Odd question for goat owners

Laura Zone 5 · #1 09/15/13, 06:37 PM

I would love to learn, hands on, more about goats.

There is a place up the road from me, they have a huge barn, and there are at least 15 goats out in the pasture by the barn, all the time.

In your opinion, would it be intrusive, weird, creepy.....if I typed up a letter, gave my name, address and phone number, with a note stating my interest, and willingness to learn (and clean out the barn :-) if they would be interested.
I would leave the letter in their mail box, and if I never hear from them, never bother them again.....

Is that creepy?

I am not sure how else to connect with folks to learn about the animals, and potentially goat share.

I am in north central indiana, so if there is a 'source' ya'all know of that I am missing, please let me know.

coso · #2 09/15/13, 06:47 PM

First off if you get caught putting a letter in their mail box, it would be a lot creepy !! Like federal offense tampering with the mail creepy. I would just go up to the door and ask them !

See if there is a local goat club. Talk to people at the feed stores they will know if there are any around. Go to shows, look at this forum. I know there are some people from Indiana on here !!

coso · #3 09/15/13, 06:54 PM

There is the http://www.nationalgoatexpo.org/index.php Big show all types of goats, in Bloomington, IL. This would be a great place to learn and network at !!

Pearl B · #4 09/15/13, 07:03 PM

It is a federal offense to put something in someones mailbox. Its illegal to deprive the post office of its money-the postage fees. Just an FYI-good luck.

Minelson · #5 09/15/13, 07:12 PM

I don't see any problem with that at all..not creepy

cjean · #6 09/15/13, 07:50 PM

I'm trying to picture the scenario in my mind here...would I be creeped out if I found a random letter in my mailbox from a stranger, interested in being involved in my life?

Hmmm. I guess it depends on where you live, and the kind of people that surround you. Here - yes, I would be creeped. We live in an obscure, rural area on a dead-end road, surrounded by messed up druggie city-folk, looking for an escape from the city life. If I lived 20 miles east of here, it would be a whole different ballgame. I might welcome the idea of help in exchange for training. Different type of people live there.

How do you think they would take it?

anita_fc · #7 09/15/13, 07:59 PM

Besides it being illegal to leave un-postaged mail in the mailbox, I think an in-person visit would be much better. It would give both sides the opportunity to scope each other out, find out if you even like each other. I wouldn't want to be approached that way, and I can't imagine approaching someone else that way.

Heck. If it's a neighbor, just make a neighborly little trip over to introduce yourself. Play it by ear. If you seem to hit it off, mention your wanting to learn and willingness to help out.

Donna1982 · #8 09/15/13, 08:26 PM

I would go to their house and talk to them. Is this a breeder who might have a website with maybe an email address? How old are you ( rude to ask I know but if you are under age you should bring a parent). I wish you lived closer I love to give back and teach others and if I get some help with a project even better

Rose1317 · #9 09/15/13, 08:37 PM

It seems like there's a member on here whose place is called Faithful Crown farm,
and they have/had Nubians, around Logansport. Don't know if they are still in the goat biz, but it might be worth a try to do a search. Also contact the 4-H goat club in your county, or ask at the Extension office for the name of the Goat club leader, they would know who you might contact to learn. Most goat people are really nice to help those who are interested in the amazing world of goats

Laura Zone 5 · #10 09/15/13, 08:50 PM

Ok...instead of leaving it in the mail box, if I look up their address and mail them the letter with the proper postage....

I just wanted to know if someone sent you a letter, with their name, address and cell number included.....showing an interest in goats.....would that be creepy?

The area where I live is super nice rural area. Not full of yuppies or druggies.
Most of the folks living around here have been here generations.

I thought about contacting the county extension...again, do I just say "hey I want to learn about goats, can you introduce me to someone".....and that not sound 'weird'....

Oy, I am so awkward.

MeatPigeons · #11 09/15/13, 08:54 PM

If your a child, they would be more accepting. Children tend to be less creepy (but my neighbors nephew is a freak - he even agrees!!)

If your an adult, just take a friendly neighborly walk and talk about the goats. 'Oh what breed are they?' 'Do you breed for type or breed for productivity?' 'Could I pet them?' Etc.
then mention you'd love to come help out and do some of the chores (farmers love when people will do they're chores for them, lol), watch a birth, help with a breeding, fix fences, and maybe even buy one (depending if you want to)
Just be casual about, don't start off right off the bat
'Can I come clean your barn?'.... That's just weird. Just kinda talk about the goats and then offer to help with chores.

Awnry Abe · #12 09/15/13, 09:29 PM

I get this in the mail:

"Hi, my name is Laura. I live up down the road at 123 Elm in the little blue house with the poka-dot painted propane tank. I love to drive by and see your goats. I really want to get some goats but want to learn more before I start. Would you be willing to answer some basic questions? My number is ...."

I wouldn't be creeped out at all. I have yet to run into a goat person that doesn't want to talk goats.

Awnry Abe · #13 09/15/13, 09:31 PM

Oh...and your extension agents know the goaty people that go out of there way to share goat know-how. That isn't a bad way to go, either, but you may get directed to someone a fair bit away.

hercsmama · #14 09/16/13, 05:09 AM

Jumping in here with what we did. We are in the process of getting our land "Goat Ready", and wanted/needed to find some goat people, as we are new to the area and needed ideas for housing and fencing.
I went to the local vet and as he was checking out our Pyrs, and getting to know them, I asked him.
He was very nice and offered to get in contact with several of the locals for us. Gave them our number, and those that were interested called.
Through this we have found several very nice new friends, and the breeder we will be using come spring when we are ready to begin our herd.
A decent Vet can be a big help.

Bret4207 · #15 09/16/13, 07:01 AM

I'd stop by and I'd contact the county extension. The letter would creep me out more than a stop and gab.

wendle · #16 09/16/13, 07:39 AM

Face to face is much better as then they can get an idea who you are before they allow a complete stranger over to talk about goats. With so many weird folks out there some people can be pretty careful who they invite to their farm. Tell them you want to get into goats, but would like to see a few operations to get ideas on fencing, feed, shelter, etc. Offer to help with needed labor as well even if it isn't directly associated with the goats.

Ardie/WI · #17 09/16/13, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laura Zone 5

Ok...instead of leaving it in the mail box, if I look up their address and mail them the letter with the proper postage....

I just wanted to know if someone sent you a letter, with their name, address and cell number included.....showing an interest in goats.....would that be creepy?

The area where I live is super nice rural area. Not full of yuppies or druggies.
Most of the folks living around here have been here generations.

I thought about contacting the county extension...again, do I just say "hey I want to learn about goats, can you introduce me to someone".....and that not sound 'weird'....

Oy, I am so awkward.

Forgive my bluntness, but if I got a letter like that, I'd get creeped out!
Id bring them a loaf of bread or cookies and introduce myself, make small talk about their herd and ask about learning about them. And, smile, remember to smile!

Phil V. · #18 09/16/13, 08:43 AM

Are you able to come to get together on Saturday at Chain-o-Lakes State Park? If so I can give you some names of books on goats and some other info on goats.

Pony · #19 09/16/13, 09:43 AM

I think that a personal visit, especially since they're just up the road, would be best.

I wouldn't be creeped out by the letter, but would prefer folks just come by to be neighborly. With the govt being so darned intrusive in folks' farming, a letter might be misconstrued.

But neighboring is always a good idea.

KrisD · #20 09/16/13, 10:04 AM

Knock on the door and introduce yourself! We goat people love to talk about goats. Go up and say hello, we don't bite

I personally would not answer a random letter from someone I didn't know.