Today I made a really really Hard decision

[Drewusa81]

Today I had to make one of the hardest decisions ever and decide to greatly reduce my heard of 20 dairy goats consisting of Lamanchas and Nubians. I have had them for 3 years and built them up to something I am proud of. I have decided to give some away to a local girl who is in 4H and takes them to the county fair every summer and will take great care of them. They will also only be about half hour away so I can go see them whenver I can. Anything that she can't take I am going to have to sell except for just a few. Since I don't milk them I was really only keeping "Pets" and in the end it was just getting to expensive every month to keep them fed. I hope I am making the right choice. If anyone has any similar experiences or words of encouragement can you post them? Thanks. If your from western NY and would like some information on some great goats please send me a PM.

[cjb]

I applaud you for making what sounds like the right decision. Your goats will be useful to someone and I'm sure that the girl will be very blessed. I can't imagine parting with any of my animals, I'm very bad about that, but I also can't imagine keeping that many dairy animals without milking them!

Can I ask - why weren't you milking them? Also, if this girl is going to breed and milk them, maybe she can pay you back with milk and cheese Just a thought.

[Drewusa81]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I never got into milking them just because I never really explored that route. My parents don't like goats milk so they didn't want me to bring any home to them. I probably could have sold some of the milk to use for pets milk but I just never got into milking them. I guess it was because I was busy and didn't want to be tied down to a strict I have to be there at this time everyday type of routine to make sure the girls got milked properly. Probably seems odd because I used to have a job milking cows (maybe thats why I never started milking them! ) I'm just glad I know that they are going to a good home. I'm very sad to have them leave, but I know they will continue to have a good life and be loved and spoiled. I take pride in knowning that I raised them happy and healthy and did the best job I could.

I'm not sure if she eventually plans to start miking them but the cheese idea dosn't sound to bad!

[Minelson]

I'm sorry you had to make such a hard decision...It really sounds like a win/win situation with the 4h gal. So how many goats are you going to keep? DO you have any other pets too?

[Goat Servant]

Kudos to you for making the decision, and you have blessed the 4h person big time!
I have a hard time getting rid of them....right now theres at least a half a dozen that should go (anybody near Seattle give me a pm) some of them Im so attached to, a goofy bottle baby who now an FF.
Anyway its finally gotten to where as soon as they hit the ground I know who is staying...should start the other way around!! Feed prices dont help.
Next year it will be everyone (kids)goes unless they are exceptionally outstanding in their field.

[crazygoatgal]

Drew, I am going through the same thing right now and as a matter of fact I just sold one this morning that was one of my foundation does that I have had since she was 11wks. old and I am heartbroken. The girl who now owns her also bought her two babies from this year so they are staying together and the girl is the sweetest thing in the world. As hard as it is, and it is, you are doing what you feel is right and I commend you for it. I'll keep you in prayer.