What are the basics? I'm purchasing from a neighbor who has a large herd. He has a nanny and twins. Are they compatible with Donkeys? Need some good reference for detail...good publications for entering this arena...Thanks.

-- bettye holle (bholley718@yahoo.com), March 18, 2002

Answers

The basics- start with several god books. Raising Milk Goats the Modern Way is a very good one, author is Jerry Belanger. Gpatkeeping 101 is another one that I hear a lot about. And subscribing to Dairy Goat Journal or United Caprine News will really open your eyes to the extent and diversity and knowledge of the goat world.

Buy the book before you get the goats, and read and learn as much as you can, get really prepared for them. If you just bring them home and they do not have a fence, they will make your life absolutely miserable, beacause they are very intelligent animals like dogs, but unlike dogs, have little desire to please you by obeying and behaving. ;-)

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), March 18, 2002.

Are these meat goats or dairy goats? If I'm not mistaken Donkeys can become jealous of baby goats but, believe it or not it depends on the donkey!

-- Katie S. (cashcrop90@yahoo.com), March 18, 2002.

Make sure they are dehorned. I didn't take that advice and it has been a mistake. I have a Billy with horns that are nearly two feet long. He's a sweetheart, except somewhat imposing during rut. My Nannies are horned too, they are sweet, but sometimes they get excited to get to their feed and accidentally jab me. I've heard horror stores about horned females damaging each other too.

-- Sharon (chessyemailaddy@notreal.com), March 18, 2002.

My goat breeder told me that while goats are REALLY hardy, they CANNOT take water - like rain with no shelter. Doesn't have to be fancy or elaborate, just make SURE they can get in OUT of any rain/snow/sleet/whatever. They get pneumonia really easily he says. Other than that, keep the babies warm somewhat - again nothing elaborate. If you feed anti-Cocci feed, don't drink the milk. You have come to the right place! There are very knowledgeable goat folks here. I've only been in goats 4 years and have learned a lot from them and the goats! Oh, and DO NOT leave a five gallong bucket in with your Woman and her babies. Babies, being curious, will drown EASILY in that bucket. Use a low pan. Water often. Good Luck with something that will change your life!! Enjoy!! Let the donkey and the goats see each other through a fence until they bond...

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), March 18, 2002.

Uh, that should have been several good books. Sorry.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), March 18, 2002.

That's O.K. Rebekkah, I thought your type'o was "several goat books"! :) Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 18, 2002.

I wonder if with the old rules this thread would have been deleted due to the reference to God boods. Just joking. The above are all good choices but I would advise also to go to the old posts under goats and read the threads. It is a very varied and informative amount of information. Also it is free and you won't have to wait to order or for it to get to you. gail

-- gail missouri ozarks (gefozarks@centurytel.net), March 18, 2002.

Good food, good shelter, clean water and they'll treat you like family...

Look up your questions in the archives...I'll bet every one is covered there. An excellent resource. I use it all the time.

Russ

-- (imashortguy@hotmail.com), March 19, 2002.