...And then there were 6

[Rechellef]

Well, I did sell my wether to a nice gentleman who stated he wanted company for his other goat who helps clear brush where his horses are pastured. I am not sure it was true or not, but I had to let him go. Someone else called about him and I said I sold him but was considering selling one doeling and maybe her momma too. Well, they had lost a milk cow to a copperhead bite, so he practically jumped through the phone to come and see my doe. I had not been meaning to sell her until my LaManchas freshed next spring, but I have more than enough milk. She was my 2nd best milker, so I wasn't giving up my best one. When he came, I gave him information on nutrition (minerals and feed), when they were vaccinated and wormed, told him that the milk volume will taper off until she gets settled in her new home, and had him watch me milk her before she went. I told him when her daughter was born and when she can be bred for the first time and even invited him to breed to my buck this fall if he desires. I called later that night to make sure they settled in well, and his whole family was absolutely thrilled to have the girls on their farm. I told him to keep my number so he can call me with any questions. I miss my doe, but actually felt good that she went to a family who will love and appreciate her and her daughter. So now my herd is down to a managable number of 6 - until next kidding season of course.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Congratulations on finding a good family for your goats. It's a good feeling.

[nehimama]

What Alice said. And, having a manageable number of goats is good, too!

[Backfourty,MI.]

Ditto what Alice & nehi said! 4 of our spring kids have gone off to new homes so far, 2 to a woman that works at our vets office & 2 to a 4H leader a couple hours away so I feel good about where they all went to. At least 4 more goats that I'd like to sell this summer.

[TroutRiver]

A friend of mine is in a similar position right now. She has 5 does to milk (9 goats total) and does not sell milk or make cheese she's been feeding milk to her dog every day and even dumping some down the drain!

I am actually going over to her house later this afternoon to look at the 3 does that she's selling (2 are in milk and dam-raising their kids). Part of me thinks that more goats are the LAST thing I need, but I *am* moving my goats to the farm that I work at next month in hopes of being able to sell raw milk on a very small scale. So having 3 milking instead of 2 isn't a bad idea, she might even pay for herself ... oh boy what am I getting myself into!?