Total beginner here...Can't decide what to get!

[Jstarr]

Hello all. SO far loving the goat community.

I have a lady selling some Nubian does that just had some kids, as well as their kids: Mini Nubians (Nigerian Dwarf/Nubian cross).

I cannot decide if I should get one doe and one kid OR get two does. I am not sure how difficult kids are to raise, and the does already have a great temperament. Would love to hear your thoughts. What would you have wished you had done in the beginning?

TIA,
Jstarr

 

[Mini Horses]

What is your purpose in getting them? If milkers, pets, etc. that would be consideration.

 

[Baymule]

@Mini Horses is a great one for goat advice. I have sheep. so not mush help o goats. My best advice would be to go slow, don't overload yourself and enjoy your goats!

 

[Jstarr]

What is your purpose in getting them? If milkers, pets, etc. that would be consideration.

We have a lot of undergrowth on our property that we will be utilizing the goats to clear. Once I have more time on my hands, I'm not opposed to start getting milk.

 

[Mini Horses]

With clearing being your current goal, consider this...

ALL goats are huge eaters. You can turn them into an overgrown vine, undergrowth area and in a short time it will look like a park...trimmed trees up as high as they can stand up & reach. Get reasonably tame ones so you can manage and handle them.

You could buy a few wethers, clear out, then sell or butcher. Or buy some you love, let them eat, keep for milking later. You'll need AT LEAST 2. 3-4 better. Much depends on size area you have & eventual plans you may have.

These are highly intelligent animals. Fast learners. Fence challengers. Good fence a must, electric added. So teach them to come to call first thing! Yeah, a bucket with feed and you're the pied piper.

If you think you'll milk later -- goat milk is good but handling it once milked is paramount -- I find Nubians & Saanens the best. ND can be great but, less volume with higher butterfat & way smaller teats. Depends on use & needs, plus personal opinion.

 

[peteyfoozer]

Like @Mini Horses said, you need good fencing. (If it won’t hold water, it won’t hold a goat) is no joke. I had a hoop house for mine once…they used it as a springboard to clear my fences and consume the landscaping

 

[Jstarr]

With clearing being your current goal, consider this...

ALL goats are huge eaters. You can turn them into an overgrown vine, undergrowth area and in a short time it will look like a park...trimmed trees up as high as they can stand up & reach. Get reasonably tame ones so you can manage and handle them.

You could buy a few wethers, clear out, then sell or butcher. Or buy some you love, let them eat, keep for milking later. You'll need AT LEAST 2. 3-4 better. Much depends on size area you have & eventual plans you may have.

These are highly intelligent animals. Fast learners. Fence challengers. Good fence a must, electric added. So teach them to come to call first thing! Yeah, a bucket with feed and you're the pied piper.

If you think you'll milk later -- goat milk is good but handling it once milked is paramount -- I find Nubians & Saanens the best. ND can be great but, less volume with higher butterfat & way smaller teats. Depends on use & needs, plus personal opinion.

Thank you so much for your insight!!

We plan on using electric net fencing. We found a box with 1.2 jules... My partner is reading they need a pretty good shock to get the message.

I fell in love with one Nubian doe that I am for sure taking with me. Came to me and rubbed on me as soon as I met her. Thinking two for now and seeing how things go for us and upgrading to 3-4 later. We want the brush cleared fast...but not too fast.

I have seen so many clips of them jumping right over fencing! How tall does it have to be?

 

[Mini Horses]

How tall? depends on the goat. Some are not as intent on jumping out. I find this more true with bred &/or milking does. The athletics are amazing for those who do. 4' generally is good. Add a strand of hot wire, it's better. I have a couple who size up a fence & clear 5' cleanly. Plus smallest hole and they're out...they'll belly crawl under a fence.

As to the fencer...1.2 joules isn't anywhere near enough. Mine runs 12-13 and that's fine. Needed. Yep, it'll set you on your rear if you hit it!! But once or twice and they won't hit it again. Plus it keeps unwanted from coming in..possum, fox, etc.

I have about 40 head and I've seen stuff . In fact, when I see a young one out, I go after them to have them run to mom. They'll show me where the hole is -- back in same way as out. Thank you!! Memory of an elephant.