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Barnyard Buddies:  Goat Goddesses-need advice for a newby  |
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NancyM
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Nancy
Fall City
WA
113 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 4:31:47 PM
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Howdy-
We're planning on purchasing a couple of nigerian dwarf babies this year (wether or a doe) just to keep as pets. What kind of questions should I ask potential sellers? What kind of issues should I be aware of health wise, etc? We had a pygmy goat around the barn growing up, but I was never responsible for him so don't know beans about how to set myself up for goatkeeping. I appreciate any advice you can give
Nancy
Farmgirl Sister #159 |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 4:40:09 PM
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Here are some great questions to ask when getting any type of goat.
What breed or cross is it?
How old is it?
Is she bred?
If so to what kind of goat?
Do they jump fences?
Are they hard to catch?
Does it bite or butt?
Will they lead?
Ask the owner to show you how to trim there hooves. And ask when they have been wormed. And if they have any health problems. I hope this gets you started.
Hugs,
Channah
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 6:15:38 PM
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research, research and research some more, there are great books out there for green horns, and when you are ready to buy, bring someone with you who knows goats, to look at them for you, also ask if you can have them vet checked and if there's a problem , can you return them for a refund. Younger is better, and make sure your goat pen is "goat proof", as all goats have invisible wings.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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NancyM
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Nancy
Fall City
WA
113 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 7:13:11 PM
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Thanks for the advice so far ladies-fortunately our current vet does goats.
A stupid question-can you train goats to come when called? I'm wondering if when I'm out gardening I can have them out with me. I don't want them wandering off so am thinking I may need a tether. TIA!
Nancy
Farmgirl Sister #159 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 8:31:52 PM
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Nancy, I go for walks with my goats. They don't go far away from me. They will walk with me just like dogs. It's so cute. But I have had mine awhile. I just have to step out the kitchen door and they come running. It doesn't take much for these guys! They are all friendly and love to be loved on. Goats are the best. I love my girls.
You need to make sure you have good goat fencing and most of all good shelter. Goats hate getting wet. And they hate being alone.
When you go look at goats check their teeth. And their feet. I think those are the 2 most important things on a goat. If those are bad walk away. Also feel for bumps on their bodies. If you're going to milk double check those udders.
But above all you do not want a skittish scared goat. You should look for a goat that comes running up to you and is not afraid. They can be the ugliest goat on the place but if they come to you and rub on your legs, that's the one ya want to take home with you.
I hope you do get a few goats. They are so fun. And very funny. Let us know how your search goes. And word of mouth is the best way to find goats. Just ask around. Someone knows someone with goats somewhere.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 9:08:51 PM
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My goats follow me too! They answer my calls and everything. It's funny!
Hugs,
Channah
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 10:24:40 PM
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Actually, not only can you train goats to come, you can also train them to drive carts and pack with you! I have a friend upstate who does this. You have to start them off early though!
Another thing, Nancy, I would REALLY ask--or make sure that the potential sellers have documentation that their goats are Caprine Arthritis Encephelitis and Caseous Lymphadenitis free. These are two painful, highly contageous, and often fatal diseases of goats. In the case of CL--once it's on your property, it stays in the air and on surfaces for up to a year--and can also affect sheep. You will not be able to bring other such animals onto your property without risking infecting them.
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Laur
Farmgirl in Training
32 Posts
Laurie
Boonville
MO
32 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 6:45:41 PM
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I agree, you want to make sure they are CL and CAE negative.CL does contaminate and is transmisable and can cause forever trouble. CAE causes trouble too and it's best to start and stay clean. Washington State University has lots of good info and is considered by many the gold standard for testing. They have been researching CAE for many years.
Parasites are trouble for many too. Worm them immediately in dry lot, and wait a couple of days before you let them have access to pasture.
Try to learn what good feet and legs look like, their correctness attributes to longevity. Good feet will save lots of work with less foot trimming. If goats in the potential herd are limping they probably have foot rot which is also contagious and pollutes the environment. Try to find a breeder who has some years of experienece and offers you support. I show all new goat keepers how to trim feet, worm,etc. and always send along enough feed the animals can transition to their new rations without rumen upset.
Another important consideration is horns. I recommend no horns, the can't get stuck in fences or accidentally or on purpose hurt someone that way.
I recommend setting up all feeders and waterers so they can't stand in them or defficate in them. It helps the animals stay more parasite and coccidiosis free.
Happy goat hunting, there are lots of wonderful, devoted breeders out there and the wee nigerians are delightful! Many of them are wonderful little milkers too. Best wishes!!! Laur |
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NancyM
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Nancy
Fall City
WA
113 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2010 : 09:39:22 AM
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Thank you so much for all your advice! I really appreciate it!
Nancy
Farmgirl Sister #159 |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2010 : 8:47:35 PM
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well thought i would throw out my 2 cents. check your breeds.....some are more pushy. its just there nature like nubians. happy excited pushy. or lamanchas usually are more easy going. check those teats if you are going to milk. my ginger has perfect teats and udder.she gives almost a gallon and a half a milking. twice a day. she can hardly walk to the milk room.i milk a cow and i can say ginger has them beat with her willingness to be my friend and buddy and give me milk happily.i am shopping monday for goats. so fun. my foster mama and baby get to go home. so i need a friend or two for ginger. let ya know what we get. i know a lamancha for sure, but maybe someone else too. like kris said looks are not that important, you want a goat that is happy and friendly and will lead and is happy in its pen. good fencing. otherwise if there are horns they will be stuck in the fence....why because they are goats and if they can get their horn stuck they will.better if no horns in my opinion just a thought or two sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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Barnyard Buddies: Goat Goddesses-need advice for a newby |
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Goat Goddesses-need advice for a newby
