How to say NO

Squeaky McMurdo · #21 02/07/13, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick_mg

Maybe invite her to come and do chores with you one day and suggest some books for her to read. Maybe when she sees you don't just sit around the barn all day cuddling the baby goats, she'll get that there is some work involved in it. Maybe, if she's not too serious, being overly helpful in the education department well make her changer her mind. If she is serious, she should welcome the information and that will give you a chance to see if she has the "street smarts" needed to have livestock.

I like this idea and it might be the compromise you need/ will let you evaluate and educate her. She wants to bond with the baby goats before they're weaned? Fine. She can come feed, water, and brush them as often as you want her to without pay. Maybe even practice picking up their feet since she will have to trim hooves on a regular basis. Worst case scenario she backs out right away or after the first day or more.

Sounds like she's just an over enthusiastic new homesteader that needs a dose of reality before she jumps in head first. Been there. Only difference is I joined this forum before I got my goats.

KrisD · #22 02/07/13, 08:26 PM

While I too would pass on the sale I would direct her to the Fiascofarm website and encourage her to come out and learn about goats. Think of it this was if she doesn't get them from you she will get them from somebody, and no baby deserves to die from ignorance.

I tell people I do not sell bucklings expect to very experienced owners, no exceptions. Most people don't need a buck. If she is insistent let her come out and smell your buck, that should change her mind right there!

I would tell her straight up "I don't feel like you have enough experience right now for baby goats. You're welcome to come out and learn about them and if I feel you are ready by the time these kids are ready I will happily let you take them home. If your not really ready we will just keep working until you are, I have breeder friends that will be kidding in the next few months".

Most people want to do it right but they think 'it's just a goat, how hard can it be'.

However I don't understand the arbitrary 8week age either. I have gotten plenty of older babies on a bottle successfully. None of my kids have ever really been weaned by 8 weeks. If mine are dam raised they nurse for months.