Going to look at first goats - HELP

[Sweet Cheeks]

I'm going to look at these two 5 mo old weathers on Sat that I saw on Craigslist. Asking price $75.00 each.

When I asked the gal if her herd tests negative, she answered by saying she has a closed herd and only brings in bucks from negative farms for breeding.

I'm looking to get my first goats as pets and brush eaters, as I'm on 4 aces with lots of scotch and black berries.

What do you all think?

 

[hoosiergal]

I'm going to look at these two 5 mo old weathers on Sat that I saw on Craigslist. Asking price $75.00 each.

When I asked the gal if her herd tests negative, she answered by saying she has a closed herd and only brings in bucks from negative farms for breeding.

I'm looking to get my first goats as pets and brush eaters, as I'm on 4 aces with lots of scotch and black berries.

What do you all think?

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/1042_baby_goats.jpg

cute little critters. looks like the boer breed

 

[Roll farms]

They look cute....Pics are great but you can't always see problems from pics....what are you asking us specifically, if you should get them?
Buying is always an act of faith. What is it they're 'negative' for?
CAE? CL? Johnes?

Those aren't kinder or minis, they're Boer or Boer X, which will be quite a bit bigger than the one's you're looking for.
(Sometimes we look and fall in love and buy on impulse b/c we can't find the one's we're after....I've been there m'self...and regretted it.)

If you're ok w/ taking on big boys, and they're friendly, take a look at the rest of the herd when you're there. If you see no lumps, bumps, snotty noses, excessive coughing, droopy goats, and rough coats, then I'd say it's a fair price for brush eaters. Possibly take a friend who "knows" goats with you.

Ask if they've been vaccinated / for what / when? Dewormed? With what? When? Ask what they've been eating and try to keep them on a similar diet or switch them over gradually.
Line up a goat vet for future use b/c it's easier to find one when you don't need it, than it is to find one in an emergency.

EVERY new goat I bring home, even if I buy it from a trusted friend, gets at minimum, a CDT booster shot and Probiotics.

 

[Sweet Cheeks]

I posted the pic because I thought that one in front looks like it has a big head but thought maybe it was the angle. The one in back peeking it's head over looks to be a normal sized nose.

It's the pic that was on Craigslist.

I didn't know if I should be concerned with the fact the seller states she has a closed herd and only brings in bucks to service the ladys that are from certified and tested negative herds. She said there is no way her herd could be positive. Should that be a concern?

At this time I'm only looking for pets to eat brush. Maybe a few years from now, I may look at getting a doe for milk.

The seller is going to fax a 4 page info sheet that explains goat care to include the food, grain, and two supplement blocks the two little fellas have been on.

I have found that $75.00 each is on the low end for the Pacific NW area for folks with websites or advertising on Craigslist.

I've seen $150.00 to $350.00 as the norm.

What type of probiotics would you recommend? Thank you for your help.

 

[ksalvagno]

Unless she actually tests her whole herd every year, she can't guarantee that her herd is disease free. You could always have them tested before you bring them onto your property at your cost. Then you will know for sure. Once CL is in your ground, it is there for years. You don't want that.

From the picture they certainly look healthy. If they are going to be your only goats for a few years, then I would say have them tested for CAE, CL and Johnes diseases while they are still at their original farm. If the tests come back clean, then I see no reason why this would be a bad purchase.

Also while they are there, make sure they have been properly wormed and up to date on vaccines.

They are cute little guys!

 

[ThornyRidge]

The photos does make the goat appear to have a rather large head.. but pictures can be deceiving. If you are planning on using them for strictly pets/brush clearing ( of which wethers are only good for) than $75 a piece seems a fair price. That is what I ask for my nigierian wethers. As far as health goes you will know a sickly goat/herd when you see them. Look also at poop and their back ends (show signs of runs) remember too that testing is not entirely accurate for all the specific goat illnesses.. especially the CAE test.. and personally since they are wethers and you don't have other goats , breeding and or using milk products from them CAE would be the least of your concerns..I would focus mainly on CL, Johne's and parasites. You can check on vaccinations for them too.. again this is sometimes a personal preference.. I practice a more holistic trying to minimize unnecessary chemicals and compounds approach and do not routinely vaccinate ( I have done research/spoke with vets etc) and have found that routine vaccinations can be more harmful than good ( I know this will probably set off controversey) I do encourage my customers to continue with vaccination series if they so choose.. however with that said I have healthy goats that originated from tested/clean animals. The goats you are considering appear to be Boer primarily which means they will be large and cumbersome to provide care too if you are doing it alone. Meet and talk to some goat folks and make some contacts to have for help and questions.. and with that enjoy your goats!!!

 

[Sweet Cheeks]

Those aren't kinder or minis, they're Boer or Boer X, which will be quite a bit bigger than the one's you're looking for.
(Sometimes we look and fall in love and buy on impulse b/c we can't find the one's we're after....I've been there m'self...and regretted it.)

You're right Roll farms. Having trouble finding mini nubies. UNTIL, last night.

I found a mini nubie and her buddy a nigerian dwarf. I'm going to go look on Saturday.

Thank you again.

 

[Sweet Cheeks]

UPDATE: Didn't go see the mini nubie and buddy nigerian dwarf.

They were kept in a dog run and only fed alfalfa. No worming no vaccinations.

I am, however going to go pick-up registered 6 mo old nubian doeling and wether on Friday from a 4-H family south of me.

Wether

Doeling

 

[Sweet Cheeks]

Getting ready to go pick up these little darlings tomorrow morning. They are 6 months old.

I have found out what they have been eating and what supplements they are on.

Any other questions I should get answered?

At 6 months, should they have been wormed? She just told me to worm every 6 months.

What shots should they have already had at 6 months? She told me to get CDT once a year.

Thank you for your help and advice greatly appreciated.