The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Roxy on April 16, 2013, 03:33:40 pm
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Feels very strange not to be waiting for my goats to kid. After a dreadful year last year with my goats, and problems with the kids, I made the decision not to breed this year. Actually with moving house etc. probably the right decision!! Just the one pygmy male (Edward) born in December.
Got to make a decision before Autumn and breeding time again - hubby wants me to sell the goats. Its not easy - I have always had goats, except during the foot and mouth when we had a short break from goats. 40 years is a long time to be doing something, and then decide to stop!!
The recession has hit a lot of people and they are not buying livestock as they used to - or they want it at rock bottom prices. My AN had triplets each last year. I could easily end up with a field full of kids that I can't sell, and have to keep through winter.
Looking at our feed bill and haylage bill for this winter (which seems to go on forever) I think selling may be the sensible option, but taking the plunge and actually doing it is hard!!!
Seen a bit of grass coming, so hopefully they can go out soon - reduce hay bill and workload a little :)
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Similar issues here, Roxy. In fact possibly looking to sell 2 of my goats in the near future. Have been discussing it with a lady who might be interested. If Savannah comes into milk again this year on her own steam then I won't breed.
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Sorry you may have to sell your goats, It must be very hard for you.
The feed cost has gone mad, We have 11 goats and 15 kids at the moment (keeping 2 of the kids )and they are eating us out of house and home then we are getting another nanny and 2 kids in the very near future. Thankfully the kids we are not keeping seem to be getting reserved very early this year