Bringing a goat into your life can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re starting a small hobby farm or adding to your existing livestock, purchasing a goat requires careful consideration and preparation. To ensure you make an informed decision and find the perfect goat for your needs, it’s crucial to ask the right questions when meeting with breeders or sellers. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential questions to ask when purchasing a goat, helping you make a well-informed choice and set the stage for a successful goat-keeping journey.
- What is the breed and age of the goat? Understanding the breed and age of the goat is essential as it will determine its characteristics, temperament, and specific care requirements. In all likelihood if you are searching for a goat you already know what kind of goat you want, but we have had quite a few people see pictures of our baby goats, contact us to purchase one, and know little to nothing about the breed. They are often expecting them to stay small and cute forever when Nubians can easily grow to be well over 150 pounds. Different breeds have distinct traits, such as milk production, fiber quality, or meat yield. Additionally, knowing the age of the goat will help you assess its overall health, productivity, and suitability for your intended purpose.
- What is the goat’s health history? Inquiring about the goat’s health history is crucial to ensure you are bringing home a healthy animal. Ask about any past or current medical conditions, vaccinations, and deworming protocols. Inquire about the health of the goat’s parents and siblings, as some conditions can have a genetic component. Ask about what sort of exposure the goats in the herd have to other goats and herds outside of their own. Some farms rent out their bucks for breeding or show their goats. This can increase the exposure diseases. A healthy goat will have a better chance of thriving on your farm.
- Has the goat been tested for common diseases? Certain diseases, such as Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE), can have a significant impact on a goat’s health and productivity. Ask if the goat has been tested or if the breeder follows a testing and prevention program. A responsible breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their animals and provide you with relevant health certificates or test results.
- What is the goat’s temperament and handling history? The temperament of a goat can greatly impact your experience as a keeper. Ask about the goat’s behavior, level of socialization, and its handling history. A well-socialized goat that is accustomed to human interaction will be easier to handle and integrate into your herd. Assessing temperament is especially crucial if you have children or other animals on your property.
- What is the reason for selling the goat? Understanding why the goat is being sold can provide valuable insights into its suitability for your specific needs. The seller might have valid reasons, such as downsizing their herd or focusing on a different breed. However, be cautious if the seller cannot provide a clear reason or if there are signs of potential health or behavioral issues. Know if you are purchasing an adult you are likely getting a less than stellar goat. Even in the situation of a downsizing a farmer is not going to sell their best goats… their best milkers, with the best temperament, or the easiest kiddings. They are likely selling the ones that have milking/kidding issues or cause problems. So often I see people on facebook boards looking for goats already in milk or that are ready to breed. It takes time, energy, and money to get a goat to that point. If a farmer is willing to sell one of these goats to you, especially if they are willing to do so for less than top dollar, it’s likely because the goat isn’t ideal for one reason or another. I have certainly known a few farmers who will sell good adult goats but they do so for a very hefty price (and rightly so). You asking who the best breeding pairs are in the herd and then asking to reserve a kid from that kidding will likely give you a better quality goat. Yes, you have to put the work in to raise them and wait to breed them but it’s better to start off right.
- Can I visit and inspect the facilities? Visiting the facilities where the goat has been raised allows you to assess the overall conditions and hygiene standards. Well-maintained facilities, clean living quarters, and adequate space for exercise and grazing are indicators of a responsible and reputable breeder. It also provides an opportunity to observe the goat’s interactions with other animals and assess its general well-being.
Asking the right questions when purchasing a goat is crucial for ensuring you find a healthy, well-suited companion for your farm or homestead. By inquiring about the breed, age, health history, disease testing, temperament, and reasons for selling, you can make an informed decision and set the stage for a successful and fulfilling goat-keeping experience. Remember, thorough research and communication with the seller are key to finding the perfect goat that will integrate seamlessly into your life and bring joy and productivity to your farm.