Goat Breeds

[Pammielu]

I have no idea or care for what breed of goat I purchase, but knowing a little about a particular breed really could make a difference if it would be right for me. So, with that being said I would love to hear what breed you love and why.


My only requirements are, they must be people friendly and will be handled daily. They have to have ears(sry paul). And I do love color!

I grew up with nubians and loved them, but living where I do, I don't think the neighbors will enjoy a loud mouth all the time.


And one more thing. Do wethers smell? I didn't think they did, but I was told they did. I wouldn't care to have wethers, we just want pets and weed eaters. Do wethers get along?

Yep, newbie questions.

[DairyGoatSlave]

psh, you dont need ears! get La Manchas!

[Backfourty,MI.]

I have Nigerian Dwarf goats & they have all sorts of colors, blue or brown eyes, small in size & lots of personalities but all goats have alot of personality. The only goat that stinks is a adult buck. A wether is a male goat that has been castrated. If you only want them for pets & weed eaters then wethers are the way to go,they will cost you less initially too. I would try to get 2 young wethers that could kinda grow up together. They would probly turn out to be best buddies. We have 1 wether, he's spoiled rotten, Loves hugs, kisses, being brushed & any kind of snack you will bring him. He reminds me of a dog actually & would rather be with the people than the other goats most the time.

[Pammielu]

Originally Posted by Backfourty,MI.

I have Nigerian Dwarf goats & they have all sorts of colors, blue or brown eyes, small in size & lots of personalities but all goats have alot of personality. The only goat that stinks is a adult buck. A wether is a male goat that has been castrated. If you only want them for pets & weed eaters then wethers are the way to go,they will cost you less initially too. I would try to get 2 young wethers that could kinda grow up together. They would probly turn out to be best buddies. We have 1 wether, he's spoiled rotten, Loves hugs, kisses, being brushed & any kind of snack you will bring him. He reminds me of a dog actually & would rather be with the people than the other goats most the time.

That's what I thought about the wethers. I assumed that once they were altered then they shouldn't smell. Thanks! I was right:baby04:

Now I think I am looking into a couple young wethers! Nobody seems to want them, and I understand why. But I would be a perfect home for some.

[pookshollow]

I have three wethers, and they are always the first ones to be seeking attention - rubs, cuddles, scritches - well, except for the bottle bratling. He comes screaming whenever he sees me. He'll be wethered soon, too.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Wethers usually have a little tougher time finding a good home since most folks either want goats for meat or milk. Well the wethers you could definately eat but once they are castrated they can't produce babies or be bred or be milked. Normally most wethers I have ever seen or had are very gentle & good pet goats. They make wonderful companions for a lonely horse too. But for what you want goats for I think they would be a good choice for you especially to start out with. You'll probly fall in Love with them. Our wether I talked about above will never leave our place. Even if we ever decided to get out of goats we would have to figure out a way to keep Murphy.

[Pammielu]

That seems a little too simple. Now I just have to find me a good goat breeder and find me a couple of healthy wethers. That's the hard part around here. I have only found a couple of kiko farms, no color there, lol.

I will keep my eyes and ears open! Thanks so much!

[Backfourty,MI.]

What about any county fairs in the area? Most have a goat barn & we have met quite a few people with goat's that way. Talk to them, see if they have any for sale, know anyone, etc. Also check with your local mill or feed stores in case they know of people with goats since they probly supply them with the feed, mineral's, etc. for the goats.
Also maybe the scholl has someone that could give you numbers for folks involved in 4-H clubs too & they may have extra goats from spring breedings at there farms.

[billooo2]

One of the reasons that I like Alpines is because of the variety of colors.....everying from the classic cou blanc or cou clair......to white with black spots.......solid black........black with a lot of white.........a multitude of shades of chamoisee........browns.....grays......often with white nmarkings......white belts around the midsection. Right now I have one black doe kid with such a white belt, and a gray chamoisee doe kid with a white belt.
The other option with a larger breed wether.......more and more people around here are using them as "pack goats." If they want to go hiking or backpacking, they let the goats carry everything.
Another option in the future would be to train the wether to pull a cart.

[kreddish]

I am of course completely addicted to my quite and sweet little pygmys... Which ever breed to decide on... make sure the goats are healthy Good luck!

[dbarjacres]

Nigerians of course! Every color you can imagine, small, managable size and great personalities!

[Pammielu]

Nigerians are a breed I really like. I don't have a lot of land, but want a farm. I told my DH that I was going to get all "mini" animals and have a mini farm


Okay, now does anyone have three healthy nigerian wethers that need a loving home forever?? LOL

We already have two named, DS is still working on his.

[pokyone42]

In my experience.. wethers, when castrated young, look and behave just like does. No odor. No huge forehead, etc. Just nice pets

[Goat Servant]

Now I have three nice 3mo old Boer wethers for you! Chester has lots of brown on his chest. He's a cuddlebug. His two brothers Ivan & BB;
Ivan is developing his own personality & still friendly. His bro BB is a sweetheart.
Boers might be mostly white but they have distinct idioscynrcities. And they are easier to see in the brush!