*UPDATE* we're getting the goats, now what??

[Chirpy]

If it hasn't been suggested already you need to spend some time on this website: http://fiascofarm.com/

Storey's Guide is a great book on goats also.

Do a 'Search' on BYC and you'll get lots of great threads to read through including some on goats with horns and what you need to know regarding that issue.

 

[ksacres]

Well, those look like pygmy crosses to me. Depending on what they are crossed with, you may not get much milk to make it worth your while.

As for convincing your BF, unless he's paying for them, BF's get no say. That was always my rule anyways.

Now I'm married and if DH says no, I just beg and whine and make pouty faces until he can't take it anymore. This works for nearly everything-the pig (Tina), the geese (Leo and Pisces), and the heretofore unnamed ducks (4 female and 2 male Muscovies). Even worked to get me my Sportsman incubator last year.

Make sure you marry a guy that can handle you and your animal addictions. That was the most important criteria when I was selecting...

 

[ksacres]

Ok, I guess to answer the questions...

I would say that if you want MILK, you should buy milk (dairy) goats. That doesn't mean they have to come with papers or even be purebred (some of the *best* milkers are mixed-just ask Miss Prissy), but it does mean that they should come from or be mixed with one of the dairy breeds- Aplines, Saanans, Toggenburgs, Oberhaslies, La Manchas, Nubians, Sables, or Nigerian Dwarves.

If you just want goats, and don't want the milk, or don't care about the quantity you get, any goat will work fine for you. I don't really see the problem with getting bred does, you have to learn sometime, everyone does. Makes no difference whether it's now or a year from now, the learning curve is steep once you're in the middle of it.

Just make sure it's something you are willing to commit time and money to, raising goats does cost money. In fencing, feed, and quality hay. You will need a good quality alfalfa to get good milk, and a grain ration to maintain body weight during lactation.
Goats that are mature, dry and not bred maintain weight very well with mediocre quality hay (love ruminants), but bred does, bucks in rut, lactating animals, and growing animals need good quality hay and in most cases some kind of grain supplement.

One last word of advise- goats are addictive! Maybe even worse than chickens. I started with one around 14 years ago, and now I vary between 20 and 50 animals (depending on how many babies I have at any given time). And they can cost a LOT to feed when you start getting that many.

 

[willowcol]

Can't help you, but good luck. I have been trying to talk my husband into letting me get 1 for about a year. If you manage to figure out how to convince him, I would love to know how.

 

[fizzy]

Never JUMP at getting an animal unless you are really ready for it.
Years ago, I bought a young goat, brought it home, and was so excited -- I put it in our fenced backyard, with a doghouse for a shelter, and the next morning it was GONE & we never found it.
LESSON LEARNED: we didn't have goat-proof fencing, we didn't have proper goat shelter, we didn't have another goat to keep it company. So we never got an animal again until we were prepared for it.

Secondly, the goats you are looking at are what we call "brush goats" here in Tennessee. If you want pets, I'd say go for it. But they aren't dairy goats, so don't get them expecting to milk them.

I used to keep dairy goats, and goats are WONDERFUL animals, lots of fun. But do read up on them.

Another note on fencing: the fence needs to be DOG-proof. Goats are easy prey for dogs.

This isn't meant to discourage you -- but hopefully you can benefit from the experience of some of us on the board who have made mistakes! Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Wendy

 

[PortageGirl]

Quote:
They like to have a friend, get at least two... which NewChickenMom is thinking about. Really, it saves time and trouble anyway, cause if they're alone, they'll spend LOTS of time and effort trying to be NOT alone, and I'm told they can be wonderful escape artists! (torn fences, loud maaahahahah-ing, injuries from trying to get out etc) Mine always had pals but two is better, and neutered males are nice and don't need to be milked if you don't need or want it. A milk goat and a whether for a pal works too. Just a thought! NO INTACT BUCKS!!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!

 

[NewChickenMom]

thanks everyone. i have him convinced to get them for me for xmas. we're planning on going to see the girls and pick them up sometime this weekend. i'm going to need lots of help because i'm going to have loads of questions.

i do want them for pets and am not too worried about the amount of milk i'll get. its all a learning experience for me. i'll be looking for a nice dairy doe now.

 

[PortageGirl]

YAY!!! With 7 horses, (and I looked at your website), I'm guessing you'll be fine with it all. Just introduce the goats and the horses carefully!

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

My opinion, it would be great if you can find someone close by who has experience, that is how I got started. My fist two were crosses, but the most lovable. I spent so much time at the ladies house that I knew most of her goats by name and everything. She still checks in on us from time to time to see how things are going.

And with babies, your BF will need to be there to assist you from what I hear. I thought about doing babies, but decided against it for now because of our schedules.

Good Luck and post pictures. Lots and lots of pictures.

 

[PortageGirl]

Quote:
*chuckles* really? He needs to be there? gee! guess I didn't know that when I was taking care of mine, hehe. I think I know what you mean, it really is nice to have someone on hand to help at times, even most of the time, but hardly necessary I'm thinking.

Great idea about finding someone nearby for advice, if the people who are selling them aren't too far, they may be happy to offer advice. Depending on why they are selling them I suppose, I always wanted people I sold mine to to know what was what and was willing to offer at least a little support.

Getting the BF on board with it all really is the best idea of course, cause having resentment in the house over such a decision is never good for anyone... so while I agreed with the sentiments to "just do it", and I suspect goats will worm their way into his heart regardless, that doesn't work for everyone. That sort of decision is best a shared one. Just my two coppers.