Buying Goats, Advice Needed Please (really long)

[ntjpm]

Hi all, Every since I found Holly's(shyanne) webcam I have been learning about and finding all I could about Goats. So last night as I was pursuing Craig's List I found this listing. The lady is in my town and I has been very wiling to answer all of my questions and not a hint of defensiveness on her part anywhere. So I am wondering if you guys wouldn't mind reading the emails responses I have gotten back form her and give me your opinion. I am not any in hurry to get goats, just so you know.
Here is the Craig's List add http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/grd/1784229813.html
Ok so here goes this is my original email with her answers in line..

Hi there I am in town too and saw your add on Craig’s list. I have spent many, many months looking for the perfect goats for our family and learning so much about how to care for them. I have a couple of questions for you if you do not mind, Do you regularly test for CAE and CL?
-Most of my mini does were tested before I purchased them, I am testing everyone else next Tuesday, however, Mary cannot be tested until she is 6 months old and her dam was not tested. I have been raising goats for 16 years both dairy and meat goats. I have not tested for several years as I had been negative all that time and had closed herd, so chances of Mary's mom having are slim. While my buck came from tested herd, he was not tested so he is on the list for next Tuesday. I will test for CL, however, have never had any abcess on any goats in 16 years and have not tested for that in the past. Since I am now breeding to sell I will follow the community standard and test yearly, however, if negative for CL this year will probably not regularly test for that. I am also going to test for Johnes this time but will not test yearly for that.
Was the reason the person backed out because Mary could not be registered? (if not you so do not have to tell me why lol)

-No, the reason was the husband finally told his wife he did not feel ready. I had emailed her several times with concerns that they were not ready for goats (lots of travel away from their home), and I guess they were not. Their deposit is good for goats next year if they are ready then and they are first on the list.

How long have you been raising goats? (16 years) Do you use copper for you herd?
No, I have goat mineral free choice and feed goat chow to growing babies, lactating mom's and actively breeding bucks. Both of these products also contain selenium which is absolutely essential in our area.
Is it possible to come and see them before I commit to purchasing them?

Of course!
I understand that if someone else comes along and pays you then I am up a creek 
These goats have sold like hotcakes...which makes me happy I have chosen to invest so much of me in this developing breed! There are two other people interested. Yes, if someone else decides they want these two babies then you may have to wait until next year! But you can meet the herd and see who will be bred next year and think about what you want to do!
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions sorry I have so many, I really, really appreciate it. I look forward to hearing from you. Tracy
I don't often get to email until late in evening.
If you wanted to come see goats Friday after about noon, or anytime on Saturday would work for me.
Thank you for your interest, I am certain you will find the perfect goats for your family, honestly I think mini nubians are the perfect goats...well...no goats are perfect but mini nubians have personality, excellent milk and are gorgeous.
Wendy
http://seattle.craigslist.or]g/sno/grd/1784229813.html

So then I responded back regarding the CAE testing and stuff and she sent me this email.
I can't test either one yet as both are babies. I think it would be fine if you tested when they are over 6 months positive and of course if you wanted to return them. You will need to decide. I am going to warn you that you will be in love by then.
No goat has ever shown signs or symptoms of CAE here and even with positive animal if the animal is not symptomatic, but a carrier, then that doe cannot nurse her babies and the milk would need to be pasteurized. I woul need to read about human consumption but do not believe this is a virus that crosses over species and the milk would probably be fine even raw for people...It would be up to you.


Sooo the question is what would you do. I am not getting goats to be a breeder nor for show I am just looking for a good family pet who can also help with the weeds and my boys can participate in the care of. I am however not really interested in CAE or CL being on my property. Thanks for helping and I am so sorry this is soo dang lang. :0
Tracy in WA

[thaiblue12]

I find the price kind of high for them not being registered and not tested. But that is my area, I have no idea how much goats are going for in your area.

The blood test for CL is not accurate anyway. The most accurate is testing the pus, which if they have no lumps, cannot be tested anyway.

If she thinks the doeling's ear flip is not a Nubian trait where does she think it comes from? What buck of what breed bred her? But she is still listing her as a Mini Nubian? My Nubian wether has the ends of his ears a bit curled up but he is purebred.

They are cute and do look healthy. I feel like she is trying to get you to buy them with her comments about how fast they are selling and how she has others coming to look at them. I do not rush peole into buying goats. If they need to think about it, I give them time and 90% come back and do buy them. I want them to go to a good home that will care for them and ask me questions. A lady two days ago came to buy my mini Nubian pair, she asked questions and talked to me for an hour. that also helps since she is now buying 3 goats

Check prices in your area, go see the goats but do not get pressured into buying.

[Goat Servant]

Originally Posted by thaiblue12

The blood test for CL is not accurate anyway. The most accurate is testing the pus, which if they have no lumps, cannot be tested anyway.

Mine were Cl & CAE tested (over 6mos of course) Nobody had lumps.

Those prices are actually pretty reasonable for this area.

[ntjpm]

Thanks Thai that info is good I really appreciate it. I am going to go out there tomorrow to see her place and how she keeps them. I am leaving my Checkbook at home.

Nancy I am so glad you saw this I couldn't remember where I wrote your number down LOL. Do we have a problem with Cl or CAE in our area?? I know it is very prolific in some areas of the country. What did you think of the babies?

Thank you both I would be lost without you all. Tracy in WA

[Goat Servant]

I dont know very much about dairy but they looked good to me! Check w/Pilchuck vet they might be able to tell you if cae or cl is prevalent around here I just dont know.

[deineria]

GREAT prices for my location - would sell like a hotcake here.

Reasonable answers to your questions.

If the mothers are CAE free, I would feel fine about buying the kids.

CL is something tests aren't realiable on. . .so feel over and look over the herd for signs of lumps.

[Shygal]

Oh gosh you are so lucky, around here those would sell for 350-400 for the doeling, and they are adorable!

[ntjpm]

Wow, thanks guys I am feeling much safer about this. I think that they are so gosh darn cute.

Nancy thanks much, do you use Pilchuck for your goats??

I will be sure when I see her goats tomorrow to run my hands all over them. Cl is usually found on the neck correct??

You guys are awesome as usual.

Tracy in WA

[thaiblue12]

I must live in the wrong state, here wethers are a dime a dozen. $50 for a disbudded, vaccinated, healthy purebred Nigerian dwarf boy is what I get. I am happy they are going and it does not cost me much to raise them since I keep them on their dams. I see purebred Nuibian wethers for $25.

Two things get me:

"Mary cannot be tested until she is 6 months old and her dam was not tested."

The doeling is not tested nor is her mother. I am not saying they have CAE.

This also bothers me:

"I think it would be fine if you tested when they are over 6 months positive and of course if you wanted to return them. You will need to decide. I am going to warn you that you will be in love by then."

Again not saying they have CAE, but even if they do you will be so in love by then you won't want to return them??

As far as checking for CL lumps, look for any large hairless area with a lump, or popped lump. Feel necks, jaws, ears. Naked knees and tops of heads are fine but hairless other patches, look over. If you feela lump at the shoulder do nto freak it is probably a vaccination site.

The babies look good, but do not hesitate to pass if you see something you do not like.