[Helencus]

I'm going to look at and potentially buy 2 Pygmy goats this weekend. I'm new to goats so wonder what should I be looking for from the breeder?? Any advice gratefully received.

[Roxy]

I would ask to see the parents if they are kids - quite a few people I know have bought pygmy kids, and then found they grew, and were not pygmy goats at all.

Are they registered - this can affect the price.  Also, if they are female, ask if they have been running with a billy. Pygmy goats can breed from an early age, and all year round too.

Have a good look at all the goats - an honest breeder will not mind - hopefully they will have healthy stock!!  Ask questions, again, the breeder should not mind.  Personally, I would be wanting the goats trained to walk on a lead - makes it so much easier when handling.

The breeder should be interested in you .....asking you questions about how the goats would be kept - making sure their goats are going to a good home.  And offering a back up service - helpt and advice after you have got your goats home!!

[plumseverywhere]

Ask about vaccinations/worming/any illnesses or vetinary treatment they have required or received. the ones I bought had never been wormed or given any heptavacP and I lost 2 to horrible illnesses.
Make sure they are bright eyed and clean bummed! perhaps ask the breeder to show you how to trim hooves etc perhaps?

[Helencus]

Thanks for the replies both. After speaking more with the breeder I've decided these ones weren't for me, seems they've never really been handled so very skittish. Not what I want really. So going to look again, rob said he'll put some high fencing up if I want other breeds cause the pygmys seem very expensive really.

[little blue]

and its not like you can milk them well, if you wanted to.

if you go for a smaller dairy breed at least you have the opportunity for a useful addition to your smallholding, as well as a fantastic pet! 

[Helencus]

You're right little blue but my only problem is time as I work full time and I understand she would need milking twice a day. I'd really like to have my own milk too but I need to be sure I can make the time.

[little blue]

it depends on your goat, and actually the milking itself doesn't take that long (if you're organised!)

[plumseverywhere]

Agree with Little Blue - the milking really isn't that much of a problem. In fact in our case, Vanna's milking fits in around our busy life (we have 4 children aged between 4 and 9 and I have a very disabled mum who lives here and I care for).  However...going on holiday and finding good help to look after the goats when you go may present a slightly more difficult problem to solve, but unlikely to be impossible