Which ones to sell?

[The Tin Mom]

This year has been a lot of work. We currently have four does we are milking, we topped out at eight. We just don't have the time, funds or need for that much milk.

How do you decide which goats to sell? The babies were fairly easy to let go - but now we are trying to decide on selling some of the girls that we know & love.

I have already decided not to breed my doelings this year, although a couple of them will be ready.

The milking does all have pluses and minuses. The biggest problem is that we are attached to them all and whenever I say "Let's sell this doe", my husband or one of the children will say "Oh, but she is so much fun because she does this and this" - and I have to agree with them.

[nehimama]

I'm so sorry! You have some very difficult decisions to make. It's never easy selling your goats, is it? (((hugs)))

[hiddensprings]

It is always hard to sell your goats. When we had a larger herd, hubby and I would decided that ____ needed to go. So, we'd both get a pad of papper and walk through the pasture and each of us individually would write down who needed to go. Then we compared notes. Those that we both picked, were the ones that went.
Now that I am just doing dairy goats, it is easier. I sell the ones that:
* don't have at least twins
* don't give as much milk
* are not good on the milking stand (fight, kick, etc)

Are there things you could do with your extra milk so you wouldn't have to sell? I make goat's milk soap and sell a ton of it. It pays for me feed, care, etc. Just a thought

[LoneStrChic23]

I'm going through this too!

I want Lamancha does & in order to be able to add a few, I have to let someone go.....two someones actually. My mom said she'd buy my miniature doe from me, so that helps as the kids can still visit her....Lilly, Sabrina's March doe is next..... I'm okay with letting her go, but the kids, and oddly, hubby say no....

But I must clean house a bit if I want Lamancha does...... plus it doesn't make sense to have a nice Lamancha buck & no does to breed him to....

Hate these type of decisions

[mpete]

Taste of milk is #1 in my book, then how easy of a keeper per quanity of milk is next. Then the personality on the stand and in the herd.
Ofcourse I hate to sell any of them, but I know it has to be done once in awhile.

[prairiedog]

Well now Joy could come back to live here and maybe talea too

[Oat Bucket Farm]

And then there is always Flower if you really want to let a milk doe go...

[The Tin Mom]

Originally Posted by prairiedog

Well now Joy could come back to live here and maybe talea too

LOL! I am purposely not breeding them this year so that I can keep them without wearing myself out! I figure I will breed Ronan to Pepper for sure & hang on to those two for Ronan and Char to meet next year....

[The Tin Mom]

Originally Posted by Oat Bucket Farm

And then there is always Flower if you really want to let a milk doe go...

Actually, she is top on everyone else's "sell" list - mostly because she is a brat for everyone but me to milk. If we do let her go, it would be after she freshens next year 'cause I want to keep the kids... (see what an addict I am? Even when I need to reduce my herd I can't stand the idea of letting go completely....)

[The Tin Mom]

Originally Posted by LoneStrChic23

I'm going through this too!

I want Lamancha does & in order to be able to add a few, I have to let someone go.....two someones actually. My mom said she'd buy my miniature doe from me, so that helps as the kids can still visit her....Lilly, Sabrina's March doe is next..... I'm okay with letting her go, but the kids, and oddly, hubby say no....

But I must clean house a bit if I want Lamancha does...... plus it doesn't make sense to have a nice Lamancha buck & no does to breed him to....

Hate these type of decisions

Me, too. It's funny 'cause we wouldn't have goats if they weren't so wonderful - but it's hard to keep perspective when it comes to letting them go - even when it doesn't make sense!

[The Tin Mom]

Originally Posted by nehimama

I'm so sorry! You have some very difficult decisions to make. It's never easy selling your goats, is it? (((hugs)))

Thanks, Loretta! It really is.

[The Tin Mom]

Duplicate post. Sorry.

[The Tin Mom]

Originally Posted by mpete

Taste of milk is #1 in my book, then how easy of a keeper per quanity of milk is next. Then the personality on the stand and in the herd.
Ofcourse I hate to sell any of them, but I know it has to be done once in awhile.

Originally Posted by hiddensprings

It is always hard to sell your goats. When we had a larger herd, hubby and I would decided that ____ needed to go. So, we'd both get a pad of papper and walk through the pasture and each of us individually would write down who needed to go. Then we compared notes. Those that we both picked, were the ones that went.
Now that I am just doing dairy goats, it is easier. I sell the ones that:
* don't have at least twins
* don't give as much milk
* are not good on the milking stand (fight, kick, etc)

Are there things you could do with your extra milk so you wouldn't have to sell? I make goat's milk soap and sell a ton of it. It pays for me feed, care, etc. Just a thought

That is a good idea. Time is part of the issue. I need to check into making soap. Thank you!!!

With your criteria, it would be easier. I will look at those issues - but it is still hard. I feel like I am betraying one of my friends....

[Oat Bucket Farm]

Originally Posted by The Tin Mom

Actually, she is top on everyone else's "sell" list - mostly because she is a brat for everyone but me to milk. If we do let her go, it would be after she freshens next year 'cause I want to keep the kids... (see what an addict I am? Even when I need to reduce my herd I can't stand the idea of letting go completely....)

But if you keep her kids, then you are right back where you started And, you have her mother and her full sister, so you wouldn't be losing her genetics.

[The Tin Mom]

Originally Posted by Oat Bucket Farm

But if you keep her kids, then you are right back where you started And, you have her mother and her full sister, so you wouldn't be losing her genetics.

Yes. This is logical. However, I am weak and do not understand such logic....

Seriously, I guess that is the reason for my asking. I know we need to sell probably two milkers - but I just can't convince myself that this particular doe is the one to be sold. I hate it!!!!

[Minelson]

Maybe just dry a few up and stop having kids? I could never part with any of my goats

[Oat Bucket Farm]

Or Snow...I like her too. And if you really wanted the babies out of the doe, you could have them. LOL, I have to try.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Your in a tough spot for sure & I feel for you. It's not so hard for me to sell my kids since they are not here that long, even though I still love them I get really attached so the longer their here the worse it is for me. It will be very hard for me to sell any of my adult's, hopefully that time will never come or it will be a long, long way off.

[Oat Bucket Farm]

I agree. Selling adult goats that you love is incredibly hard.

[chewie]

just did it today, and I'm very sad but also pretty happy cuz they went to what seems to be a terrific home. older couple who just want a home milker, and a doeling to keep her happy. I barely broke even but I know here, I wouldn't get much more if I even found another buyer at all. I hated to see her go, she is a doll, easy to milk, gives tons of milk, had trips and this was only her first year. I loved her but the others remaining had just one notch better udders, or other reasonings for keeping them instead. and this one will be the least upset at moving, she's really laid back.

I am breeding meat only again this year, as this is toooo hard on me. but feed went up, the gal who wanted milk backed out, and time is not on my side for so many chores either. i am sad that she won't be waiting for me in a bit for milking. *sniff*