Questions need answers please

[Sandy christen]

Hey its me again sandy wanting to know if you can mix breeds of goats thinking about getting more ...and if i get females do i have to milk them??? Im still new and learning so all the help would be great thanks all

 

[Devonviolet]

Hi Sandy. I'm still fairly new at goats myself. I have 4 weathered Nigerian Dwarf goats, that I have had for 2 years.

I got them to clear our woods. Yet, inspite our best efforts, we haven't been able to get fencing in. I am bound & determined to get fencing in this Spring, before the extreme heat of our Texas Summers hits.

Just last week, we bought two LaMancha dairy goats, as I have dreamed of having goat's milk, so I can make cheese, butter, and soaps & lotions.

That being said, just because you have dairy goats, you do not have to milk them. If you get one that is not currently milking - in other words, is "dry", you won't be able to milk her unless you breed her, to a buck, and she has kids. Once the kids get their all important colostrum right after birth, you can either let them nurse off the doe or milk her and bottle feed the kids.

In answer to your question about mixing breeds of goats, did you mean keep different breeds together, or breed different breed bucks & does together?

If that is what you meant, yes, it is possible to do that. Depending on what kind you want (i.e. Meat goats, dairy goats or cute little pet goats), it is possible to mix breeds. However, be careful to never breed a full size buck to a smaller doe, as the resulting kids will most likely be bigger than the doe & she will have difficulty getting a large kid out, at kidding time, which would be dangerous for both the doe & the kid/kids.

 

[Sandy christen]

I was talking about mixing different kinds of goats ....

 

[Devonviolet]

I was talking about mixing different kinds of goats ....

Well, as long as you keep in mind that an intact buck could breed a doe in heat, it is wise to keep bucks separate from does, unless you want them to breed.

Since goats are herd animals, most people keep wethers (or castrated males) with bucks, to keep them company.

Other than that you can keep different breeds together. If you aren't interested in breeding or milking the goats, this is considered keeping pet goats.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Another thing ya want to remember is to not mix horned goats with those without horns. Just keep them all the same or ya could have some issues. I would get doelings and raise them up. Glad you are expanding your "Herd".

 

[Latestarter]

The short answer to your question is; absolutely. There are a few things you do need to watch out for, some of which have already been pointed out.

 

[Sandy christen]

Thanks so much