Goat opinion needed!

[livinglandnz]

Seems like a lot of money for a goat, and she isn't that young, is that a normal price ? Can you find a young nanny that's pregnant (first time mum) ween the kid (or kids) off to sell and keep milking the mum.

I used to have a wild breed sheep ewe that I could milk.

 

[Mini Horses]

I know she’ll definitely want at least a second or third time milk goat. Fully comfortable with milking, no training required.

For a trained goat with good production, at least $350. More if registered. Also more if proven, dry and bred...450+. Mine will milk on or off a stand, by hand or machine, come when called.

I encourage a buyer to come milk if looking at mine. Like them to try the milk, also, when available. 🙂

Looking back at the pictures, I see a pretty typical Nubian that I'd look at if buying in mind. In last, she's taking a step which can alter her topline look, one leg up. She has decent body depth and yes, some bags dry up pretty small -- @farmerjan is used to cows 🤗. Even my heavy milkers can pull up tight -- some don't.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Agree with Mini Horses. Top line doesn't bother me. She's not a show goat and as mentioned, movement will alter the look. I also have some does that dry up with hardly any udder at all. Price is low for this part of the country also. Goat prices have climbed steadily since pandemic.

Mine are better behaved on the stand and don't love being milked on the ground. Some feed will generally overcome the objection.

Disease testing is something I look for now. It does, and should, raise the price. However, I've bought lots of goats in the past that weren't tested. Quarantine! I like to see the other goats on the farm also. If they, and the goat in question look healthy - that's a good sign. I look for a smooth and shiny coat, nicely pinked up membranes, good feet. Also a good friendly attitude in a milker is a must for me. No fun to have to chase down a doe to get her on the stand.

 

[Messybun]

Agree with Mini Horses. Top line doesn't bother me. She's not a show goat and as mentioned, movement will alter the look. I also have some does that dry up with hardly any udder at all. Price is low for this part of the country also. Goat prices have climbed steadily since pandemic.

Mine are better behaved on the stand and don't love being milked on the ground. Some feed will generally overcome the objection.

Disease testing is something I look for now. It does, and should, raise the price. However, I've bought lots of goats in the past that weren't tested. Quarantine! I like to see the other goats on the farm also. If they, and the goat in question look healthy - that's a good sign. I look for a smooth and shiny coat, nicely pinked up membranes, good feet. Also a good friendly attitude in a milker is a must for me. No fun to have to chase down a doe to get her on the stand.

Good news is my friend doesn’t have any goats. So worst case and she does have something she won’t be infecting a herd.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Ugh!

 

[Messybun]

Great! Handling and her settling will make a change for the better. Your friend wants milk, so most any doe will provide that. How much and how long is the reason for everyone's choices -- once they become involved. 🤗. So this will satisfy the urge, she can refine her choices on the next one.

Yes, there will be a next addictive, they are. That's why I have "several" 😂😂🤣🥰

We will expect updates . Can't just not do that ... Leave us hanging 😂

Oh I know lol. Ask me about my only three (multiplied by 2).

She wants to get a second one, but another lady hasn’t popped up yet.

 

[farmerjan]

Check out BYH there was a discussion about pee preg tests just recently.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Really hard to tell anything much from the pics. More than the pics I'd be asking questions like - has she been tested for diseases.

It's not terribly hard to get an idea on age from teeth. Google search can bring up pics.

She doesn't have the straightest topline for sure, but the little dip in her chine doesn't bother me that much. And a little extra weight wouldn't hurt - but she is a dairy goat. I can't really get a feel for her feet.

I think it's just a personal judgment call after seeing her in person and asking appropriate questions.

 

[Messybun]

No, I don't think so at all, and in the end does it really matter what they think, you want to make sure your friend gets a healthy animal

Thank you.
I’m thinking I just want to double check she doesn’t have some sort of upper respiratory infection or anything.
I just haven’t bought livestock in a while, and never as the only one who knows what they’re doing. I don’t know what’s normal etiquette 🤣.

 

[Messybun]

Etiquette is to personally check, handle, inquire and evaluate any animal you plan to buy. So long as you are respectful and polite, go for it! Heck, a p-strip could confirm preg status😁😁

Some dairy goats are hard to call fat....but, not being underfed is different. What date was she AI serviced? Ask. Otherwise, you'll be looking for such cover....another expense, if milking is the goal. Good hair coat, decent hooves, dates of shots, deworming, etc....shows apparent consistent care. Notice condition of other animals for similar.

I know dairy goats tend to be slimmer. I have mostly pygmies, so I don’t get that lol, that’s why I wanted to ask y’all’s opinion. Right now is the time for fattening. About a week or two ago we had some cold days and right now it’s in the 50s-70s. Prime time to bulk up. Even my small chickens have thick fat layers.

I’ll also make sure she’s cool with me playing with her udder, the guy seemed to kind of avoid the question of if she was milked on a stand or just with her collar tied. Gotta make sure she doesn’t kick or otherwise. I do not want to be training a goat for my friend lol!

I already told my friend I wouldn’t get this goat. Maybe if it was cheap I’d be tempted. But no way as it stands. But they’ve been looking for a while. So we’ll see and I’ll keep you updated.

I appreciate y’all. Goodnight.