[mmahamilton]

So I have been tossing around the idea of getting a Nigerian Dwarf doe. My daughter cannot show our wethers next year in 4H and if I get a doe she can potentially show that animal for the next 4 yrs. I will save money and I also don't run into the problem of not being able to put them on the stock trailer cause I'm attached ( that happened this year).

The lady we got our Nigerian Dwarf wether Pee Wee from just had a doe that had twin doelings last week on my Bday...I think it is a sign! I'll post pics in a bit.

 

[mmahamilton]

Here are two pics of the one I like. This is right after she was dried off. The only thing she will be a sold as a bottle baby and I'm not sure about that.

 

[goatblessings]

You do need to know that bottle kids require LOTS of time, scheduled vaccinations, and are more susceptible to things like pneumonia, etc. She needs to have a friend her size in order for her to blend in with your herd. Also, most shows mandate that the doe be fresh (in milk) as a two year old and every year after that. We do get attached to the wethers, but it's a good lesson to kids to know what the purpose is of the goat they are raising. Lots of things for you to consider. Also, you doe will be evaluated on her structure, especially her udder when she comes into milk. If she is lacking, she may not perform well for you in the show ring.

 

[mmahamilton]

You do need to know that bottle kids require LOTS of time, scheduled vaccinations, and are more susceptible to things like pneumonia, etc. She needs to have a friend her size in order for her to blend in with your herd. Also, most shows mandate that the doe be fresh (in milk) as a two year old and every year after that. We do get attached to the wethers, but it's a good lesson to kids to know what the purpose is of the goat they are raising. Lots of things for you to consider. Also, you doe will be evaluated on her structure, especially her udder when she comes into milk. If she is lacking, she may not perform well for you in the show ring.

My toggenburg wether was a bottle baby so I know abt all of the time it involves and the pitfalls. Also, we have other animals and my daughter knows all abt raising them for food or abt having to cull animals with problems. It is more a problem with me...the older I get the harder it is for me.

As far as udder structure I'm going off the mothers (she was reserve grand champion 2019). I was also aware that a doe needed to be fresh for the shows and I have been thinking about having a doe for milking because my husband and daughter are lactose intolerant. It's just a lot to consider and I'm still weighing the pros and cons.

.

 

[ksalvagno]

The doeling will definitely need a buddy. The 2 wethers will probably be brutal with her.

 

[Goats Rock]

Not trying to disuade you in the least, but also consider whe she is in milk. You will have to find a reliable person able to milk her if you go anywhere for more than 12-24 hrs. At least with wethers, you can just have someone drop in and feed. Milking is more involved activity.

 

[Moers kiko boars]

Good luck on all the choices you have to make. The doeling is adorable! I dont have dairy..so I cant help you. There are very many knowledgable dairy people on here. Best of luck to you.

 

[mariella]

The doeling is really skinny, does the breeder give a good reason why the doeling would be that skinny? Personally I would pass on her just because she's in bad shape and I don't know why. Weaning should never make a baby look like that.

 

[mmahamilton]

The doeling is really skinny, does the breeder give a good reason why the doeling would be that skinny? Personally I would pass on her just because she's in bad shape and I don't know why. Weaning should never make a
baby look like that.

This is one of the reasons I posted her pic here. She seemed skinny to me also. She was born the night before that pic was taken and Will be sold as a bottle baby. The breeder did say she was not premature but is on the small side.

 

[rockycreek]

Hello ,
I raise Nigerian and Pygmy for pets, and some that want to milk. My day old babies look different from the pic you posted. This picture looks like an older baby, could explain why she looks so drawn. She may already be on a bottle and not doing well.
I photo my mom and baby the day they are born to have a picture record. This is a 1 day old buckling. He was born at 4 pm the day before and this is a morning picture. 2nd pic is day 3. Not judging....just comparing babies that are supposed to be the same age. Hope it helps

 

[mmahamilton]

Hello ,
I raise Nigerian and Pygmy for pets, and some that want to milk. My day old babies look different from the pic you posted. This picture looks like an older baby, could explain why she looks so drawn. She may already be on a bottle and not doing well.
I photo my mom and baby the day they are born to have a picture record. This is a 1 day old buckling. He was born at 4 pm the day before and this is a morning picture. 2nd pic is day 3. Not judging....just comparing babies that are supposed to be the same age. Hope it helps

View attachment 187771 View attachment 187773 View attachment 187771

Thanks for the pic! When I got the pic from the breeder I was expecting the baby to look more like the one in yours. My daughter is good friends with the breeders daughter so I think I will have her send me a newer pic.

 

[mariella]

That baby looks to be around 1-2 months old already 3 weeks at the least??? Back out of that deal! The breeder is lying to you because you are newer to goats. Look at her belly, That is an active rumen and she has no Umbilical cord! Everything about her says she's older and not well taken care of!

 

[mariella]

If the breeder is lying about her age I would be concerned about them lying about other things as well.

 

[mmahamilton]

If the breeder is lying about her age I would be concerned about them lying about other things as well.

im afraid this may be a real tricky situation since my daughter is friends with her daughter. They are also in multiple extracurricular activities and school classes...got to love small towns. God how do I get myself in these situations!

P.s. Just found out my daughter has already named the thing!

 

[toth boer goats]

I agree this situation is iffy.

Sometimes things are wrong and we do not want to put ourselves in a worse position.

 

[Moers kiko boars]

Is their anyway you could contact other breeders..to give you some options. i hear their are people on FB. That show goats they are willing to sell. It might.give you some time to look and compare..and not put yourself in s corner.

 

[goatblessings]

It can be very hard to say no to a friend..... but even harder if this doe has health issues and requires a ton of care to bring her up to speed. Your daughter can visit with her at her friends house. I would just have a conversation with your daughter and tell her you need to weigh options very carefully. Getting a compromised kid from a kid can lead to lost friendships and worse.

 

[mmahamilton]

It can be very hard to say no to a friend..... but even harder if this doe has health issues and requires a ton of care to bring her up to speed. Your daughter can visit with her at her friends house. I would just have a conversation with your daughter and tell her you need to weigh options very carefully. Getting a compromised kid from a kid can lead to lost friendships and worse.

I've been having conversations with my daughter along those lines but it seems that she has recruited my husband to her side.(eye roll) Right now I'm feeling a little out numbered and frustrated, both of them have fell in love with this little doeling. The argument my husband is using is that Toby was in a lot worse shape than this one and I nursed him back to health and he even won a ribbon at the fair. I just think I'm on the losing end of this battle!

Sorry for the mini rant abt my family it's been a bad week...just want to hit the reset button

 

[mariella]

If you have the resources to care for her just KNOW she has problems and you will have issues with her, make sure you have a vet check her out as soon as you get her. Let the breeder know you know she's older and get them to tell you everything! It's worked for me before but don't expect your friendship to last (Because that's not a friendship) Make your self known that you won't accept lies and you need to know everything about this girl.

 

[mmahamilton]

If you have the resources to care for her just KNOW she has problems and you will have issues with her, make sure you have a vet check her out as soon as you get her. Let the breeder know you know she's older and get them to tell you everything! It's worked for me before but don't expect your friendship to last (Because that's not a friendship) Make your self known that you won't accept lies and you need to know everything about this girl.

Thanks a lot for all the advice! I will make sure they know I think she looks older than what was stated. It's a good thing that I'm an animal lover! Caring for all my critters is all that has kept me sane over the last few months. I've been working in healthcare for over 30yrs now and this pandemic has just abt pushed me over the edge and I can't even think abt retiring until my youngest finishes high school.