Took the plunge with fainting goats

Christiaan · #1 01/25/08, 02:13 AM

On Monday I went and bought a small herd of fainting goats. Six pregnant does and a buck. Most money I've ever spent on animals. They are quite adorable. They haven't been handled much so it will be fun to get them to calm down and know me. Then comes teaching them to walk on a lead. That should be very interesting. I'll post some pictures when we get the chance.
The deal came up rather serendipitously so I'm not completely set up for them. In addition we are having new fencing put in this week, so its a bit chaotic. This is also the first buck I've had and it will be quite awhile before I get used to the smell.
It was interesting that with all the manhandling during the move there was very little myotonia. Just watching them moving around exploring and feeding they seize up quite often, and move rather stiffly most of the time. Our ground is frozen solid right now so that is also having some effect on them. They look like they are probably stage 1 and 2.
One doe is due next month, the rest in May and June.
I got them for the pet/exotics trade, there is quite a demand for them here. I'll also be using the buck on Boer and Boer/cross does to produce meat goats.

nehimama · #2 01/25/08, 05:03 AM

Congratulations on the new additions to your place, Christiaan. LOL on that buck aroma!

And . . . the pictures are . . . where?

NeHi

dbarjacres · #3 01/25/08, 09:20 AM

Have fun with them! I sold out of my fainters as they were so wild and just were naturally that way, no matter how much work I did with them.

Christiaan · #4 01/26/08, 01:10 AM

Hoping to get some pictures tomorrow. Have to trim hooves and give shots. The girls are calming down pretty well. They'll come up to me, but won't let me touch them. I need to find the time and just go sit with them for awhile. Feb. 10th a friend is having a CAE clinic so they'll get to take another ride in the truck. That should set my training back abit!
They are certainly cute. Their legs seize up when they try to hurry and they click when they walk.

mothershipfarm · #5 02/13/08, 08:47 AM

Congrats on the fainters. I have a small herd of them as well and enjoy them fully. 9 does and 2 bucks ( and a heard of Dairy goats as well) Mine are so very friendly and will jump on your lap and snuggle. They are very good fainters. I have a few that will stiffen up at times but then hit the ground! Contact me if you have babies for sale . I will have a few this April. Enjoy!

BlueHeronFarm · #6 02/13/08, 08:51 AM

How exciting - Can't wait to see the photos.
I really would like to have a fainter - just as a pet. Maybe a buddy for our buck.
Let us know how it all goes and post pix when you can.