[Gornoeth]

Hi folks, we've been thinking of adding some goats to our smallholding and our friend has just mentioned she's thinking of selling her Golden Guernsey's. They're not registered but are pure. She has a nanny and a billy who are unrelated and 2 kids belonging to the nanny.
We wanted goats for milk for us (to use as milk and to make cheese) plus the occasional kid for meat. The breed appeals as volume of milk seems to fit our needs and like the idea of supporting a rare breed.

Before committing though I wanted to ensure we can provide the right land set up and also know what milking routine will be needed. We have 5 acres and only 3 sheep so plenty of grazing plus hedgerows etc as realise they like a variety. We also have shelter for them in a few places.

So questions:

Will we need to keep the billy and nanny separate for all/part of the year?
What sort of milking routine will we need to follow? Every day (had read every other day ok for this breed). Also can it be done in the evening rather than morning as could fit better with our family life?

[Anke]

Definitely keep the billy apart from the females, and even more importantly from his own daughters at all times. Goats are mated "in hand", as they get taken to the male if/when in season, for a very quick mating, and that's it. Probably a repeat once or twice that day. The billy needs his own companion, preferably a wethered male.


As to milking routines - it all depends on how the kids are fed (or if they are weaned), how much milk is being produced etc etc.


I would recommend to get a few goat books to learn more about goats before jumping in.

[Lyndahalley]

 Hi there this maybe an unusual request but by any chance do you have goat cholostrum I can buy. I have an alpaca due to give birth shortly and have used all of mine with a troublesome birth this week. Also where are you based, I was in touch with someone from steathaven but thief messages have disappeared off my thread. I live in Moffat DG10 07402060787 if you  or anyone else can help. Thank you Lynda

[Anke]

I am sorry I do not have any spare, I only keep as much frozen as I need from the end of one year to the first goat kidding the next spring.