Trying to get some Goats

[luvmypets]

Hi guys, I have a really good chance to get some goats but I am trying very hard to convince my dad. I'm only a highschool student so in the end the big decisions are made by him. I currently have sheep and alpacas so I have knowledge on ruminants. I know goats are a completely different species but I feel so confident about these two does, I really think I can make this work. Anything in particular I should know about them diet wise, I know they need copper where sheep do not. Also, would they be ok, housing with the sheep. My sheep arent that big, they are considered small for the species.

So, here are the does I am trying very hard to get, they are 100 each which I can afford, I think my dad is leaning towards it a bit more as I keep pushing the idea.

Ok so any ideas on how I can convince my dad? I've already worked the "the are so cute and fluffy" and the "look at their little faces" I know he's considering it but I really need something to sell the idea.

 

[samssimonsays]

Go for the goats are good at brush clearing, that they are like dogs and that they can give milk back to the farm.

Sheep can not have copper. So the loose minerals they need to have access to could not be left out if they were loose with the sheep. I know people around here who have made it work but it takes a lot of work and I wouldn't suggest it.

 

[luvmypets]

Go for the goats are good at brush clearing, that they are like dogs and that they can give milk back to the farm.

Sheep can not have copper. So the loose minerals they need to have access to could not be left out if they were loose with the sheep. I know people around here who have made it work but it takes a lot of work and I wouldn't suggest it.

Maybe I could divide the stall they stall in at night, I am determined to make this work. Also, we will be getting an outdoor shelter out in the pasture soon so maybe we could rotate them from stall to shelter. Just a thought, any other input is welcome

When you mentioned the milk. He said he doesn't want to breed them My reaction is "have you seen baby goats".

 

[luvmypets]

I just remembered there is this part of their pasture that would be pretty simple to section off. Its maybe 1/4 or half acre so maybe I could do that for the goats, then they could have their loose minerals out during the day. At night I don't think it would really matter because they will pretty much be sleeping in the stall.

 

[samssimonsays]

He knows you too well and that those babies would never leave. Is there a market for them in your area? Check CL and farm sites to see what they are going for and if they are selling or the adds have been sitting up for a while. Explain that the cheese, yogurt and so much more you can get from their milk is worth it. And if there is a market for babies, present that to him. Cold hard facts and profits for a farmer are priceless.

 

[samssimonsays]

If you gave them their own stall with loose minerals it may work.

 

[samssimonsays]

Most importantly though, are they tested for CL, CAE or johnes (yo-nies)?

 

[luvmypets]

He knows you too well and that those babies would never leave. Is there a market for them in your area? Check CL and farm sites to see what they are going for and if they are selling or the adds have been sitting up for a while. Explain that the cheese, yogurt and so much more you can get from their milk is worth it. And if there is a market for babies, present that to him. Cold hard facts and profits for a farmer are priceless.

I know, that's what I said... But his reply is "Everyone around here does that", I showed him a couple videos of them bouncing around. He's a softy at heart, I just need to up my persuading game xD

 

[luvmypets]

Most importantly though, are they tested for CL, CAE or johnes (yo-nies)?

It just says they are current on CDT, I know the ones you mentioned are pretty significant. Is it a common disease?

 

[parson45]

I have an ex who still gets my goat from time to time.

Show your dad some of the baby goat videos on YouTube. When he quits laughing, he'll agree.

Just saw that you've done that.