Wethers or Does to start?

[goats&moregoats]

Thanks for your opinions and input. I've been looking online for available Nigerian dwarfs in my area and I'm finding everything from 3 year old backyard pet wethers for $50 to $225 yearling does that are registered, up to date on CDT, dewormed, hooves trimmed and dehorned.

There seems to be quite a range. Not knowing if I will pursue breeding and milking, would you recommend investing in the registered, well-bred does? Would I later regret adopting a backyard pet?

My husband hasn't agreed to much of a budget to start this new adventure but I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish.
Thanks again!

 

[goats&moregoats]

Thanks for your opinions and input. I've been looking online for available Nigerian dwarfs in my area and I'm finding everything from 3 year old backyard pet wethers for $50 to $225 yearling does that are registered, up to date on CDT, dewormed, hooves trimmed and dehorned.

There seems to be quite a range. Not knowing if I will pursue breeding and milking, would you recommend investing in the registered, well-bred does? Would I later regret adopting a backyard pet?

My husband hasn't agreed to much of a budget to start this new adventure but I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish.
Thanks again!

I would recommend investing in registered or register able goats. I happened to fall upon two Dwarf Nigerian does that can be registered, but are not(6yrs & 4yrs). I have all the paper work showing their lines and they both were registered with the DGA and one also was registered with the ADGA.I have that paper work. I got them both for $100.00. I do not currently milk, but giving thought for next year. Just for my family. They threw me some beautiful 1/2 Dwarf Nigerian 1/2 Pygmy babies this past late spring. Then again I also have two non register able Dwarf Nigerian does who are great milk producers as well.
The thought here is: If you want them for milk production to sell, you want to be sure you have a line from great quality milk producers.
Keep looking. If your lucky you'll get what your looking for with out dishing out to much right away. $225.00 and up for registered great quality milk produces.

 

[OneFineAcre]

Thanks for your opinions and input. I've been looking online for available Nigerian dwarfs in my area and I'm finding everything from 3 year old backyard pet wethers for $50 to $225 yearling does that are registered, up to date on CDT, dewormed, hooves trimmed and dehorned.

There seems to be quite a range. Not knowing if I will pursue breeding and milking, would you recommend investing in the registered, well-bred does? Would I later regret adopting a backyard pet?

My husband hasn't agreed to much of a budget to start this new adventure but I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish.
Thanks again!

$225 is about the starting price for registered does in this area. You can pay up to $750 or even a $1000. If you aren't going to pursue breeding and milking, you should probably just get the wethers. If you don't know for sure, hard to say.

 

[goatgurl]

ask yourself why you really want goats. pets for the kids, milking because it is becoming more popular, milk for the family because it is important to provide fresh wholesome food? why? having goats is a commitment and milking goats is a real commitment. be sure its something you want to do and if it is then buy the best goats you can afford. if you get registered animals you can be fairly sure of their blood lines and milking ability. plus registered kids sell for more than non. think about it, pray about it and do what you feel is best for your family. keep your eyes open, there are always deals out there. i just gave a lady a doe with the stipulation she is bred to my buck and i get a doe kid back. its a win win for both of us. she gets a good milker and i get to see how she freshens and a kid back without having to keep the doe and feed her. good luck

 

[OneFineAcre]

ask yourself why you really want goats. pets for the kids, milking because it is becoming more popular, milk for the family because it is important to provide fresh wholesome food? why? having goats is a commitment and milking goats is a real commitment. be sure its something you want to do and if it is then buy the best goats you can afford. if you get registered animals you can be fairly sure of their blood lines and milking ability. plus registered kids sell for more than non. think about it, pray about it and do what you feel is best for your family. keep your eyes open, there are always deals out there. i just gave a lady a doe with the stipulation she is bred to my buck and i get a doe kid back. its a win win for both of us. she gets a good milker and i get to see how she freshens and a kid back without having to keep the doe and feed her. good luck

Amen to that.
Milking goats is a comittment for sure

 

[PoultryQueen101]

I would start with doelings if I were you. Thats what we are going to start with.

 

[SallyInIndiana]

I recommend at least 1 doe to start with and for her to be the best you can afford. Then the other goat or 2 is up to you and can be cheaper. The time to go from kid to mama goat in milk is rather long. And if the kid is a end of season kid, it might be even longer as it might not be in heat when the buck is in rut. Plus even if your doe has a kid, you don't have to milk the goat you can raise the kid for a few months and during the last month gradually wean the kid. Then you can sell the kid, and a good bloodline will bring more money than an unknown bloodline.