Still haven't bred the girls

[Painted Owl]

Hey all! My does are almost ten months old, and what with one thing or another this fall, still haven't been bred. Is there a window of opportunity I am missing here? I still hope to get them a buck, but it might not come together till after christmas. I have heard they have a breeding season, and others tell me they can breed any time of the year. I am in Washington, so our climate stays fairly mild all winter long. (if that matters to a goaty!)

[Doug Hodges]

Originally Posted by Painted Owl

Hey all! My does are almost ten months old, and what with one thing or another this fall, still haven't been bred. Is there a window of opportunity I am missing here? I still hope to get them a buck, but it might not come together till after christmas. I have heard they have a breeding season, and others tell me they can breed any time of the year. I am in Washington, so our climate stays fairly mild all winter long. (if that matters to a goaty!)

What kind of goats are they?

[Frosted Mini's]

What breed? The "swiss" breeds and I think lamanchas, all have a breeding season that generally lasts from September through January, sometimes a little longer, but not much, sometimes shorter--I've had several alpines the last 2 years not have heats until October and November. The heats at the beginning and end sometimes don't last as long and may be silent or not as obvious. The Nigerians are usually, but not always, year round breeders. Mini's, which are cross-breed between Nigerians and a full-size dairy breed, generally have an extended breeding season, but some have the same as an alpine, a few will breed year-round. I am unsure about the meat, pygmy, and fiber breeds.

But you should have at least 1 heat after Christmas, possibly as far as February for July kids. You should probably line up a buck right now, though, if you haven't already, so you don't miss them entirely. If so, you will have dry yearlings, which a lot of people do on purpose, so may not be that big of a deal.

[Painted Owl]

They are Oberhasli. I am sure they have each had at least 3 heat cycles so far. (It was hard for me to tell at first, they may have had more)