Price check :-)

[Mvanuitert]

Looking at a pregnant Nigerian doe this weekend. Seller's asking $300. Seller seems knowledgeable, goat is up to date on everything. This will be her 2nd kidding, and she did great on her first. I believe she's bred to a nigerian buck, im not personally interested in registering them, I want a goat for land management and the milk. Friendly and easy to handle. Is $300 a reasonable price? What other questions should I ask the seller? Thanks!

[Clovers_Clan]

Yes, if she's got great milking bloodlines. No, if she's pet quality. But especially no for your purposes. If all you need is brush control, you can pick up 3+ wethers for that price, still from a reputable breeder with a tested herd. With a bred doe you will have to go through kidding. She will need a buddy until that point if you don't already have other goats. If she is a heavy milker you will HAVE to milk her, the babies will probably not drink enough.

[Clovers_Clan]

Oh, I'm sorry I just reread you want milk. Yes, if you are milking you'll have to get well bred stock if you want a Nigerian. A pet grade nigerian WONT cut it at all. But the same does apply, you will still need a buddy. We have a good many Nigerian breeders on the forum. Post some bloodlines and they can give you a better idea if she's what you need.

I don't want to start a debate about Nigerians, they have their place. They excel in small spaces and give rich milk. And conscientious breeders are improving production and teat size. But if you have a quantity of land and need brush control, standard size dairy goats may be more practical. Fencing is a little easier, Nigerians can slip through tiny holes and are excellent jumpers. A "meh" standard dairy still gives enough milk from decent size teats to supply your family and mixed breeds are cheap and easy to come by. To be brutally honest, a pet quality Nigerian is about as practical as milking a house cat. I know, I've owned some, they were cute, great pets, but not for milk. Kinders are an excellent cross if you want a smaller size and meat too.

Sorry for the rambling. But again, bottom line with Nigerians is breeding, or you won't get a practical animal for milking.

[Mvanuitert]

I definitely want the milk, so milking is ok. Going through a kidding is fine with me (i have experience assisting livestock with births and have a vet on hand). I figure if she has a female we can keep it for milk later on, if its a male we can either sell it, keep it for breeding (to a different doe) or for slaughter (or if there's twins, sell one, etc). Ideally I would like to have a small herd, we have a 4 acre wooded pasture we've slated for goats and sheep. Just not sure if $300 was too much, just right, etc. I definitely want a doe in milk.

[Clovers_Clan]

Oh, if the breeder is nearby and specializes in milking lines, she will probably have a doe in milk. Ask if you can see some udders and if you can possibly milk one.

[Awnry Abe]

I think the animal is worth the price, even if your intentions are low. Intentions change, genetics don't.

[mygoat]

How were her teats for HAND milking last year? How are her dam's teats for hand milking? Nigerians are small goats - and are prone to small teats. Makes milking a pain sometimes. There are nigies out there with large teats, but hard to find. As a FF, you DO expect her teat size to be MUCH bigger than the previous year, generally - FF lactations are generally not as good as 2nd, 3rd, 4th lactations and the udder changes a LOT in that time.

IMO from milking lines, 300.00 for a bred doe is a steal, if she's healthy. Did you ask about disease testing status?

[Alice In TX/MO]

Two very important issues. Heath testing and teat size.

[Mvanuitert]

The seller said she's up to date on everything, I didn't specifically ask about CAE testing, I planned to do that today. What should I look for in teat size? Something that I can hold, or should I look for more than that?

[Alice In TX/MO]

pics of good teats
http://sanctuaryfarm.blogspot.com/20...t-to-milk.html