Me again... with another goat question

[miss_thenorth]

The Breeder I contacted about the goats has ones already being milked, and kids for sale. Should I get a young one, or one that is already being milked?

 

[zatsdeb]

if you want to milk then I would get the older one, but you can't just have 1 goat, they need to be in pairs or they will get lonely!
Milking is twice a day, every day of the week... the reward is wonderful! Fresh milk! Maybe you should get 1 of each!!

 

[Skyesrocket]

I agree with Deb. Goats are herd animals and will be lonely without a friend.
Depending on what the seller is charging, money wise it would make more sense to buy a nanny already in milk.
With a baby you are looking at 2 years worth of food, worming, vaccinations and then a breeding fee even before you get milk.
Get one of each! Or see if the seller will cut you a deal if you buy a mom and baby.

 

[miss_thenorth]

Yes, thanks. I am aware that goats are herd animals. i was just wondering if I got an older goat, ready to milk she might not take to me, whereas if I got a younger one, i could raise it, breed it and then she would be used to me handling her, so therefore not be much of a problem when it comes to milking time. I wouldn't have to pay stud fee, I have access to a billy goat, but money is not the issue here. My concern would be if i got one already milking, and she didn't 'like' me, therefore not taking to 'me' milking her, it could cause her health issues.

 

[zatsdeb]

she should be fine as long as you milk her without pulling on the teats. if you have never milked before maybe you can go there and watch, learn, and maybe milk her a few times before you buy her?
My goats, as long as there is feed in front of them, you can milk with no problems, as long as you are gentle. some people think you have to pull down while you squeeze and you don't have to pull...
and it seems women with smaller hands do better.

 

[Skyesrocket]

You would want to be sure the nanny is people friendly. When you go to look at them watch the goats to see if they come right up to you to be pet. Or, if the stand back from you and move away as you approach them.
Goats, for the most part, are friendly animals. But goats they have been pasture raised and have had limited contact with people seem to be standoffish. This probably isn't want you want in a milking goat.
It has been my experience that a friendly goat will warm up to anyone that treats them good.
There is nothing wrong with starting out with a doeling. You will just have to wait longer to get milk.

 

[Chatychick]

Some milk goats are machine milked and they dont really have a problem switching...I would see if she will come up to you first before you buy her...also you will need a stanchion to milk her in and it will help with controling her too. Yep be easy when you milk her and dont pull...Mine do fine in the milk stand but they dont like being milked if they arent in it...yep its dont touch that udder please ..you dont have my food...lol...but in the stand they are Great! I have grown and baby goats...its all in the training too...Good luck in your choice.

 

[sweetshoplady]

I got a goat in milk so I could have milk right away. It took about 2 weeks which someone here had told me it would for me and the doe to get used to each other. One thing I did to help the getting acquainted process was to do nice things to her like brush her, give her treats like fruity cheerios, pet her, and spend a little extra time with her. She really likes to be brushed. She closes her eyes and just relaxes.

I did invest in hobbles as well as a stand to milk on. I have gotten to where I don't need the hobbles, but they really helped the first couple weeks.

Actually, I'm getting another doe in milk. (which will make 4 goats) 2 older, 2 younger.

Good luck, can't wait to see pictures of what you choose to get.

 

[miss_thenorth]

Thanks. I got to wondering after I read a post where someone got a nanny in milk and she was having a hard time milking her. this lady I am getting the goat from has some in milk, and some younger ones, so I started second guessing myself. I have been practising the milking technique on my fingers so that i will at least have the motion down pat, and this lady will give me and my dd lessons before I buy.

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[Chirpy]

Just in case.. you may want to go to thegoatspot.net for more information and help. The people there are wonderful.

And don't forget the best site in the world on goats: fiascofarm.com