Thanks to those who responded to my last question. It sounds like good advice to keep them separated. I didn't know they would be so aggressive. How much of the 1/4 acre would I need to use for 1-2 goats and a small shelter. I would be willing to supply grain and hay.I know I need to research this more. If I purchase Raising Goats the Modern Way will that give me what info I need to get started? I dont feel very confident about being able to choose the right goat as far as her structure and such. I live in Clermont county east of Cinti.,Ohio. Is ther someone on this board even remotely near me or do yoou know of a reputable breeder my way? The people at the local feed mill say there are people just giving kids away, but I'm afraid of CAE and other things I might not be knowledgeable about.

Thanks again, Denise

-- Denise Hammock (jphammock@earthlink.net), May 02, 2000

Answers

Denise, go to your county agricultural extension office. They will be able to supply you with the 4-H information on dairy goats, probably for a small fee -- it is very good. They may also be able to put you in touch with local breeders or a 4-H club, so you can find someone to help you. The best thing I found to help me know what to look for in goats was going to a 4-H fair and watching the judging. At that particular fair, and I think this is general practice for 4-H, the judge would carefully explain why he did or didn't choose a particular animal for a ribbon. I learned a LOT in just a few hours. You'll probably have to wait a few weeks for the fairs to start, though. You are right to be concerned about the health of your animals. A free animal that costs hundreds in vet bills, and possibly contaminates your ground for years to come, is not free! Get your animals from a reputable breeder, and make sure you see their health records. Then develop a good working relationship with a vet that is familiar with small ruminants -- few are, so you may have a search. The vet you use for your dogs, if he doesn't do small stock much himself, may be able to guide you to someone who does. As for space for your goats, they really don't need much room if you are bringing all their feed to them. Just space in a shelter of some kind (for shade, and to get out of wind and rain -- they hate to get wet), and an exercise yard. If you are trying to have fruit trees and a garden, make sure your fencing is good, or they may eat more than they are worth of your expensive plants!!

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), May 02, 2000.

Denise, I am a member of the ADGA, and have the current membership directory, if you think you would like a registered animal. I see about 400 ADGA members in Ohio. If you email me some info about breed and surrounding cities, I will find several contacts for you.

-- Rachel (rldk@hotmail.com), May 02, 2000.

Denise, I live near Columbus, also an ADGA member and would be glad to help you out too. There are many breeders in the area you are. Be wary and demand proof of CAE prevention or tests that show negative results. They'll sell you the CAE + animals without blinking an eye for $200.! Not all!! But there are many out there and they all "have CAE negative" herds. Be careful. Ferrel Fields(that's his name) is near Xenia and has one of the best Oberhasli herds in the USA. He also has a lot of "starter" stock he'd be glad to sell reasonably; I've had good experiences with him so far. Good luck. They don't take too much room if you provide hay/grain. And you can always take them for walks!! :-)) Get the books; read them closely; decide what breed (maybe you'd like the dwarfs or pygmies); and then go from there.

-- Jim Roberts (jroberts1@cas.org), May 02, 2000.

As I am expanding my library, I have some I'd like to recomend. The first is 'Backyard Dairy Book'. I found my copy in a very large used bookstore. I also recomend JD's book, raising small livestock. I have no experience, but I love to read about what I can't have, no goats, under 1 acre, only have 3/4's. The first really has a good section on zero grazing goats. good luck with your goats, and have fun. annette

-- annette (j_a_henry@yahoo.com), May 02, 2000.

Some information I give all my new customers and 4H kids. caprinesupply.com order their catalog and their book Goatkeeping 101, read it first, and order a weight tape. When you find the farm you feel comfortable at, someone who doesn't bother to disbud, also probably doesn't bother to worm, vaccinate or test their stock. Dairy Goats with horns are not registered! It is not a Purebred anything without blue paperwork! A $35 kid will probably have 35$ kids, and when you add sickness on top of it is not a deal! Look at the older stock, even if the kid is spotted and cute, she will grow into those older does, hanging swinging udders and all. If the older stock has swollen knees, walking on their knees, hanging udders, than so will this kid. If they tell you the doe is 3 months, weight tape her, do not accept her unless she is 30 pounds plus her birth weight, so say 38 pounds, 4 months, 48 pounds, etc. Pass if they give you any excuses for her size, let them keep the little quad doe to raise, you want an aggressively growing kid. My bucks are at least 10 pounds heavier than this in both breeds with quad and triplet does running at it, twin and single does over. Better yet, spend this spring and summer planning and getting ready, and purchase in September, you will easily be able to purchase bred does then. Two bred does for you would be great, you can always lease a buck or take your does to get bred the next year. If they don't readily come to you, pass. Rodeoing wild goats twice a day is not much fun. The purchase of purbred stock is always the wisest choice, pick a breed with other breeders in the area, your biggest profit will always come from sales of kids and family milkers with ADGA paperwork. And when you do go out next weekend and buy to pretty little spotted does, cause you couldn't resist, we all won't tell you "I told you so" but we will be thinking it! But well help you with them anyway! :) Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), May 02, 2000.

Thanks Vicki I just relived last spring !I couldn't wait or afford one of those nice reg. does , so what did I do but go and buy 2 grades that were dam raised .I told myself they'll calm down and those little horns won't be a problem ! HA ! I now have a moody almost year old horned monster { 1 died } I also got smart and just bought a reg. saanen doe that is milking .I actually now like goats {At least my new one Heidi} Dont get me wrong Heidi and I still have a couple of little things to get strait , like putting her foot in the milk pail.But I like her and her kids will be worth something .She also doesn't get into much trouble .Good luck with your chose , but go for bottle babies.

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), May 02, 2000.

Hi, This is Denise. You all are great! I've received so many excellent responses. I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your help. I originally thought I might like to keep Toggs or LaManchas. Now I feel very strongly about Oberhasli. I dont want you all "thinking" I told you so, I'm going to wait until September to make a purchase and get all set up and do my research in the meantime. I really do want this to go well. Sometimes I am a risk taker but think I better go for a pretty sure bet where this topic is concerned. I really do respect your knowledge and experience, any other hints or ideas that come to mind I would greatly appreciate.

Many Thanks, Denise

-- Denise Hammock (jphammock@earthlink.net), May 02, 2000.