Might be getting a goat?- TODAY :)

Hello everyone!

Right now I have sheep, but I might be getting a goat soon. A dairy goat.
Looking at a Nubian/Nigerian Dwarf cross doe that is almost a year old.
I've been wanting a goat for extra milk, just in case there is a bummer lamb, or a ewe whose milk has not come in at the time of birth. JUST want to be prepared for the unexpected.

Plus goats are just awesome. I was highly involved in 4-H back in high school, and wouldn't mind providing goats for kids who would like to show them at fair. One of my goals is to help get more kids involved with 4-H because it is one of the best things that I ever did growing up.

This is just an idea, can I have opinions?

I second the 4-H thing. If I could make every kid take at least a year of 4-H of FFA I would.

If you are going to try to raise goats for show. I would say stick to one breed. I think most shows in my area for goats are breed specific...But I don't raise goats, now, do I?

As for having milk on hand. It might be helpful. My uncle bought a pair of bum butcher lambs who came with a nanny to feed them.

One thing to consider is that goats NEED another GOAT companion!

I believe you can show Mini Nubians, but I *think* they need to be registered (it may be different in 4H ?). Do you know it the cross could be registered as a F1 Mini Nubian?

I think our fair is a bit different?
I've seen younger kids in like the Junior showmanship ring have mixed breed goats.
I know there are categories for JUST milk production, based on breed.
Like there's definitely the BREEDS judging group, but then there's other categories.
Hair coat, milk production.... smaller categories for less experienced goat showing
The goat showing at the county fair is pretty laid back.
There is the handful of "elite" showers, well known families who raise specifically for showing.
Same with pigs.

When I raised pigs, I went with the less pricey ones, and mainly did it for the experience

... now that I think about it, I hardly ever see any meat goats for show.
They are all the dairy breeds.

I agree with you that goats are awesome.
I also agree with you that 4 H is awesome. Every year we take some extra goats to a 4 H Fitting and Showing Clinic for kids who are interested in learning about showing dairy goats.
In fact, it was just about a month ago.

First picture, the guy in white is a large animal vet who is in our breeding club. He conducted the clinic.



The lady in this picture works at N.C. State University and is who asked us to come. That's my goat Clementine.



My daughter Rachel is kneeling and imparting her words of wisdom after many years in the show ring. All 3 of the animals are ours. From left to right, Clementine, Moonpie, and Buffy.



Walking around the imaginary show ring. Rachel is playing the judge.

Found a couple more. Once the sheep finished with the ring we got a little actual ring time.



My daughter Rachel on right with Moonpie, her two friends with Buffy and Clementine

LOVE THE PICTURES

Went to take a look at the goat I'm interested in.
She's a real sweetheart About 10 months and confirmed pregnant. (wasn't expecting that part but that's how milk is made right?)
Literally probably one of the friendliest goats I've ever met ever.
She's black with a white tipped tail and a frosted muzzle and ears.
Super decent price as the family who owns her is moving soon.
This doe goat and the rest of the group looked real healthy, the lady was incredibly nice.

The person selling was also trying to throw in the mother of the 10month old doe who is currently 7-8.
Current age is unknown because she was rescued from a dairy farm.
Has been at their farm for 3 years and is friendly and easy to handle as well.
The older doe is currently producing milk.

Most likely going to get the young pregnant doe.
Would I have to get another goat to keep the young one company? Or are sheep enough company?

Two goats are better company for each other than any other animal. Sheep will do in a pinch, but it is always best if it is possible to get 2 goats. They adjust fastest if they come with a buddy from the same farm. I prefer to buy or sell 2 at a time whenever possible. If they look well cared for and are healthy and happy, why not? Two goats also means twice the fun.......

Goats are awesome. Get two. You won't regret it.