To get a buck or not

[ksalvagno]

I have my first 2 Nigerian Dwarf doelings at home now. I have 3 more NDs coming this fall. I'm also considering getting a Nubian doe. Will I eventually need to have my own buck or if I can find people who are willing to let me use their buck, would I be better off holding off?

I know I won't be getting any bucks this year because I will have to create the room for them. I know I need to keep bucks far away from females if we are milking them. So far the people willing to let me use their bucks all want me to bring my females to them for a drive by breeding which means I will have to know when they are ready. What is the reality of properly catching their cycle and getting them over to the buck at the right time?

Should I be thinking about getting a buck pen ready or not? I'm taken care of for this year so I don't have to worry but I need to start thinking about next year.

 

[trestlecreek]

I would plan on getting your own buck. Things are much simpler that way!! When you have a buck near by, the does will let you know they are in heat.
I've had bucks for years and they really aren't that horrible to keep. Just make sure you have a really tight fence and reinforcements for the buck-line and you should be okay.

 

[FlightsofFancy]

My Nigi buck is great!!! We love him! They are pretty easy keepers as long as you have a good fence in between him and the does. We have put the goat/ sheep pannel there so they can't tear up the fence. Alot of breeders just pen the buck a good distance away.
A larger buck, like a Nubian is a whole new ball game....they will go over the fence so you not only need to go strong but high.

I am taking my two Nubi does for a weekend stay with a buck so I don't have to have one this year. the link to my post about watching for their signs of readiness. Good luck!

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1936