I used to feel as many of you all do, and once said I would NEVER lease out a buck of mine. But I changed my point of view and just recently leased out a young buck to a family that has three 2-3 year old does that they want bred but do not want to own a buck, and can not own a buck. I wanted to help but did not want to bring other goats onto my property. I wanted to help this family as they want their milk for consumption in the future.
So what we did was scheduled an appointment to check out their property where our buck will be housed and I had my vet come along at the expense of the family wanting to lease this buck. He checked over all 3 does, found them to be in excellent physical condition, took blood samples, which were sent in to be tested for diseases. After all the tests came back Negative. I then agreed to lease the buck to them at what they agreed upon $100 per month. They have had this buck for 2 months now, and will be bringing him back home as soon as they feel he has done his deed and all the girls are bred. We do have a written contract that he must be brought home after 3 months either way.
Upon his arrival home he will be quarantined, vet checked at our expense. If he is not found to be in perfect health as he was upon leaving, and we feel he will not be able to rejoin our herd or be sold, they will then owe me for the value of this buck.
This is the first time I have ever leased out a buck, but I know this family, they live very close to us, all tested healthy and disease free, and they agreed upon all conditions we put before them.
This is just the way we found that worked for us. This was a special situation though, normally I do not or have I ever leased out a buck before. But so far I have had no problems. But I live so close I occasionally stop in to see how he is doing and he seems to be very well.
Many people who have does can not own bucks or do not want to own a buck, and this is the only way they can have them bred. I would not lease out a buck to just anyone, but for the right person I would consider it again, I am glad we could do this for them as now they get to experience the joy’s of kidding, use the milk for their families, and we helped make this happen!
But I do understand your concerns, as they are the same as my own. It just has to be done properly, with previsit's to their farm, blood tests, and it just has to feel right at the time. A lot of hassle for some, but worth your own herd's health and security. If it doesn't feel right to you, don't do it!
Have a great day everyone!
Tina