Update on Rescued Goat

[Bordelinski]

Original Thread

It has been a little over 3 weeks since we brought Marina (aka Buttermilk) home. She has put on almost 5 pounds with a consistent diet of pasture/hay mix, 1/2 pound grain and free choice minerals. Her vet appointment is scheduled for Tuesday of next week. The only problem that hasn't been dealt with is her hooves, which I hope to tend to this weekend. They are so overgrown, it will take time to get them back where they are suppose to be. But anywho, updated pics!

I want to get her a companion but I'm undecided about what route to take. I have found Craiglists ads advertising "small breed goats" for $150. I really had hoped to move into getting milk goats. But the closest registered Nigi milkers farm is over an hour away and they want $400 a doe. I don't plan on showing them or care if they are heavy producers, it's more part of my hobby farming. Am I looking in the wrong direction? Or do I just need to get off the money?

 

[rebelINny]

If you just want it as part of a hobby and not for showing then it may not matter for you to have registered goats. Unregistered are usually not as expensive and you can still find does with decent milk production for a good price. I don't know the going rates down there but hopefully you can find something soon.

 

[happy acres]

I'm in the same situation, in that I want a goat for milk, but not to show. Have you thought of starting with a doeling? They are usually cheaper. As for a companion animal, what about a sheep, or even a donkey?

 

[Bordelinski]

$400 is for a doeling, usually you have to put $50 before it drops or $100 after to reserve.

I never thought of going with another species for companion, figured they liked their own kind. I would have to do tons more research before deciding to get something besides a goat, lol.

 

[happy acres]

Everything I've read says that if a goat is not available, use an animal of similar size for a companion.

 

[Fullhousefarm]

If you just want a companion I'd talk to the breeders about a wether. Most around here will sell one for $50-75. They are very inexpensive to feed once grown and sweet as pie.

There are breeders that registered and non-registered animals. One thing to consider if you want milk is that you will have babies every year. As you've seen you can sell registered babies for more. An unregistered animal costs the same to feed, but more profit. You might also be able to arrange to breed a doe with the breeder you purchased from so you dont need a buck.

 

[Bordelinski]

I have seen wethers being sold for $75 or so but I never considered it, thinking they had to be kept separate from females. It would do ok should I get more females? If so, that is what I think I will do... after I make sure Marina is healthy next week!

I believe I will go with the registered females after our barn is finished. Try to make back some of the dough I'm forking out. (Although we all know it's not the money that matters, its the joy of keeping the animals!)

 

[Bordelinski]

This is my last update: Vet says worm count is low, has a nice pink color under her eyelid; weight was a little low but we knew that (she has gained a bit since we got her though); hooves were trimmed and will just need to be maintained; leg WAS broken but has since healed, unfortunately it fused the last joint making it immobile. But he said as long as she is using it and getting around, she will be fine. I'm so happy!

 

[happy acres]

Great!

 

[SkyWarrior]

She's adorable!

If you're just looking for a buddy, consider a wether. They're usually cheap or free. And no, because they're neutered, they can run with the girls.