Herd and Health Management / Sales and Reservation Policy

Updated 7/21/2011

We are pleased to announce that our....
Whole herd tested negative for CAE, CL, Brucellosis, and Johnes ~ March 2011
 

Herd and Health Management

We breed for well conformed animals that show and milk!

Our goats are cared for with strict health and management in mind.  Their living area is kept clean to avoid any type of bacterial growth, mites, lice, etc.  Each goat gets special attention each day by brushing, hugging, massaging and just talking to them (sometimes they get little kisses).  If you scratch just over the tail where the ligaments are, they will almost freeze with an ahhhhh.

We spend time each day giving individual attention to each goat, and just watching them, which is a good way to know what your goats normal daily behavior is. Knowing what their normal routine is will allow you to notice any health issues before they become a problem.

Drinking water is very important, as their urinary tract health and milk production are dependent on large amounts of water intake; therefore, our goats get a fresh supply of water twice daily (3 times a day in the winter).  We have noticed that even on hot, summer days, the goats prefer 'cool' water versus the very cold, right out of the faucet cold.  During the winter months or cold days, we offer "hot" water.  We offer our entire herd free choice, year round, Maine coast Kelp Meal (888-662-5357, North American Kelp), Sweetlix loose minerals, and sodium bicarbonate to help prevent acidosis and keep the rumen working comfortably.

Our current kid rearing method is a combination of dam raising / bottle-feeding that works well at socializing kids yet allows them to be raised by their dam, ensuring a strong immune system.

We keep a detailed record with dates as to when each vaccination, copper bolus, hoof trimming, or supplementation was given.  Generally, I will enter and highlight the next date a shot, hoof trimming or copper bolus is needed.  This allows us to keep accurate, up to date records on each herd member. When an animal leaves our herd this medical record accompanies them to their new home.

Copper deficiency appears to be a problem for goats in New England. You will see coat color fading (black to rust or gold to pale or white), bare spots around the eyes or tail tip, rough coat, hair loss and other symptoms. We are currently supplementing with copper bolusing and have already seen great results. I have had animals show evidence of a need for a bit more zinc; observing flaky, scurfy skin, like a bad case of dandruff. This condition has responded to addition of zinc to the diet using a supplement designed for horses called Command Coat, which contains Vitamin E, Biotin, and Zinc.  Immediate results have been noted.

 

Sales and Reservation Policy

I reserve the right to retain any kid born for our herd.

To make a reservation on a particular breeding, please email me or call: 207-324-3486.  We do require a $100, non-refundable deposit to hold a kid from a breeding of your choice. A $100 non-refundable deposit will secure the reservation of your future breeding choice or an animal already born. We recommend that you make several choices if you are reserving unborn kids. Your deposit will be refunded if your choice is unavailable. Sales are not final until the buyer has paid in full. We reserve the right to retain any reserved animal for any reason at anytime until the animal is paid in full. All animals must be paid in full before leaving unless other arrangements are made.

Before you take your kid(s) home, they will have received their first and second (booster) C&D Tetanus Toxoid Vaccinations, Bo-Se shot, Copper Bolus, disbudded,  tattooed and wormed. If you purchase a wether (neutered buck), he will be neutered by elastrator before leaving as well as all the above mentioned, except for the tattoo. Adult does or bucks will be up to date with all necessary shots, etc. You will also leave with a detailed health record of their care. 

To be on our waiting list for wethers, we require a non-refundable deposit of $50.00.  If you have paid to be on our waiting list, we will offer kids to the list in order until you have made a choice. You do not have to pick the first wethers that are available. If you do not choose to be on our list, we will take your name, and if wethers are available after others have spoken for them, we will contact you. Buyers who call when wethers are available will be given priority after the paid waiting list is fulfilled. Wethers are $100.00 each or $175 for 2 or more or as a companion for a buckling or doeling purchase.

We offer driveway breeding service for those who purchase from us, or if we know that other purchases have been made from farms we are familiar with who practice strict herd and health management.  You must show an updated health certificate stating "negative" test results for CAE, Johnes and CL.  Our breeding fee is $100.00.  If your doe recycles (usually about one week later), you may return with no additional fee.  If your doe does not get bred, your breeding fee will be refunded.
 
 
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