Total newbie question

MariaAZ · #1 09/29/08, 05:23 PM

We've been thinking on and off about getting a Nubian doe for milking. I know goats need companionship and would get two goats, but was wondering if goats need goat companionship, or would they accept a dog as a companion?

Also, is AI a good option? Once we'd get our goats we wouldn't want to truck them to a buck unless it's the only way to go.

Minelson · #2 09/29/08, 05:28 PM

Another goat would be best...but it depends on the goat and the situation. When I got Gretta she was pregnant. She did fine being an only goat but I think it's because I was always home and gave her so much attention. Also 2 horses, 2 dogs, 5 cats and 5 chickens at the time. She had twins so now we have three.

MariaAZ · #3 09/29/08, 05:59 PM

I'm home all day too. We were seriously looking at a pregnant doe awhile back. She was used to being around dogs, and we thought if she'd be OK alone until she gave birth, we'd keep the offspring as a companion. However, we decided to pass since we don't have experience keeping goats, much less a pregnant doe. That, and the idea of purchasing a companion for her and in short order ending up with at least three goats

Cannon_Farms · #4 09/29/08, 06:14 PM

This is the best place to learn, I only thought I knew about goats. There is going to be aray of advice.
I dont believe that goats should be keep in singles, you cant mimic the herd since your not there at 2 am to protect them, or run slower than them so you get ate by the bear and they dont, thats how herd animals think, sounds bad, but if you think, theres the older sicker, slower members of the herd to be in the food chain, then those who are healthier and faster that are not.

I would maybe get a different breed, Im partial to boers, you dont get allot of milk but it has a higher butter fat which makes for great cheese and cream, so you have one for milking to drink, another to make the rich cheese.
But beware, a gallon a milk a day adds up pretty fast, to get the premium taste its not going to be really cheaper than buying cows milk from the store, but considering that most sell goats milk (must be labled for pet milk if done raw) for $7-10 a gallon, you can make a profit that way.
I liked the milk I got out of using tizwiz but many will tell you not to feed a goat a sweet feed because it messes with their digestion, however I dont personally see the problem knowing my goats eat enough tree and bark to get a sticky sap does every day and it doesnt effect the poop factory.

I had thought of doing AI on my goats because I didnt want to expose them to outside herds and didnt want a stinky humpy buck around, but have desided for us, that when the right one comes along we will buy our own and deal with the stink a few months out of the year. The expence and complications wasnt worth it for my grade does, however its still something I may do later, I have a thread on it if you search the forum.

Goats are very addictive, so even if you wanted just one, it wouldnt be long and you would want another, and another and so on, I started with one, got 8 looking to add 2 more from Chris hopefully.

QoTL · #5 09/29/08, 06:14 PM

I'm a newbie too

But I really think a lot depends on the goat. When we brought home our first girl, she butted both of my dogs. And yelled, and paced, and was miserable. I have her up with the chickens, gave her lots of attention, but she was sooooo unhappy.

I brought home her companion goat 3wks later. She was SO excited. Meanwhile.. they both think one of my dogs wants them for dinner (he's very curious, so hangs out outside their yard when I'm in there doing chores) They've been here for 4.5 and 3.75 months respectively, and for some reason they still see that dog as a threat. They face him down through the fence daily. My other dog doesn't seem to bother them as much. And the companion goat butted my kitty pretty hard one day when she came into their yard.. needless to say, all cats/dogs/chickens are kept out of their space now lol!

I know some goats are fine with dogs, though. Mine just don't happen to be those goats.

Meghan

Cannon_Farms · #6 09/29/08, 06:15 PM

Oh, and milk the goat, or have them to before you get the goat, if she doesnt seem to accept it well dont buy her.

AnnaS · #7 09/29/08, 06:18 PM

A goat would be the best companion, then a sheep, llama, etc. Goats usually don't react well to dogs- they see them as predators to fear rather than herdmates. I don't have LGDs so someone with an LGD may have better info.

As far as AI- there is quite a bit of expense. The equipment, including a nitrogen tank, runs $400-$1200. Semen is around $25 a straw, and the shipping can be pricey. You'll also have to take a class to learn how to AI correctly.

Leasing a quality buck from a healthy herd may be an option. I've trucked does for breeding with success.

nehimama · #8 09/29/08, 07:28 PM

Just my 2 cents here; if you want a goat for milking, and you find one for sale that is in milk, be sure to TASTE first. Every once in a while you find a goat whose milk you don't like.

Also, please remember this; she may act fine for her current owner on the milkstand, but once you get her home, you may have to give yourself and her time to work into your own routine.

Good Luck in your search, and I hope you find exactly what you're looking for.

NeHi