What to do with unwanted goats

[DellaMyDarling]

OP, I urge you to reconsider the sale of your excess goats. I have no judgement as to why you don't want to keep them.

Rescue organizations are for animals that are abused, injured, owners unable to care for, displaced, etc. I don't feel that the info provided is indicating the need to fill up a rescue with your goats over ones that need it more. Please don't try to pawn them off this way.

They could be great starter goats for someone, or pasture companions, or for an education program...lots of uses for goats. Answering the questions above might allow for more constructive ideas on how to get them off your pasture and into someone else's.

The right price tags prevent them from just going for meat. I don't find, in my area at least, that people are generally searching for undesired animals just to eat them. Sure, happens everywhere, but there's only so much $ per pound people want to pay. I don't think this should be your biggest concern. Simply screen the buyers!
(I personally bought my goats on the cheap because they aren't "top quality" of their breed in any way. They are registered, which helps me to sell potential kids for more, but they themselves filled the needs of my homestead as our starting herd. I don't need a beautiful Oberhasli doe milking 4 quarts a day! Someone might really desire your goats!)

 

[CntryBoy777]

The goats we don't want to keep are very sweet and they are given love and they're very well taken care of, unfortunately we cannot keep too many. I understand the life cycle where are some animals end up a food and I am fine with that however my lovely fiance disagrees so I've been trying without success to find a goat rescue that will take them since I believe if we sell them to a stranger they will end up as food since they look very healthy and plump.

This is "how" I got that.....your "words"....I read "unwanted goats"....it is your "belief" that if they are sold they will be eaten.....that my friend is your own words........so, ya asked and we tried to help ya.....ya may have meant it in another fashion, but that is all we had to go on...was what ya posted....I really do hope ya find a solution that works for ya!!

 

[Georgia Girl]

I think some of these responses are a bit harsh...

How did you acquire these goats? Were they dairy herd offspring, or did you otherwise breed your goats?
How old, what's the registration status, how are they kept, breed, testing status?

Depending on these answers, you may be guided in another direction.

I found my starter dairy herd on Craigslist. Funny story, turns out it was my neighbor.
I peruse the ads ALL the time, even when I'm not looking to buy. I can tell you with certainty that all goats have a resale purpose. The answers to above questions often determine what purpose and what price tag.
Yes, sometimes meat is the purpose. I don't have experience with meat goats myself but I know not every breed is great for meat and price tags usually deter people looking for cheap freezer fill.

I agreed with this writer, I understand some do not become as attached as others and have no problems with any means of selling, slaughtering and other. I would try craiglist and don't be afraid to ask for a good home and a preference that the goats not be eaten. I also understand that many raise their animals for food and I am ok with this, but I do understand your situation and i hope it all comes out well. I have found myself as you as i do not just sell to anyone. I try to sell to someone who has adequate shelter and food and room. God Bless you and i hope you find a good home for your goats.

 

[Spokeless Wheel]

First off I said that I called places where they rescue them this are facilities where they already have unwanted animal but they are at capacity now, I never said that I am trying to sell them to someone and tell them what to do with them at the same time I don't know where anyone got the impression I am doing that but I do not appreciate anyone telling me what I am doing when I never said that I did that.
I know very well how to handle a farm animal and how to dispatch it if I need to but I promised I will try to keep them alive if possible which is why I have been trying to reach rescue organizations not a private buyer. Thanks for the lesson in life but that is not what I was asking for

Ok You just got harsh reality. It hurts but we all know we have no choices when we have to sell some. Giving them to a rescue doesn't mean they get away from slaughter forever either. And some rescue have deplorable living conditions. They might be better off slaughtered quickly then die of starvation in filthy living conditions. More and more rescues are not what they claim to be. Good luck!