats are incredible creatures. My Rocky lived to be 12, and I couldn't have loved him more. He's been gone for four years, and I keep his ashes in my bedroom. So, I may not be your typical goat owner!
Thank you for your suggestions! It really means a lot to have so many experienced goat people giving me advice.I would not recommend bottle kids for inexperienced goat owners. They are so much work and there can be a lot of issues if you don't know what you're doing. I personally don't like bottle babies either. I find them to be very pushy. I had a rejected kid I had to feed and he was very sweet but just always under my feet and in my face. But that's just my preference on that.
I read many years ago that if a doe isn't breed my 2 years old, she will have problems getting pregnant. I don't know how true that is but it is something to consider if you aren't sure about breeding. A couple of wethers might be a better options as your starters.