Where to buy supplies cheaply?

[holsteintater]

Hello. We're getting chickens (meat birds/layers) this year along with two dairy goats and I'm wondering how I can buy as many things used and cheaply as possible.

Also, how would you go about getting a dairy goat? Are auctions a gamble? If the dairy goats are just for milk for our family, is it not recommended that we buy registered goats? I was told that if they're registered we can sell the kids for a whole lot more but is it worth all the extra expenses for two does?

I think the goat fencing and the stanchion will be the most expensive items. I can't wait to move onto our "farm"!!!

[moosemaniac]

As for the goats, buy the best milkers you can afford. When you breed them, breed to a good, quality registered buck. Do a little research on improving the quality of the kids and you'll get a good price.


Ruth

[nehimama]

You could post in the "Barter Board" forum, listing what you're looking to buy. There may be some folks from this forum in your area who may have what you need.

As for the dairy goats, I'd stay away from the auction barn. Again, if you list on the Barter Board, there may be someone in your area who has just what you need. A GOOD dairy goat does not HAVE to be registered, but a GOOD dairy goat probably won't come cheap. I have two registered milkers, and two non-registered milkers. To my taste and way of thinking, they each milk as well.

Good Luck; I hope you can easily find all that you need.

NeHi

[noname]

If you see a dairy goat at an auction, I can pretty well guarantee she doesn't give a lot of milk. Most likely the people who owned her decided she wasn't giving enough milk to make it worth feeding her. People don't send good milkers to auction.

Find the local feed store and ask them who has dairy goats. Put up a sign on their message board that says you're looking to buy. Make it clear that you don't need registered stock. Goat people always seem to have a few that aren't quite up to their standards but would probably be good family milkers. I got my 2 milkers from a neighbor for $100 each. They're not registered, and they wouldn't be considered top milkers in any herd, but they are sweethearts and the amount of milk they give is plenty for us.

As for other equipment around the farm, you can learn to make a lot of the stuff you'll need out of free or scrounged materials. Some things you're just gonna have to buy. You can get lots of good suggestions here, and if you do an internet search you can find plans to make a lot of things. Think about what you need, do a little research, see if you can make or find it, and then buy it if necessary.

[moopups]

In that you mentioned purchasing supplies also, call 1 800 Jeffers. They have about most anything you could need for most all farm animals. May have a web site also.

[ozark_jewels]

Don't buy "mineral feeders" instead make your own. I simply use those square feeders that farm supply stores sell. The ones that slip over a 2x4. I'll take a picture to show you how I keep most of the goat feet and berries out of them.

[Cash]

Do you have a local Freecycle board? They can be great sources of free stuff. Also, many state ag departments or Exstension Service offices publish weekly or monthly newsletters that include classified ads for farm gear and animals. The local Extension agent can also be a source of information, as well as folks at the farmers market. Find out who's making goat cheese in your area and ask them for info.

[FreeRanger]

I go the local farm auctions to buy "equipment" cheap. Used T-post still have enough life to out last me. I even by used wooden post if I know I was going to go buy new ones anyway, same with gates. My livestock doesn't know the difference. You can sometimes buy metal chicken feeders but I would hesitate to buy a chicken waterer (leaks). Of course you can make chicken feeders out of wood or PVC pipe (that you buy at an auction as well.) Brand new woven wire rolls at auction can be a fraction of the price for new (which I needed to buy anyway).

Make a list of all the projects you hope to do. Then make a list of materials that could be used to complete the projects. While at auction, think of how the materials can be used for your projects....

[ozark_jewels]

Farm auctions are wonderful for good buys sometimes. Just remember to bleach out or otherwise disinfect used equipment of any sort for the good of your critters.

[nehimama]

This is not a plug for Country Supply, but they DO have free shipping on orders over $50.00!

NeHi

[ozark_jewels]

Originally Posted by ozark_jewels

Don't buy "mineral feeders" instead make your own. I simply use those square feeders that farm supply stores sell. The ones that slip over a 2x4. I'll take a picture to show you how I keep most of the goat feet and berries out of them.

Here are pictures of my mineral feeder set-up. I use these in most of the barns. They are inexpensive and very easy to clean.







The board above their heads keep them from standing with their front feet in the feeders and it keeps the young goats from jumping in them. It should be just high enough to allow them to easily fit their heads in to eat. I use one nail in each feeder to attach it to the 2x4 so the goats can't knock it off.
It should be set at slightly higher than chest level to allow for the least goat berries to drop in it. A few will, but its unusual if they are set at the right height. They are very easy to clean, easy to move, and cheap. I think they are hard to beat.

[holsteintater]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing. Thanks for all the replies too.