Nubians or Nigerian Dwarfs?

[volchitsa]

I want to buy a milking goat but I'm not sure which to buy. The goats in my area are probably not bred for milking purposes, so I think Nubian because they might have larger teats? Also, what should the size of an enclosure be for a doe (I'm getting one doe for now, but getting another
ASAP for company)? I like Nigerian Dwarfs better, but I think I wont be able to get a good milking type doe. I have to say (no offense to any Nubian lovers!), I just don't like the Nubians ears and nose... It just doens't look cute to me, but I think they are my only option given where I live (I think it would be too expensive to ship- I'm in Hawaii).
So: what would be the better breed for a new goat owner/milker, and a place that doesn't have good milking lines?
Also, which has the better temperament (easier to tame, more loving, etc)

Also, any advice to newbies? What are some real important things to get in advance?
Sorry for so many questions.
Thanks!

[LFRJ]

Beauty is as beauty does. Just my two cents. I don't think our doe is pretty much, and falls short of the adjective "cute" in about every way, but she's been a terrific milker, good mother, and a dream for us beginners - so beautiful she is.

[Oat Bucket Farm]

For questionable milking lines, go with the Nubians. You are more likely to get a good quantity of milk and milkable teats. ND are great, if they come from lines that have been bred for milking.

[mabeane]

I've had them both. Loved Nubians although they tend to be very vocal. Crazy about NDs! Their milk is sweet, their temperment easy. I have two easy milkers that give ove a quart each milking.

[southerngurl]

Nubians Mine are quiet. Well, except Abigail right now who is in the barn by herself and thinks I'm her baby.

[Donna1982]

For milk goats I'm a lamancha girl. If I had to pick between nubians and NDs I would go nubian. I have small hands and trust me milking small teats is not fun at all. i have two lamanchas one FF and the other a second freshener and both have small teats but I still love them and wouldn't trade them for a million dollars.

[whiskeylivewire]

I have NDs and love them. One has large teats the other has smaller ones. Actually, even with my larger hands, I find the smaller teats easier to milk! yes, I know I'm weird. Both are FFs and doing wonderfully. I would recommend talking to Wags on here if you want to know everything there is to know about NDs. I am no expert and she most certainly is!

[SpiderLegs]

Just checked craigslist and it looks like Saanens are more popular in Hawaii. Don't know where you live though. Maybe bring them to your island an a surfboard.

SURFING GOAT: 'Goatee' takes to the waves - YouTube

But seriously Surfing Goat Dairy has some kids for sale, just need to feed them milk.

ND I saw were pets and pets only, not nice teats. so if it is a choice of ND or Nubians..of course I'll say Nubians. But if you can find a good couple of ND it might be cheaper to feed them there.... saw alfalfa is $42 a bale, wow

[Sonshine]

I've only had ND's and African Pygmies, never had a big goat. I love my ND's. They have such sweet dispositions and they're small enough that if they ever get out of their pen I would be able to get them back in. I had some trouble with our pygmies in that department. Yes, their teats may be smaller and you won't get as much milk, but the milk you get IMO is wonderful.

[volchitsa]

It sounds like I'll have to go with Nubians, I just hope the ones I'm going to see will have nice teats and a good temperament.

SpiderLegs, I live on Oahu. The Saanens are on other islands and I have no idea how much shipping is, I'm guessing it's probably expensive? And yes hay is pretty pricey . But that is one adorable goat! It's adorable how they taught her to surf xD!

[Wolf Flower]

I've had both Nubians and Nigerians, and though I love both, the temperament of ND's is much more easygoing. Nubians are sweet and affectionate, but can be vocal, needy, and have a prima-donna attitude. If bred for milk, Nigerians can be very milkable and give a tremendous amount for their size. Plus they are quiet, easy keepers, and their small size makes them very portable and easy to handle. Mine fit in a large dog crate in the back of a minivan or small SUV. However, if the bloodlines readily available to you are of questionable milking quality, a Nubian would be a safer bet.

You say there are Saanens readily available in HI, why not explore that option? Their temperament is lovely; quiet, easygoing, and they give a TON of milk. Right now I have Saanens and mini-Saanens, and I love them.

How far into milk do you want to get? You could purchase a Nubian doe and a Nigerian buck, and have mini-Nubians. But again, you would want an ND buck out of milk lines, and you'd probably need to import one for that--and it isn't cheap. I just bought a very nice ND buckling for $400 and feel like I got a sweet deal. Put shipping on top of that and you'd better take out goat insurance.

[LoneStrChic23]

My preference leans towards Alpines & Lamanchas....... But if I had to choose a 1st time dairy goat, and could only choose ND or Nubians, I'd take the Nubian.

I would only buy a ND as a milker if it came from a herd with documented proof that they breed for production & ease of milking...... Too many ND's bred for the pet market that are unsuitable for milking...

[Sonshine]

Originally Posted by volchitsa

It sounds like I'll have to go with Nubians, I just hope the ones I'm going to see will have nice teats and a good temperament.

SpiderLegs, I live on Oahu. The Saanens are on other islands and I have no idea how much shipping is, I'm guessing it's probably expensive? And yes hay is pretty pricey . But that is one adorable goat! It's adorable how they taught her to surf xD!

I use to live in Halieva (sp) My second baby was born at Scholfield Barracks dispensory and then we were flown to Tripler.