First Time w/ Goats, Need Buying Advice

[mylilchix]

We're finally going to take the plunge into goats, and I'm starting to goat shop. We'd like to start with a pair of dairy goats. When looking at milkers, what should I look for in a quality goat? I want to make sure I'm getting a good one!!

Thanks,
Sonja

 

[ksalvagno]

I talked to a lot of breeders. I was lucky, I was already buying goat milk for alpacas so I talked to the people that I bought the goat milk from. One of them even came with me when I was looking at Nigerian Dwarfs and helped me pick out ones with good udders and good milking lines. If you can find a mentor like that, that is the best. I also got several books on dairy goats and read them.

Good luck with your goat search! I love mine.

 

[mylilchix]

Thanks Karen! I've been reading the books and researching online. I feel like I know a lot, but I'm paranoid of not looking for the right things.

Sonja

 

[Laney]

You need to think about how much space you have to keep them. That will go to size of goat you need. Unless you have other pasture animals to keep the goat company you'll need at least two. Goats are herd animals and it will get lonely if it is a solo goat.

Solo/lonely goats = Noise, escape and depression.

You also need to think about how much milk you need. This will tell you how many does you want. You can get one doe and a wether for company etc. Will you want to deal with a buck? That is a huge question. If you have friends with a buck that can freshen your doe(s) you may not want to deal with it.

Nigerian Dwarfs are good milk goats, but with tiny teats and low to the ground. You would probably want to build a staunchion if you were going to milk them. They eat less for the milk they produce and are cute as buttons.

Pygmies are a dual purpose breed. Same thing as Nigi's but with slightly less milk to feed ratio, and higher butter fat if you're looking at cheese or soap. I love my pygmies so I'm partial here.

Standard dairies are going to give you tons of milk each day, be easier to milk but will take more feed/pasture for it. They also have a great disposition.

All of them will need a shelter to get out of the rain, as all goats hate hate hate the rain. Did I mention they hate the rain? Depending on the size of your herd/goats this can be as simple as a large plastic dog house to an elaborate barn. We are in the process of building our goats a 14foot radius goat barn. It's currently got the skeleton up with a tarp over it and straw on the floor, they still would rather pile into the chicken coop (5' radius) If you live where it gets really cold, they'll need to be able to keep warm (4 sides no drafts). If you live where it gets really hot, they will need plenty of shade.

You'll need to think about vet care, so check out your area for a large animal vet. You will also need to do hoof care. You'll need snips, a stiff brush and a pick for this. Having a local mentor would be a great help also so that you know when to give tetanus, when to deworm and the best products to use in your area.

Hope this helps,
Laney