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When I first started raising pygmy goats nearly twenty years ago, there was very little written about the breed and it's general care, much less on diseases and their prevention. I was lucky to have purchased my first stock from a veterinarian who had been raising goats for several decades. Despite that, I felt embarrassed when calling him several times with questions about numerous concerns over the first few years. I greedily swallowed up anything and everything I could find on raising goats in hopes I'd learn all there was to know about keeping them. I was determined to do things right so my goats would be happy and healthy. That determination remains just as strong today as it was then. Of course, this is no surprise to anyone reading this. We ALL want our goats to be healthy and happy, so what else is new? The task of finding information is a little easier today. The national associations with specific guidelines and breed standards, the many well-respected breeders, wonderful community goat clubs, articles, books, magazines, and of course with the Internet, there is a virtual "ton" of information available to anyone interested in these great little animals. And your point is, you ask? Well, despite how far we have come since those early days, there still seems to be many new owners who are clueless in the health and maintenance of their recently-acquired goats. It has become increasingly apparent to me that we as breeders may be "dropping the ball" at the point of sale. It is my concern that many new goat owners seem to be desperate for help after they've made their purchase. Of course, in theory, a person interested in owning any animal they are not familiar with, would first hunt down some basic information, talk to breeders, visit a farm, attend a show, buy or borrow a book, magazine, and/or call an association or club for resources. Many people do follow this procedure and feel quite secure in their final decision to buy (or not). But it seems there are also many who buy on impulse, (those kids are just so darned cute!) and then after getting their new pets home, suddenly have lots of unanswered questions. Do I blame them for their impulsiveness? Yes! Do I blame whoever sold them the animal(s)? Absolutely! I firmly believe that we as breeders have a huge obligation to the general public to whom we are selling, to provide as much information to the first-time owner as can comfortably be given. The obligation must also be to our own herd; if we are breeding to sell offspring, (whether they carry our registered herdname, or as pet grade), then in our compassion for these animals, we must be concerned about their health and well-being at their new homes as well. I know what you are thinking...those goats that I'm referring to are not coming from "us" - reputable breeders who are selling registered, correct animals and who are commited to improving the breed and following the national association standards.
I certainly agree. In no way do I believe that the majority of breeders are guilty of irresponsible selling. It has become painfully obvious to me, however, that there are some breeders out there who are not supplying sufficient instruction on the care and management of goats that they are selling, particularly to first-time buyers. If each of "us" makes it a point to continually improve not only our animals, but the overall knowledge of those we are selling to, then eventually
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the greater number of new goat owners - even those who are only interested in non-registered backyard pets, will become capable, qualified, confident goatkeepers. Each breeder, by contributing their wisdom to buyers will be part of a "snowball" effect in helping to teach the general population about our precious goats. There will always be questions from new owners and even from those of us who have been at it awhile, and that's a good thing- no one can know everything ( I believe you can't know too much!) and we all must be open to learning from each other's experiences. The many discussion and message boards, and email lists now available online are a great opportunity and an appropriate venue for doing just that. There will also be times when, despite proper instruction, an issue will arise that neither party (buyer or seller) could have prevented nor have predicted the outcome. The number of those circumstances, however, can certainly be lower if communication is a priority at and after the sale. My hope is that every person breeding goats and selling goats will take the time to put together written information that can be handed out to new owners. Include your phone number and encourage your customers to ask questions. Don't profess to have all the answers, but at least offer to help them find the answers...you will surely gain more knowledge too. Let them know what to look for in a qualified, supportive vet, offer written worming, vaccinating, hoof trimming instructions, include a small quantity of the feed you are using to prevent a drastic change in diet. Sometimes that's all it takes to prevent a sick goat and a panicky new owner. Provide a list of supply houses and their phone numbers for the proper goat essentials, like hoof trimmers, mineral supplements, etc. In recent years, for example, the NPGA has put together their own comprehensive, but basic Owner's Manual that's inexpensive enough for members to purchase and pass along to their buyers. What a simple but wonderful idea! Most important, encourage your buyers to join the national supporting associations, and subscribe to one or two appropriate periodicals so they can be kept up to date on issues and concerns. Providing the basic care and maintenance, and being open to post-sale questions will assure the goat(s) you are selling will continue to be maintained properly and will not suffer purely from someone's ignorance. Putting myself in their place, I would feel much more secure about my new goat's future if I had some printed helpful tips, and felt I could call the breeder without feeling bothersome. Let's all do our breeds a huge favor and empower one another with knowledge! Let us also keep in mind that what works for one person's herd, may not for another's across the country. But if we seize the opportunity to learn, and are open to suggestions, then we can intelligently decide what might work best for our own applications. High praise to those breeders with links on their websites that detail health education information - thank you all! I have steered many uninformed people to your websites to be enlightened. Is it worth a little "hand-holding" with a first time owner to assure healthy animals? I truly believe that only positive things can come from our sharing and exchanging! The positive result will be healthier, more productive goats - the one treasured thing we all have in common!
About the Author: Patty Putnam raises NPGA pygmy goats and AGS/NDGA nigerian dwarf goats under the herdname Prairie Oak. With over 20 years experience in goat husbandry, as well as a thorough knowledge of equine, bovine, and other livestock, she enjoys sharing the aspects of health and management. She and her husband and their four children live on a 25 acre hobby farm and licensed kennel in Southeast Wisconsin.
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Editor's Note: No matter what type of goats
that your raise or breed, the information in the
following article is good for all of us to consider and
remember!|
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