WHERE TO BUY AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR

I can never recommend buying from a registered breeder enough.

Each breed of goat has it's own club and website. Either google the breed you want, or checkout the links on this site.

Within each site, you will find a members list. Contact members who have stock for sale. Ask if you can visit them. Most of us will be only too happy to meet you, even offer you a cup of tea and have a chat. Ask any questions you may have about the breed,

• for example things like temperment,
• what height of fencing they need,
• regular vaccinations they have,
• are they castrated,
• have they kidded,
• are they naturally polled or dehorned,
• what age are they,
• what food they are used to
• what milk yield
• are they suitable as pets
• what sort of shelter are they used to etc etc

 When your questions have been answered, meet the goats.

Watch how the goats move, are they naturally inquisitive as goats should be, watch how they interact with other goats.

In todays worrying times about Foot and Mouth and Bluetongue and the spead of diseases, you may not be allowed to actually go in with the goats, unless you use a footbath, so make sure you take wellies with you....lol...( nothing worse than wet feet). If you feel so inclined, take a look at the teeth of the goat, you will be able to tell the aprox age and conditon of gums is a good indication of health. Feel down the goats body gently, and ask the seller questions if you have any.

Dont decide there and then about buying. Make arrangements to see other breeders aswell, then when you have seen all the goats you feel you want to, contact the sellers who have the goats you are interested in again to have a second look at the goats and seal the deal.