Hi, I live in a western suburb of Chicago, IL and am looking for a cheap young goat (preferrably Pygmy) as a companion/babysitter for an 8 month old filly so we can ride the other horses & leave the filly at home. We have children (5/6/10/13/15/17) and dogs, so we would prefer a younger adaptable animal. Does anyone know where we could find a goat in our area? Thanks!

-- Debbie (debbie@msi-soft.com), February 14, 2002

Answers

Debbie,

I don't know where you can get a goat but I wondered if you had considered a small donkey? A jenny (female donkey) makes nice companions for horses, wards off predators, and you can use a jenny to halter break your filly if she's not halter broke.

We got jack (male donkey) 1/2 miniature (about 42") and gelded him and put him with a young stud in their own pasture. They get along great and donkeys are a joy - very affectionate and gentle. Also we found that donkey to be very affordable at a local Saturday flea market with livestock.

-- zeb (wrangler@jridgeranch.com), February 14, 2002.

Yes, thanks - we had considered a small donkey, but from what I can see they are considerably more expensive. Also, I don't know of any fleamarkets, etc.. with livestock. Are you in this area & if so do you know of local fleamarkets? Thanks!

-- Debbie (debbie@msi-soft.com), February 14, 2002.

Hi, go to the National Pygmy Goat assocoiation website(NPGA). You will find breeders in the il area, happy to help you. The most reasonably priced will most likely be a wether. Hope this helps.

-- Gail Brinkley (dinsmore@qtm.net), February 14, 2002.

Have you checked at the auction at Chana? Every Tuesday starting at 9 am, they have HUGE autions going on--they've got chickens, rabbits and other little critters outside, plus flea market items, plus fruits and vegetables, plus hogs and cattle inside, everything. It's on North Ave (Route 64) about 10 miles west of Interstate 39.

-- Gail (Quadrupets@aol.com), February 14, 2002.

Hi Debbie, I live in Ames, Iowa, but if you wanted to make the drive you can have one of my pygmy crosses for free. I have two(a doe and a wether) that are a year old and dehorned(which is best for being around horses) or about ten that will be born in april that you can choose from and hand raise yourself. They are all healthy, vaccinated, and dewormed. I know it like a 6 hour drive for a goat, but it's up to you. Amy

-- Amy Sabino (seansabino@hotmail.com), February 15, 2002.