Help! I want to get into goats and I don't know where to start!

I would LOVE to help you on your goat journey. Feel free to use the 'Contact Me' button and send me your questions. I am happy to provide you with links to books, podcasts, YouTube channels, and answer your questions based off of my experiences. I am even happy to jump on a call with you.

Do you offer transportation options?

Yes! I am willing to meet within certain limitations. Any further than an hour and a half may result in an additional fee. I am also willing to work with transporters.

What to look for when picking out a goat?

If you haven't noticed, I have Nigerians. I decided to keep to Nigerians due to how much property I have. There are many other breeds out there and mixed breeds. They are all fabulous. 

When looking for a goat- I first look at their body structure (or conformation).   But Natalie, this goat is cute! Why would you look at that? The answer? Health. Especially if you have a working goat. 

If a goat has bad legs they’re probably laying down all the time. Goats are ruminants. Their rumen is highly sensitive. The chronically laying down can cause issues. 

The next thing I look at is the udder (or the udder of the mother (dam) or granddam or the sire’s dam). My biggest thing, is that udder well attached at the top? Do those teats hang down and are they at the bottom of the udder? 

If that udder hangs low and wobbles to and fro- that lady needs retired sooner than the rest. If an udder isn’t well attached and hangs below the hocks the orifices on the teats have a high chance of getting junk up in there and that can lead to an infection or mastitis. Neither are fun. If the teats are not correctly positioned on the udder, you cannot milk your goat all the way out. That also raises the chances of mastitis. 

Another thing I look at is skin stretch. Whaaa? Stretchy skin on a goat? Yes! If your goat has stretchy skin it means that they will likely have a higher milk capacity.