The 5 tips to Buying a Goat

                                       Buying a Goat 101

Note: In this post you will find info on buying mainly Dairy and or pet goats. It can apply to meat goats as well though. 

       So, you've got the urge to buy a goat! You've been scrolling google at all the cute pictures of goats. Goats running, goats jumping, goats sleeping in the sunshine, goats doing yoga, goats wearing sweaters, goats being adorable, baby goats, miniature goats, Let's just face it, you've fallen in love with goats and you just have to have one! Don't worry! I've got yo back! If your heart is just set on gettin' a goat, keep reading, cause I've got 5 tips just for you on buying your first goat!

• Tip #1 About the Breeds

First things first. What do you plan to do with your goat? Are you wanting a goat for meat? Are you wanting a Dairy goat so you can have loads of milk and cheese at your fingertips? Or, do you just have to have one of those adorable, cuddly goats like you see on the internet, that you can cuddle and hold and love on and watch them pounce and play in your back yard? 

There are lots of different breeds of goats out there, such as the:

Dairy Breeds

Nubian, Saanen, Alpine, Toggenburg, Lamancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Oberhasli, Sable Saanen, etc.

Meat Breeds

Boar, Kiko, Spanish, etc.

Pet Goat Breeds

Such as Pygmy goats.

• Tip #2 Find A Breeder

So, after you pick which breed of goat just melts your heart, it's time to find your new goat friend! Find a reputable breeder in your area, that raises the breed you are interested in. They should be well rounded in their goat knowledge and be able to help set you up with the perfect first goat. Tell the breeder what you are planning to do with the goat and what you are looking for in your first goat, so they can help you find the best one for your needs!

• Tip # 3 Young Goat vs Old Goat

So you've found a breeder! You go to the farm to look all the goats! They have lots and lots of goats! Your overwhelmed with cuteness! Now the big decision! Do you buy a baby goat or an adult goat? 

If you are wanting to milk your goat and have your very own milk to drink and make soap and cheese, you may want to think twice about getting a baby goat! Sure they are cute, but training a young goat to stand still on the milking stanchion, while you try to milk her, as she kicks and knocks the pale over And while you are still learning, it can very quickly become frustrating! Buying an adult nanny, that has experience raising kids (baby goats) and standing nicely while you milk her, will be so much more fun and the feeling of accomplishment that comes when you finish milking your goat for the first time, will definitely make you happy you made the decision to go with an experienced doe, instead of learning along with a young goat. 

However, if you are wanting a meat goat or pet goat, raising a baby will be so rewarding! They will bond to you and quickly become your best bud! Your new baby goat will run to you in the pasture, nibble on your shoe laces, try to eat your hair, sleep in your arms, all the things baby goats do! 

How old is too old?

The lifespan of an average goat is about 15 years. If you are looking for a milk goat, getting a nice doe that is accustom to being milked, but isn't "milked out" where she is just too old and worn down will be important. You can probably find a nice young doe, that is well trained around 3 to 4 years old and you will be able to have her and milk her for a long time. If you are looking for meat goats to raise, you probably want to buy them at breeding age so you can start growing your herd. If you are wanting a pet, you could really go either way. 

• Tip # 4 Purchasing You Goat

Are you excited? It's finally time to buy your new goat! You've done the research, found a breeder, met all the adorable goats and more than likely, you absolutely fell in love with your new goaty friend! 

Now, before you buy your goat, you will want to make sure your new goat is up to date on all it's vaccines. The owner of the goat should be able to supply you will the goats shot records and Registration papers. 

Also one Very important thing is that you get a Bill of Sale, showing you bought the goat, from _ breeder and that it shows the info of the goat you bought. 

• Tip # 5

Congratulations on the purchase of your new goat! I bet you are already best buds! Before you bring your new goat home, you will want to make sure your prepared and have everything your goat is going to need! Here is a New Goat Checklist to help you out:

1. A fenced in area for your goat (We love the Electric Netting Fence from Premier)https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/electronet-9-35-12-electric-netting? gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxdPAoszF6AIVi8DICh2Ipg-LEAQYASABEgKTqvD_BwE
2. Shelter for you new goat. You can make one yourself! https://www.timberrosehomestead.com/2020/02/its-good-idea-to-have-some-form-of.html
3. Food for your Goat https://www.timberrosehomestead.com/2020/03/goat-nutrition.html
4. Water and Feed Buckets for your goat. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-neon-multipurpose-bucket-2-gal-capacity-pack-of-4?cm_vc=-10005
5. You may also want a friend for your goat. Goats need friends. A chicken, duck, donkey, even another goat, is sure to make your new goaty friend happy!

Last but not least! Have fun with your new goaty friend!