The Goat Spot Forum banner

A Buying Nightmare...

16K views 145 replies 24 participants last post by  Moers kiko boars 
#1 ·
So I have to rant. I am kicking myself big time, and rightly so, I seriously am sick over it to be honest.

I contacted a breeder inquiring about a buck kid they had posted a pic on FB post where someone was looking for a buck. The breeder sent me more pics and a video - he looked great. I asked how old the video was and was told 10 days. I loved the pedigree, outstanding, and we were super excited to go get him after making a deal.
Breeder was away at show, they are big breeders but I'd never had any dealings with them before, but had heard good things.

We go to get him yesterday, and he looks nothing like the pictures and video - nowhere near as nice, big hay belly, not as level and definitely not show quality. not knowing what to do we brought him home. He is 'ok' but not at all what we were expecting.
On top of that, he has mites severely on his front feet and starting on his back end and scrotum. I feel so horrible for him because it's not his fault. He's just a baby, 3 months old, but not show quality.
My goat friends that I've consulted with agree - he absolutely does not look like the same goat at all from the pics/video that I was sent - he was younger and much nicer. My very good neighbor who has goats came over and inspected him and agreed, for the $$ he is not nice.

I asked breeder this morning if we can return for a refund. They said they typically do not take returns on bucks, and that we could exchange for something else, but they would be older and more expensive. I kindly messaged back that I would consider looking at them, but right now my kids/family are very discouraged and my kids do not have more $$ to spend.

What do you guys think? I mean... I am not a big breeder, but if someone wasn't happy with a goat I sold I would tell them to bring it back especially if I sold it right away. If it had been a couple of weeks, and the animal was in poor condition, I might reconsider.

I am so upset over this. I will refrain from posting who the breeder is or photos of the goat in case we can reach an agreement, but never in 10 years have we been so disappointed with a buck purchase.
 
See less See more
#5 ·
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear this.

This is a very a tricky situation. Biosecurity is a huge reason why many people will not allow the return of animals. Which is very understandable IMO.

However, what exactly do they mean by “exchange”? Would they actually take the buck back?

Either way, I would take good quality pictures and videos of said buck ASAP to protect yourself.
 
#6 ·
That’s awful, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with that. I probably wouldn’t have taken him, and asked for a refund due to health issues if you’d put a deposit down. I can see why they wouldn’t take him back for biosecurity reasons once he left the farm.

If it was a bait and switch, they knew they were doing you dirty and they’re not likely to take him back. Hopefully they will work with you.
 
#8 ·
Oh boy. They are definitely in the wrong. I don’t see why people do that. I would rather not upsetting someone and wasting their day to look at a animal they would be unhappy with. But to be honest I probably would not take him back, and as stated because of biosecurity reasons. But I would have refunded any deposit if you had placed one or given a deal on something better. But it doesn’t sound like that is the breeders concern with giving the option to take him and sell a more expensive buck. It sounds like they got you hooked and if they take him back want it to be worth it.
But is he not show quality because he needs some TLC or is he simply not show quality? I have seen some amazing turn arounds on some need TLC animals. If maybe he just needs some TLC it might just be worth it to hang onto him and give him some time rather then fight with this breeder or try and trade him in. Either way I am so very sorry for the whole situation.
 
#9 ·
Thanks everyone, I've taken videos and pictures. I understand Biosecurity, but honestly it would make me laugh in this situation because I know they constantly are bringing in new goats, going to shows, and the well, I'll just leave it at that for now.

I agree about the photo shopping. He didn't look photoshopped in the pics and he looked great in the videos, but the video and current are far from similar. I said we wanted show quality, I could have kept shopping and found something in our price range, I didn't have to have the pedigree and color.

I agree Jessica - I don't understand the thought behind taking him back and trying to give me a more expensive buck. I don't want a more expensive buck. We want a show quality buck that is worth what we paid - not meaning on paper I don't care how many ennoblements are on the page if the goat isn't playing the part.
 
#10 ·
Wow, I am so sorry :(
Personally, as a breeder, I work as honestly as I can because like my dad told me: "You can do 1 million jobs perfectly, but when you do 1 job wrong, that's all everyone will hear about"

Honestly, I say I would not have taken him, but if I was put in your position, I probably would have, because I try my hardest to be polite, even if that means biting my tongue. Usually, when I buy babies, they are pretty skinny, but I keep my mouth shut and just load em with Calf Manna when they get home. It gets annoying, but oh well, what're ya gonna do?

I really don't have any info for you though! I feel so bad for you and your kids!
 
#11 ·
Wow, I am so sorry :(
Personally, as a breeder, I work as honestly as I can because like my dad told me: "You can do 1 million jobs perfectly, but when you do 1 job wrong, that's all everyone will hear about"

Honestly, I say I would not have taken him, but if I was put in your position, I probably would have, because I try my hardest to be polite, even if that means biting my tongue. Usually, when I buy babies, they are pretty skinny, but I keep my mouth shut and just load em with Calf Manna when they get home. It gets annoying, but oh well, what're ya gonna do?

I really don't have any info for you though! I feel so bad for you and your kids!
Thank you, I am the same way. I want people to be happy with what they buy from us. I think this guy could have potential, but I worry about him structurally and if he'll have a good strong topline and doesn't break behind the shoulders. I've had such great support from friends and here on TGS, I appreciate it. If we end up having to make him a project I will share pictures. I want to get him out and give him a good scrubbing bath tomorrow and trim his feet (I'll get before pictures), so if he does go back, he'll go back better than when I got him. I don't think we'll do an exchange.
Once I know the outcome and if we are stuck with him, then I'll share pictures.
 
#12 ·
Sounds like they were too busy to notice how he's gone down hill. They should be very interested in taking him back to make sure you were happy. Breeders will quickly loose future sales if they didnt work with unhappy buyers. I like that you took pictures and videos and got eye witnesses to confirm his poor quality. I really hope the seller does right by you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Moers kiko boars
#13 ·
Oh no! I am so sorry. But always remember this..... when you go to possibly pick up an animal... if they are not what you saw pics and videos of and not what you wanted. You do NOT have to buy them.
;(. Do you feel badly for that? Absolutely. But if it is not what you want then it just isnt.

That said. I hope for you all that this breeder does the right thing and refunds your money. Either takes the lil guy back or you keep him and just process him later. I understand the biosecurity but you said they constantly bring in new stock... so this should not be an issue with them.
 
#14 ·
I agree, if I didn't like him when I seen him, I would politely say, I will have to pass on him and be on my way.

It wasn't right of the breeder to give a false picture of this buck.
There is no reason to purchase something of which is not what was presented. You were not obligated to buy.

That said, I know this makes you feel worse. I am sorry this happened to you.

I can understand why they will not take the goat back. However, telling you to buy one which is out if your price range, was a stupid thing to even say to you.

You can try to get him in better shape, then try to recoup some of your money and sell him.
I agree, if his conformation is bad like you are explaining, those things usually do not correct.

Word will get around and the breeder may regret doing this to you later on down the road.
 
#15 ·
Thanks, I appreciate it. Yes, totally my mistake for bringing him home. He isn't horrible, but definitely not what we were expecting at all. I have not heard back from the breeder at all and after talking with some friends including Jessica, I think we may give him a chance, we can get him into shape, and see where we are - breed him to the does we intended him for, and if we don't like him enough... sell him. See what kids are like and sell them to recoup $$ if we don't want to keep any. I do think they have too much going on to look after each goat.

Apparently we now have a currently way over priced project with current condition.

My husband will be furious with my decision, but it is what it is...

He just turned 3 months old a week ago, and feet were in bad need of trimming. he needs groceries which I did expect that. I will run a fecal on him tonight.

This is what we were expecting...




The night we brought him home


Today. He is not awful. But not what we thought, his huge belly is going down a bit, but he's super awkward. I know a lot of it is growing stage, he has muscle, but needs groceries - I expected that part, but huge difference between the video especially and what is current.



Pre bath (dirty from applying Vaseline/Nustock the night we got him home).








I forgot to get a 'clean' picture. I sprayed him down with Permethrin after scrubbing a bunch of scabs loose and soaking his legs. Blow dried, then applied Ivermectin pour on down the back, and on the legs, then lathered him in NuStock




Good potential for muscling IMO, just needs the feed which I was told he needs to be fed up. I mean, I don't expect show condition, but huge difference between pics/video then add in the horrible mite issue which now I will treat the goats, and barn - we do deal with mites randomly, but never sold one with a mite issue that I was aware of.



So... this is where we are. Not horrible, needs TLC. Pedigree is amazing so we'll see what happens.
 
#99 ·
I don't think he's that bad from the pictures. I would be worried about the sway back and the odd belly, BUT kids grow weirdly. The kids I had would focus on one area in a growth spurt, and then another. He looks more like benign neglect. I would worm the heck out of him, get him cleaned up and just wait and see. Now, granted I have grade goat, and mixes at that, but I get conformation because I used to show dogs. Groceries are important with him.
Good luck!

ETA: it looks like he shed his winter coat, which often hides a multitude of sins. Give him time and work with him. That is my recommendation.

Thanks, I appreciate it. Yes, totally my mistake for bringing him home. He isn't horrible, but definitely not what we were expecting at all. I have not heard back from the breeder at all and after talking with some friends including Jessica, I think we may give him a chance, we can get him into shape, and see where we are - breed him to the does we intended him for, and if we don't like him enough... sell him. See what kids are like and sell them to recoup $$ if we don't want to keep any. I do think they have too much going on to look after each goat.

Apparently we now have a currently way over priced project with current condition.

My husband will be furious with my decision, but it is what it is...

He just turned 3 months old a week ago, and feet were in bad need of trimming. he needs groceries which I did expect that. I will run a fecal on him tonight.

This is what we were expecting...




The night we brought him home


Today. He is not awful. But not what we thought, his huge belly is going down a bit, but he's super awkward. I know a lot of it is growing stage, he has muscle, but needs groceries - I expected that part, but huge difference between the video especially and what is current.



Pre bath (dirty from applying Vaseline/Nustock the night we got him home).








I forgot to get a 'clean' picture. I sprayed him down with Permethrin after scrubbing a bunch of scabs loose and soaking his legs. Blow dried, then applied Ivermectin pour on down the back, and on the legs, then lathered him in NuStock




Good potential for muscling IMO, just needs the feed which I was told he needs to be fed up. I mean, I don't expect show condition, but huge difference between pics/video then add in the horrible mite issue which now I will treat the goats, and barn - we do deal with mites randomly, but never sold one with a mite issue that I was aware of.



So... this is where we are. Not horrible, needs TLC. Pedigree is amazing so we'll see what happens.
 
#16 ·
Hey..Im sorry for your disapointment. I dont like the videos/ pics all dressed up. Im sure his thick winter baby hair was alot of hus thickness. Now he is at an akward growth spurt. I have no doubts, in 30 days, he will look better than he ever did. He may not ever be the show king you wanted. But he carries the potential in him. Look at your does and see what his potential and your abilities will create. You have an amazing ability to put weight on your "babies"
Thats why others & myself keep our possibles till they are 6 months. Thats about how long it takes to see whats really packed into that tiny frame. If you honestly wanted his bloodlines, you have them. Its a good year to have one that may not be show ready. There arent any shows right now
Give yourself some time. If he was there once, he will get their again.
 
#17 ·
Thanks Moers I greatly appreciate it. I will say, he has grown on me, especially after losing that crazy hay belly. He looked like a balloon. He's a bit sunken in but hasn't eaten his grain real well. I started giving him some of our feed today and he seems to love it. In fact, he doesn't want the feed he came with which is crazy because it's one of the best Boer goat feed in the country! Like.. he won't even eat our feed if it's mixed in with his so I have to separate it. Strange kid! I'm giving him probiotics daily, so hopefully that helps in case I can't get him to eat his feed. But then we have a whole bag of the feed.
I honestly didn't expect him to be ready to go out and win a show, I think honestly I was upset with the massive belly, he didn't look nice and smooth from front to back, but most definitely the mites and long feet. He couldn't stand right on his feet because they were overgrown and curled under. The mites are severe, you can see the swelling. He did have hair on him in the video, but when he moved he looked stocky under the hair, and very level. IMO his back dips and I worry as he gets older he could start to break a little - praying I'm worrying for nothing.
But the darn mites... he is favoring a foot because it hurts :(
 
#21 ·
Thanks! My friend told me about them so I ordered them for my daughter, she loves them!

I actually like him! He isn't perfect, but I think he has a lot of potential. Once he fills out, he should be something nice. The slight sickle hocks are what catches my eye more so than his topline. He could be going through a funky growth spurt. We have a couple 4 month olds coming out of one right now.

I am not sure if they washed and fluffed him in the pictures and video you were given, but I wouldn't be surprised if so. Fluffy fat goats are what wins shows, unfortunately.

I'd give him a chance. Is he underweight or small for his age or just right? Hard to tell with pictures.
Thank You am happy to hear your perspective on him as I love your goats! My husband is not happy with my decision (fuming to say the least), but it is what it is, and he's here. My mistake, hopefully something I can fix and I will never make a deal like that again. I just thought with such a big reputation as a breeder we were getting a good deal.
I do worry about the legs and wonder if it's a growth thing. He tends to stand more like that first side shot on the stand, the last side shot he was definitely not standing very well, was fussing prior to the picture. He is not lead trained, so he likes to plant those back feet. I'll try to get some 'natural pose' pictures at some point or video.

I am not sure about the washing/fluffing either. I definitely am not a fan of doing that as means to make them look bigger. I'm okay with washing and blowing them out for a picture so long as they look natural. I do think because the video was taken same time as the pictures that it was winter hair and video/pics are older than what they said/thought.

I just cannot fathom selling anything that i KNOW i have not taken really good care of.... hooves and mites! Grrrrr! That makes me ANGRY for you. The last thing i do before anyone leaves here is ask if the buyer needs learn how to trim hooves... if so i show them on one foot and they do the other three. Or if they know how i trim in front of them. It usually only takes a few min for something so important to a goat. And the mites... there is just no excuse for that. Have the buyer come in two weeks for them so i can treat instead of sending a mite ridden baby to their new home and "infecting" the new owners place. I am just so sorry for you! He is a handsome lil guy.... to me a non boer person anyway. ;).
It's frustrating for sure. We do deal with mites randomly, but I normally always check them right before I list them for sale, or the day I list them. Once in a while I sell a doe that needs some TLC - price reflects it and I go over it with buyer prior to them coming here TLC as in a doe that has just weaned kids, off of feed to dry up and just needed groceries. Some does do great and bounce back on grass/hay diet, and others don't kind of thing. We just sold one like that. She didn't have any worm loads, but had mild cocci increase, so I asked buyer (my friend) to wait a week before taking her home so I could treat her. She also had a little bit of hoof rot and was sore - my husband did not trim enough foot away so I also got that corrected within that week (still having issues trimming adult feet due to my arm bothering me, but it's slowly getting stronger).
 
#19 ·
I actually like him! He isn’t perfect, but I think he has a lot of potential. Once he fills out, he should be something nice. The slight sickle hocks are what catches my eye more so than his topline. He could be going through a funky growth spurt. We have a couple 4 month olds coming out of one right now.

I am not sure if they washed and fluffed him in the pictures and video you were given, but I wouldn’t be surprised if so. Fluffy fat goats are what wins shows, unfortunately.

I’d give him a chance. Is he underweight or small for his age or just right? Hard to tell with pictures.
 
#20 ·
I just cannot fathom selling anything that i KNOW i have not taken really good care of.... hooves and mites! Grrrrr! That makes me ANGRY for you. The last thing i do before anyone leaves here is ask if the buyer needs learn how to trim hooves... if so i show them on one foot and they do the other three. Or if they know how i trim in front of them. It usually only takes a few min for something so important to a goat. And the mites... there is just no excuse for that. Have the buyer come in two weeks for them so i can treat instead of sending a mite ridden baby to their new home and “infecting” the new owners place. I am just so sorry for you! He is a handsome lil guy.... to me a non boer person anyway. ;).
 
#24 ·
I would see how he does. I know practically nothing about boers, however I've seen my own kids go through some crazy growing phases - sometimes until they are 2-3 depending upon genetics. With your care, you may be surprised in a couple of months. I personally don't take back kids for biosecurity reasons, but spend quite a bit of time with the buyer and make sure they go over their goat - and answer any questions they may have. I typically spend at least 30 minutes with my clients.
 
#26 ·
Thanks so much you guys, I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate it. We will give him a chance. My husband is not happy, but I'll get him on board. I feel he has an excellent genetic package least so maybe if we can we can get some daughters out of him to get some stronger female genetics and on paper too (fingers crossed for both!). Even a homegrown buckling would make my daughter happy as we have yet to use a home grown buck and this is 10 years of raising goats for us! Never had a buying incident like this with a buck before.

CountyLineAcres - You are welcome :) It's so sad that there are big breeders willing to burn people like this. Just takes all the fun out of it.

Goatblessings - I can understand the biosecurity in many cases, but not in this situation as there were hundreds of goats, and many going to different shows, I'm sure lots of does coming in from outside farms for breeding, etc. I do not like bringing in new goats unless I trust the breeder, but I just assumed I could trust in this instance. Definitely makes my list of breeders to avoid.

So the little guy is doing okay, but he is so sore :( I tried to be gentle getting the scabs off, but the back of his foot is very sore and raw. I went to take video to show you guys before putting him in the stall for the night and this is how I found him :(
Once I put him in his stall I put triple antibiotic ointment on his foot so hopefully that helps, I'll check on him in a little while. He's eating our feed pretty well, giving him a little at a time, so hopefully it doesn't upset his rumen.

 
#31 ·
Poor guy :( I do think he is looking better already though. I think if anyone can get him to his full potential it will be you. I do hope he matures into a very nice boy for you. It is so discouraging when your so excited to add something to your herd and hope it’s going to do nothing but great things and then your disappointed. It just kinda takes the fun right out of it. But I am defiantly going to be bugging you wanting to see the amazing things you do with this guy
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top