Price to rent a goat in milk?

Ford Zoo · #1 11/02/13, 05:23 PM

I have some good friends who will be summering at their cabin near us this year. They plan on making cheese and would like to 'rent' one of my does for about three months. Care is not a problem, both spend time farm sitting for another friend with a large sheep herd, and we are close if anything arises.

They want to pay for using the goat, but I have no idea where to even begin with a price. The goat will be spoiled and well cared for, that in itself seems to me to be a reasonable trade since they will be feeding her during that time.

I don't sell milk or milk products, so I will not be losing anything by them having the milk.

What would you charge if they refuse to borrow the goat without paying something?

myheaven · #2 11/02/13, 05:36 PM

That's a good question.

wendle · #3 11/02/13, 06:09 PM

Figure up deworming and vaccination costs, and anything else the goat might need. Then add a little for your time to go and check on her taking care of whatever needs she has like hoof trimming. Set some rules on how she needs to be taken care of. It goes without saying to make sure it's a safe place to leave her. You might add some identification to the goat being away from home too, and add that to the rental costs.

wintrrwolf · #4 11/03/13, 08:15 AM

Me personally I would figure up charges on milk that you wouldn't be getting though you said you don't sell your milk that is what you will be missing with her being gone. If they are going to cover the cost of feeding her during this time and you are more then welcome to go over and check on her, for you this might be a win situation.
And since they are covering her feed and all you don't need to charge FULL retail price would go half. This is just my opinion though.

She is not going to be happy by herself....................

Doug Hodges · #5 11/03/13, 08:23 AM

If I had someone that wanted a milk goat until breeding time again and I trusted they would take great care of her (dad) I would gladly let them take her for that amount of time. Of course I would pick which one. And I know which one it would be. Lol Ginger. She is unregistered but is a easy milker with perfect teat size. However, she likes to throw her weight around and has a few of the girls intimidated.

Living the good life

farmmaid · #6 11/03/13, 08:23 AM

Yep, she needs a companion! Two goats, two in milk.............$50 a month. Two goats, one in milk....$35 a month. OR barter some farm work!!!!!!!!!!

Ford Zoo · #7 11/03/13, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the ideas, she won't be alone. The girls know they need to take 2, now just trying to decide if they want to milk 2.

**mygoat** · #8 11/04/13, 09:35 PM

If I didn't need the milk, and trust them to take good care of them (pay expenses)... then I'd GIVE them to them for that long. That's 3 less I'd have to feed and right there I'm making money... lol.

I wish I could come up with a good way to rent out my boer doe herd for land clearing that I felt good about. If I was able to check on them daily I'd do it in a heartbeat for local areas/people.