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Barnyard Buddies:  goat breed questions  |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 31 2009 : 03:30:36 AM
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A while back here at the zoo, our boss had broached the subject of us getting a goat or two.
I work in a section that has big and small hooved critters like those cute thomson's gazelles.
Sometimes we are shipped single herd animals and thought it might be a better calming effect if we also include a goat or two in the stall for companionship while the antelope are undergoing their 30 day quarantine inside a barn.
Our vet cautioned the boss about getting a troublesome animal. Like some goat breeds are too aggressive or too submissive.
He was also concerned about a defenseless goat getting gored by a horned animal.
Well, looking around the neighborhood this weekend, I saw several types of goats with horns. DUH! Or do just the billies have the horns? I'm thinkin' we would probably get a female....
So would there be a breed that 1. isn't too exotic and expensive 2. is docile enough for us to go in with while 3. being able to hold its own
Not sure what age we would get it at. Thinking an older animal might be more gentle? But we don't want an old nanny who might kick the bucket at any time either
Thanks! |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2009 : 08:31:33 AM
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All goats have horns (BOTH sexes)... as far as I know. Most goats are "Mechanically" dehorned when they are young, though some goats are born without horns ("Polled"). Not good to have horns on pets and dairy breeds, though some of my Nigerians ARE horned and I've never had a problem with them. You just have to be careful you don't get poked by them.
The best choice would be a wethered (neutered male) "Scrub" goat, probably WITH horns, if it will be housed with horned animals. ("Scrub" just means a goat with no known pedigree). Non-pedigreed goats are relatively inexpensive and very easy to find. A neutered male would be the best choice because they are not interested in breeding anyone, and no one would be interested in breeding THEM! (LOL!!) "Intact" animals can be real pain when they are "Looking for Love," and you don't want to end up with some really STRANGE looking babies!!!
Personality-wise, goats are just like people. Each individual has one ALL their own! Age doesn't always matter as far as gentleness goes either. I have some young ones that are buttheads and some OLD ones that are sweet as pie-- and vice-versa, so age is no guarantee of anything, and a well cared for goat can live quite a long time.... 20yrs maybe? (I know that's how long SHEEP can live!) Maybe just get one and see how it goes? Good luck! Let us know what happens ok? ~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2009 : 08:32:24 AM
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Hi Anna, You can get goats that have been dehorned. I also think you should get a female. I think an older goat would be more gentle too. Maybe like 8 years old. I can't remember how long goats live so I'm kinda guessing about what age you should get it. I can't really recommend a type of breed because they all have there ups and downs from what I've seen. Hope this helps a little.
Maggie |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2009 : 08:36:00 AM
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I like what Tracy said. Much better than what I wrote.
Maggie |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2009 : 09:24:11 AM
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Oh, not BETTER Maggie! I prefer the females as PETS myself, but I just suggested a wether because of the "cross-breeding" issue. Even if the animals CAN'T interbreed, they'll still TRY!!!! Animals don't seem to care much one way or the other in that regard. It's my understanding that, regardless of the species, if the animal is not fixed (especially MALES) they WILL try to breed whatever other creature is available! Just thinking of the least hassle.... LOL!!!! Hugs! ~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2009 : 11:23:17 AM
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I have found thru years of having intact males of many species that that is not true. I have NEVER had one of my breeding male goats try to bred one of my llama girls, alpaca girls, sheep, dogs or such. I have also spent years showing breeders that intact male llama's and alpaca's who where being used for guard animals will not breed their sheep, goats, horses and alike. Also if the animal you are wishing to have company with has horns then you are risking the goat by not letting them have their natural horns. My Cashmere and Angora billies can and do have a horn span of three feet but NEVER in 13 years have they ever gored anyone - not their own kind or others that they are in with rather they be smaller or bigger animals. If you send a goat into an enclosure with a horned animal you are asking to have an injury to the goat because that is their own defense.
If you would like more indepth information I would be glad to give you all my experience of mixing multi species animals - I just really think that I need to know more about the temperment of the animal you are taking care of before I could make a suggestion on a goat or other companion animal. Also, never purchase any animal that has not been raised with multi species pasture friends - they will have no idea what to do with something that is not them....
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2009 : 5:00:09 PM
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Yea, temperment of those African antelope is a factor to consider.
For example, we'll be receiving a shipment of 3 sitatunga females end of September. They are secretive and mostly solitary, although pairs and threes of females are common in the wild. The single young male we'll also be receiving in a separate shipment will be the same, but intact for breeding. He was born in May and will be a youngster. You could go in w/ them provided they are used to people. Thomson's are flighty kudu are wary but do best with a buddy nyala are the dogs of the antelope world and very laid back
Not sure if we would ever want a billy. I know they pee on their beards and really stink. As a kid i was pinned against a barn wall, so that trauma still lingers to this day. So castrated would be an option.
Generally the critters we receive are so shocked when they arrive...different barn and smells and people. So any 4 legged rumanant might would be welcome.
We currently house 2 kudu males w/ a tommy and all can be seen sunning together sometimes.
I'll keep all your suggestions on file and present the "facts" to bossman when we decide to revisit the issue again. Would have been today but he was sick and i'm off for the next 2 days...more time for more fact finding!
Thanks for all the suggestions, as I know nothg about goats and will take all the info offered! |
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homsteddinmom
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Brandee
bullard
tx
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2009 : 07:58:18 AM
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I think i would look for a spanish goat, more often called a scrub goat as that is what alot of people get to clean up vegetation. Now i Think a Large Nanny Boer goat would be good and she could hold her own also! Also Nubians are good!
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
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Barnyard Buddies: goat breed questions |
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goat breed questions
