Should I jump in?

[Tallabred]

This all started when I watched Randy Pausch's "last lecture" on fulfilling your childhood dreams and mine was to live on a self sufficient farm. I already live on 45 acres, have my chickens, a good garden going and breed Thoroughbred race horses so I have a good start. I have been researching on making cheese but had a hard time making a decision on getting goats or a cow. I have not had any luck finding a smaller cow near me but I have found a herd dispersal 10 minutes from me. The cost might be a little high but I wanted Nubians and they are local and young. (I did find a nubian being milked for $150 but I would have to spend $200 in gas to get her.)

The herd consists of 2 does with doelings(FF) and 1 doe open. What do you think - should I leap?

[Alice In TX/MO]

IF you have your fences ready. YES!

[Minelson]

Go for it!!!!

[Ernie]

Cost is a touch high for my area but might be just right for your area.

Before you leap, ask yourself the following question:

"What am I willing to do if the goats don't work out for me and I can't find anyone else who will take them?"

You may not like milking, or may not be able to be consistent with it, or there may be problems unforeseen with your ownership of the goats. Perhaps these are escape artists whom you'll never keep penned. Either way, plan your "exit strategy" for goat ownership ahead of time. Be aware that there are really only two ways to become an ex-goat owner .... transferring ownership through sale or gift, or butchering.

That said, goats are great. I love 'em, despite their somewhat impractical nature.

[Zone]

Have these does been tested for CAE or CL? Are they healthy? Do they only have the normal two teats or do some of them have three or four? (Some do. It is a genetic defect).

Be well informed. Ask to see test results. The last thing you need are sickly goats.

They are such wonderful creatures though. If you do jump.... Have fun!

[Tallabred]

I took the leap! I picked up my new goat books, put a deposit on my new Herd and thought that I would do a quick post for my panic.

In my excitement yesterday I forgot to take my camera when I went to give my deposit but I will take pictures as soon as I get them here.

All three of the does just crowded us but the doelings have been raised by the moms so they are not as friendly. I get to register and name them, they are 11 weeks old. Hubby is building me a milking stand and hay feeder today and we will be adding some wire fence at the end of our barn so that the goats can use the end stall.

First question - should their mineral block be different than our horses?

2nd ? - They had kind of sticky coats in our Tallahassee humidity - Do you wash goats like horses?

3rd ? - I will have 5 to breed this fall. I know how to do AI with horses - should I try AI with my does or should I work to get a buck to breed them all this fall.(I like to plan ahead)

Thank you all - I love this forum

[sgian]

With the doelings and skittishness, if you pick them up occasionally and give them treats while holding them they will probably quickly learn to be very affectionate with you. It hasn't worked as well for me when they are adults.

As for the mineral block, I think you may need separate mineral blocks based on my experience with a donkey. From what I understand, equines can't handle as much protein or rich food as goats or they may get fat. My donkey just loves alfalfa (rabbit pellets) and goat mineral blocks, but he is already fat and we have a tough time sometimes keeping them away from him.

[LaManchaPaul]

Congrats! Here's hoping you're as happy goatherding as I am. If it is possible don't keep a buck. AI is common or borrow a buck. IMO bucks smell soooo bad during rut, then. imagination or not, I taste it in the milk. Paul

[pookshollow]

Wow! Instant herd!

You should supply a loose dairy mineral - goats can't really get enough from a block, it's too hard. I give mine kelp meal as well, they seem to prefer that to the mineral. Also loose salt - I use the "HiBoot" salt, which has extra copper.

I don't wash goats, unless they're going to a show - they hate water!

Are there any other breeders near you with Nubians? It's easier just to take them to a buck when they're in heat. I don't know if the success rate with AI is very good with goats, it's certainly not common around here. Or, you can get your own buck. I have three in the barn (different pen!) and I have never noticed any off-flavour in my milk.